Rockhounding near Gainesville, FL
28 mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Gainesville, most inside a 2 to 3 hour drive, 24 of them on public land. Below: every place to go rock hunting, closest first, with what each one produces and its land access.
Covering parts of Florida, Georgia.
Every rock collecting spot within 150 miles of Gainesville
Alachua County QuarriesAlachua County, Florida · 14 mi awayPublic access · Chert, Fossilized Ivory- Marion County QuarriesMarion County, Florida · 30 mi awayPublic access · Chert, Fossilized Ivory
Lawtey Highland MineBradford County, Florida · 32 mi awayPermission required · Kyanite, Zircon, Ilmenite- Cross Florida Barge CanalPutnam County, Florida · 37 mi awayPublic access · Fossil, Silicified Coral
- Suwannee River (North)Suwannee County, Florida · 45 mi awayPublic access · Silicified Coral
Best spotCrystal RiverCitrus County, Florida · 51 mi awayPublic access · Calcite, Quartz, Chert +1- Stephen Foster State ParkHamilton County, Florida · 54 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Coral
Best spotSuwannee RiverHamilton County, Florida · 56 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Coral- Bradford CountyCitrus County, Florida · 58 mi awayPublic access · Chert, Fossilized Ivory
- Withlacoochee RiverSumter County, Florida · 60 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Coral
- Unnamed Area (Agatized Coral)Hamilton County, Florida · 63 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Coral
- Sumter County QuarriesSumter County, Florida · 63 mi awayPublic access · Chert, Fossilized Ivory
- St. Johns County AreaSaint Johns County, Florida · 65 mi awayPermission required · Coquina
- Skinner MineDuval County, Florida · 66 mi awayPermission required · Ilmenite, Rutile, Zircon
Best spotBrooksvilleHernando County, Florida · 75 mi awayPublic access · Calcite, Echinoid Geode- Pasco CountyPasco County, Florida · 89 mi awayPublic access · Silicified Coral
Best spotWithlacoochee RiverLowndes County, Georgia · 91 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Coral- Flor-a-MarPasco County, Florida · 101 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Coral, Chalcedony
- LakelandPolk County, Florida · 109 mi awayPublic access · Chalcedony, Silicified Coral
Best spotHillsborough RiverHillsborough County, Florida · 112 mi awayPublic access · Brain Coral, Finger Coral, Agate- DunedinPinellas County, Florida · 114 mi awayPermission required · Geode
Best spotCaledesi Causeway BanksPinellas County, Florida · 114 mi awayPublic access · Chalcedony- Unnamed Area (Agatized Coral #1)Hillsborough County, Florida · 122 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Coral, Geode
- Unnamed Area (Agatized Coral #2)Hillsborough County, Florida · 122 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Coral, Coral, Chalcedony +2
- Polk County QuarriesPolk County, Florida · 130 mi awayPublic access · Fossil, Gypsum, Petrified Wood +2
- Pinellas & Hillsborough BeachesPinellas County, Florida · 133 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony +2
- Unnamed Area (Silicified Wood)Gadsden County, Florida · 145 mi awayPublic access · Silicified Wood, Fossil
- OsierfieldIrwin County, Georgia · 146 mi awayPublic access · Tektite
Most-reported finds near Gainesville
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each material.
Hunting something specific near Gainesville?
These materials have enough dedicated spots around Gainesville to earn their own page, with distances and a separate map.
Gainesville rockhounding FAQ
Where can I go rockhounding near Gainesville?+
There are 28 mapped rockhounding spots within about 150 miles of Gainesville, Florida. The closest is Alachua County Quarries in Alachua County, roughly 14 miles away. Every one is listed on this page, closest first.
What rocks and minerals can you find near Gainesville?+
Spots within driving distance of Gainesville most commonly produce agatized coral, chert, chalcedony, fossil, fossilized ivory, silicified coral.
Is rockhounding legal near Gainesville?+
Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Each spot page on this site lists access status; always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Are there free places to rockhound near Gainesville?+
24 of the 28 spots here are mapped as public access, with no dig fee. Some sit in parks or forests that charge for parking or day use, so check with the land manager first.
Where can I go gem hunting or crystal digging near Gainesville?+
1 of the mapped spots near Gainesville report quartz or amethyst. The closest is Crystal River, about 51 miles out.
How far do most rockhounders drive from Gainesville?+
Most weekend trips from Gainesville fall inside a 2 to 3 hour drive, which is roughly the 150-mile radius shown on this page. Closer spots are good for half-day outings; the outer ones are better as overnight trips.
More state coverage
The spots above span 2 states. Open the state page for the full county-by-county view.
Pack Gainesville's rockhounding map in your pocket
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