The old trail to Downieville led through the place that was to become Camptonville, and in 1850 or 1851, J.M. Campbell built a small mountain hotel called the Nevada House. Early in the spring of 1852, a shaft was sunk, and gold struck in paying quantities, opening up the hill diggings throughout the area. The hill was named Gold Ridge.

The Campbell Brothers built a store in 1852, and in 1853 a large three-story hotel called the National Hotel. In 1861 or 1862, the property on which the hotel was built was sold for mining purposes, and the hotel was razed. In 1853 Edward Brooks started a store and in 1856 erected a large brick building, which cost some $12,000. J.R. Meek purchased the property in 1866. The Masonic Hall was located in the second story of this building.

In 1853, two saloons, the Van Metre and Arcade, were constructed. There was a hall for dancing and entertainment at the Arcade, and a Miss Goodwin provided the first dramatic entertainment in the hall in October of 1854. A bowling alley was built in 1853 by William Green. The alley was made from one-half of a tree trunk, cut by a whipsaw. Robert Campton came in early 1852 or 1853, and opened a blacksmith shop. He was a general favorite, and in 1854 the town was named Camptonville in his honor.

The Gold Rush miners and other pioneers still have a presence in the town, and whether through direct descendants or family names linked to geographic features and locations, many current residents have close ties with the past.