Royal Peacock Opal Mines
Denio, Humboldt County, Nevada. Opal Mine and Campground; Season runs May 1st-October 18th, 2026.
Details
- Where
- 10 Virgin Valley Rd, Denio, NV 89404. Directions
- When
- Star Party Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, 10pm-6am, reservations required; Hot August Digs discounted digging every Tuesday and Saturday in August; Customer Appreciation Party Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
- Fees
- Bank digging (includes tailings) $210 per person per day; tailings sifting $85 per person per day; kids ages 12 and under free with a paid adult.
- Hours
- open 7 days per week weather permitting.
- Access
- Tent and dry camping $15 per person per night up to 3 people, 4 or more $10 per person per night, kids 12 and under free; restroom, shower, laundry, and WiFi included.
- Walk-in or reserve
- No reservations needed; sign in at the Gift Shop before starting to mine.
- Phone
- (775) 941-0374
- Managed by
- Operated today by Harry and Joy's children and grandchildren, surrounded by the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.
- Established
- 1981.
Since 1981, Royal Peacock Opal Mines in Virgin Valley, Nevada has welcomed families and serious rockhounds to dig for precious opals that are yours to keep.
Notable Events
- 1905The first underground workings were developed in 1905, and the Royal Peacock developed in 1912. royalpeacock.com
- 1944In 1944, only because his wife insisted, Wilson bought the Royal Peacock mine, located just across the valley from the Virgin Valley Ranch. royalpeacock.com
- 1981Since 1981, the Royal Peacock Opal Mines have been open to the public for fee digging. royalpeacock.com
- 1986Harry W. Wilson first filed the petition for the rare Nevada opal to become a state emblem, after he said he was approached by the Nevada Bureau of Minerals. reviewjournal.com
- 2007In 2007, Joy had a massive stroke which left her unable to run her side of the business; Harry and their daughter Julie Wilson began running the mine for the family. royalpeacock.com
- 2016With the sudden passing of Harry Wilson in 2016, Julie's son Jake Anderson stepped up to help her continue the family businesses, including the mine. royalpeacock.com
People
- Harry L. Wilson, Fort Bidwell buckaroo who worked 25 years for Miller & Lux, co-founded the Virgin Valley Ranch, and bought the Royal Peacock mine (1944).
- Harry W. Wilson, son of Harry L. Wilson; ran the mine with his wife Joy and later with his daughter Julie (died 2016).
- Jake Anderson, grandson of Harry and Joy Wilson, mentored by his grandfather; runs the safety of the hill and stripping of the land (born 1989).
- Joy Wilson, wife of Harry W. Wilson; ran her side of the business until a stroke (married 1953).
- Julie Wilson, daughter of Harry and Joy Wilson; runs the mine for the family (2007).