Alder / Virginia City KOA

Rock Hunting

Semiprecious stones--garnets, agates, sapphires and rubies--can be found on our grounds or within a short distance.

Gold Panning

In gold panning, a mixture of creek or river sand and gravel is swirled with water in a gold pan until the sand and gravel have washed out and only the heavier gold is left, usually with the heavy, black magnetite that always accompanies placer gold. Drive seven miles to Ruby Reservoir or nine miles to Virginia City to try your luck at panning.

Virginia City and Nevada City

These sister towns, only a mile apart, were once booming mining towns. Both have been restored and are much as they were more than a hundred years ago. Stroll the boardwalks and visit the historic buildings and exhibits. Take in a melodrama at the old Opera House, listen to player pianos and nickelodeons, and visit the graves of the Plummer Gang on Boot Hill.

Alder Gulch

This was the site of the most famous placer mining district in the world. In its first five years, Alder Gulch produced between thirty and sixty million dollars in gold--at the 1860’s price of $35.00 an ounce. Take time to visit the historical gold dredge at the Alder Gulch River of Gold Mining Museum. Experience the amazement and excitement created by viewing this awesome machine. It is one of the few remaining dredges that were once a familiar site in Montana’s streams in the 1930s.

Location

Our KOA campground is located in the heart of the Ruby Valley surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Ruby, Tobbaco Root, and Gravelly mountain ranges. Some of the best fishing, hunting, birdwatching and hiking trails in the country are right here at Alder Virginia City KOA. If sightseeing is what you are after, look no further than the historic towns of Virginia City and Nevada City. Virginia City is a National Historic Landmark with a collection of museums, shops, gold panning, fine dining, and two live theaters. Just less than a mile away step back in time in a living history museum when you stroll the streets of Nevada City. Don't be surprised to see a gunfight or two!

Quiet and Peaceful Campground

May events

Volkswalk 10K (May 1 - September 30) -- Thompson Hickman Museum Opens (May 22) -- Madison County Museum Opens (May 22) -- Mystery Weekend (May 22 & 23) -- Opening Night - Brewery Follies (May 28) -- Virginia City Horseback Poker Ride (May 30)

June events

Historic Preservation Week (June 1 - 6) -- Gold Rush Fever Days (June 12 - 13) -- Opening night - Virginia City Players at the Opera House (June 12) -- Mystery Weekend (June 19-21) -- Buffalo Runners Blackpowder Shoot (June 24-27) -- Photograph Competition Shoot Begins (June 25 - July 9) -- Antique Show and Sale (June 26 - 27)

July events

Motorcycle Rally (July 3 - 4) -- Fireworks Display (July 4) -- Kid’s Weekend and Fishing Derby (July 10 - 11) -- Mountain Bike Race (July 17 - 18) -- Victorian Weekend (July 24 - 25) -- Virginia City Photograph Contest Show and Judging (July 26)

August events

Musical Festival and Microbrewery Tasting (August 7 - 8) -- Third Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Country Song Writing Contest (August 7 - 8) -- 24th Annual Art Festival (August 13 - 15) -- Heritage Days and Virginia City Players 50th Reunion (August 21 - 22) -- Barbershop Quartet Weekend (August 28 - 29)

September events

QUR Benefit Horseback Poker Ride (September 5) -- Last Show - Virginia City Players at the Opera House (September 5) -- Last Show - Brewery Follies (September 6) -- Mystery Weekend (September 11 - 12) -- Virginia City Mother Lode Writers Workshop (September 17 - 19) -- Oktoberfest (September 25)

Saturday & Sundays 8-10 a.m.

Hosted Continental Breakfast