Can you metal detect in Georgia state parks? Metal detecting is prohibited in Georgia state parks and historic sites; park rules also prohibit possessing metal detecting equipment unless it is packed so it cannot be used.
Key rules
- Possession is allowed only if the device is packed or stored so it cannot be used.
- Exceptions cover boat navigation and fish-finding equipment.
- Rule: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-5-1-.04.
Federal land in Georgia
National Park Service areas prohibit possessing or using metal detectors. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but digging up or removing archaeological resources is illegal under ARPA. Federal rules →
Frequently asked
Can you metal detect in Georgia state parks?
Metal detecting is prohibited in Georgia state parks and historic sites; park rules also prohibit possessing metal detecting equipment unless it is packed so it cannot be used.
Where do these Georgia rules come from?
From the official sources listed on this page: Georgia State Parks – Park rules; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-5-1. Last checked 2026-10-16.
Can I metal detect on federal land in Georgia?
Not in National Park Service areas. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but archaeological resources are protected under ARPA.
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