SWANK WEST

We have been to the claim many times over the years ,and have enjoyed it greatly. The west claim use area is a little over a half mile of groomed flat ground along a very clear running river. The one of many features about this stretch of river is every time it has a high water event the fine gold seems to be replenished ! There is a campground less than a mile away that you can dump rv tanks at ,and close by stores and hardware to supply your needs while there. The area is one of the canoeing hot spots of Ohio along with many other recreation attractions,such as Mid-Ohio race course, J.Appleseed theater ,Malabar Farm, Mohican Forest,Wade and Gatton nurseries, Clear Fork and Snow Trails ski resorts, Charles Mill Dam ,and many more. The prospecting on the claim has never disappointed ,always allowing us, or "newbees" that have visited a showing of that pretty "Glacial Drift Gold"no matter which gear we used from a pan to a dredge . did I mention it's a stocked with trout portion of the river? Wonderful place to bring the family !

The west swank claim can accommodate large campers, also you are camped on river bank. No electric or sewer hookups. You need to watch for rising water if, there has been a lot of rain. There are port-o-pots on the claim. Flour gold,flakes and a picker now and then can be found. Glacial gold. A few real easy access spots to the river. Max dredge 4 in. The Buckeye Chapter maintains the property. also leave your camp site cleaner than you found it. The Ohio leash law apply to all pets. Generators rules posted. The chapter meets 2nd Sat. of each month March-Nov. Max stay 14 days . NO DIGGING IN BANKS! Eldon (Sonny) Lucas Ohio State Director

Been here three times. It is a great camping area with beautiful views. Found 1-1/2'-3' diameter pockets of concentrated black sands in the gravel deposits on the south side of the river with my Garrett 250. Yes I know, one can't find gold dust but the 250 can ID weak signals of iron concentrations. Dug and found a larger than expected quantity of black sand and a couple colors of flower gold in each pan. I suspect prospectors dug holes a few years ago and during storms since then, the black sand and gold migrated into the holes.

Plenty of area to prospect and mainly fine to flour gold.
Great stream to catch trout in!
Easy access with some bedrock on the East end.
Occasional picker but mostly fine gold.

We don't get out there as often as we'd like but it is a very nice claim. The members who frequent it keep it very tidy and clean. It's mostly flat and has good access if you have a motorhome or larger camper. There are some mushy places near the back if it's been raining but over all, no problem.

There is a nice campground just down the road a bit if you want hook-ups. They even allow Swank tent campers to use their shower house if you stop at the office and pay a couple of bucks. (We have done this a few times)