Metal detecting rules, state by state

Can I metal detect here?

Plain-English rules for state parks and public land, each linked to the official source and dated.

46states verified
50states tracked
100%official sources
Photo: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0 · credits
The map

Where you can swing a coil

State parks and state-managed land, color-coded by what the official rules allow. Tap a state for details.

Alabama: Manager permission requiredAlaska: Generally allowedArizona: ProhibitedArkansas: Director permission requiredCalifornia: Varies by parkColorado: Not yet verifiedConnecticut: Not yet verifiedDelaware: Ocean beaches onlyFlorida: Coastal beaches onlyGeorgia: ProhibitedHawaii: Beach sand onlyIdaho: Manager approvalIllinois: Listed parks, permitIndiana: Approved swim beaches onlyIowa: Designated beachesKansas: Not yet verifiedKentucky: ProhibitedLouisiana: ProhibitedMaine: Written permitMaryland: Swim beaches onlyMassachusetts: Sandy beachesMichigan: Designated areasMinnesota: Prohibited (lost items only)Mississippi: ProhibitedMissouri: Designated beaches, registrationMontana: Written permissionNebraska: Posted beaches onlyNevada: Supervisor permissionNew Hampshire: Beaches & developed areasNew Jersey: Permit requiredNew Mexico: Prohibited (limited exceptions)New York: Permit, designated areasNorth Carolina: Lost items only, by permitNorth Dakota: Prohibited (lost items only)Ohio: Beaches & mowed areasOklahoma: Prohibited without permitOregon: Listed areas; permit elsewherePennsylvania: Allowed with manager approvalRhode Island: Designated areasSouth Carolina: Manager permit onlySouth Dakota: Written authorization requiredTennessee: Lost items onlyTexas: Prohibited without permitUtah: Permit requiredVermont: Disturbed areas onlyVirginia: Man-made beaches, permitWashington: Designated areas, registrationWest Virginia: Not yet verifiedWisconsin: Lost items only, by permitWyoming: Superintendent permission
Generally allowedRestricted / permitProhibitedNot yet verified

Find your state

Pick from the list or tap the map.

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Know before you dig

Four habits that keep you legal.

Check the land

State park, national forest or BLM? Each has different rules. Start with your state page.

Get permission

Many parks need a permit or the manager's OK. Private land always needs the owner's.

Dig small, fill it in

Most rules limit you to a probe, screwdriver or small trowel, and you restore every hole.

Leave history in place

Old artifacts on public land usually belong to the state. Report them; don't pocket them.

Explore

Beaches, trails and the finds in between

Beach hunting

Many states open swim beaches in the off-season. See which.

Browse states

Parks and public land

National parks, forests and BLM land each play by different rules.

Federal rules

Clubs and finds

Local clubs secure permissions and know where the old coins are.

Find a club

Know before you dig.

One short email when metal detecting rules change, plus newly verified states. Free.