Columbia State Historic Park
Columbia, CA
A Gold Rush town preserved as a living museum, with wooden boardwalks, stagecoach rides and old-fashioned shops. Streets are car-free, so park at the edge.
Columbia in Tuolumne County sprang up after gold was found on March 27, 1850. Within weeks about 5,000 people lived there; the park administration cites an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 residents for 1853, though the figures are uncertain. After fires in 1854 and 1857, the town was rebuilt in brick. It has been a state park since 1945 and, according to the park administration, has the state's largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings; almost 30 still stand. There is a museum, shops, restaurants, stagecoach rides and gold panning in Matelot Gulch.
Plan on half a day. Free tours of about an hour run daily in summer and on weekends otherwise, usually at 11 a.m. (as of October 2026). On the second Saturday of each month, "Gold Rush Days" bring performers in period costume. Summer days can top 35 °C (95°F), and the town sits at about 650 m (2,100 feet). Park in the designated parking lots.
- Nearest town
- Columbia, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.0360, -120.4010
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Angels Camp RV & Camping ResortCampsite7 mi from Columbia State Historic ParkTentsCaravans
- Glory Recreation AreaCampsite8 mi from Columbia State Historic ParkTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Yosemite Pines RV Reort & Family LodgingMotorhome stopover18 mi from Columbia State Historic ParkMotorhomesWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Pines CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Columbia State Historic ParkDrinking waterToilets
- Lost ClaimCampsite24 mi from Columbia State Historic ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Pinecrest CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Columbia State Historic ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Columbia State Historic Park?
Columbia State Historic Park is in Columbia, CA, at GPS 38.0360, -120.4010. It is about 4 mi from Sonora.
Can you camp near Columbia State Historic Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Columbia Airport Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 42 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Columbia State Historic Park?
Columbia State Historic Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Gold Country on Highway 49.
What is there to see near Columbia State Historic Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tunnel View, Yosemite (45 mi), Glacier Point (50 mi), Upper Pines Campground (50 mi) and Olmsted Point (52 mi).
When is the best time to visit Columbia State Historic Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)