Camas Creek: Topaz & Fire Opal Rockhounding in Jefferson County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Camas Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jefferson County, Idaho. Reported finds include topaz, fire opal. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Jefferson County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: 2700N
Coordinates: 44.01648, -112.21381

Geology at Camas Creek

This spot sits on Windblown sand deposits, mapped as sand that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Windblown sand deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types: sand
Elevation: 4,820 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Camas Creek

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 7°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HAMER 4 NW station (4 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Emerald Creek
Idaho Geological Survey
Spencer Opal Mines (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Camas Creek

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Camas Creek.

Across the state line from Camas Creek

Camas Creek is close enough to the Idaho border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Camas Creek FAQ

Where is Camas Creek?+

Camas Creek is in Jefferson County, Idaho, at 44.01648, -112.21381. Nearest road: 2700N.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Camas Creek?+

Camas Creek is reported to produce Topaz, Fire Opal.

Is collecting allowed at Camas Creek?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Camas Creek?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Camas Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Camas Creek are March to October.

How do I get to Camas Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.01648, -112.21381 in Google Maps. The nearest road is 2700N.

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Open Camas Creek on the map

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