state,status,details,source_url,note
alabama,permit,"Prohibited without written permission from the Park Manager (Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-5-.08); some parks with swim beaches informally allow beach-only detecting, but historic sites (DeSoto, Tannehill Ironworks) generally refuse. Digging up/removing archaeological mounds or artifacts is a separate misdemeanor, fineable up to $1,000/offense.",https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/alabama/Ala-Admin-Code-r-220-5-08,Permission granted at Park Manager's discretion per-park; call ahead.
alaska,prohibited,"Alaska DNR Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation official FAQ: ""No, you may not use a metal detector in a state park."" Applies statewide with no listed exception; historic-designated units (e.g., Independence Mine SHP) are explicitly off-limits too.",https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/faq.htm,No published permit/exception route; contact the Division directly for any special-use request.
arizona,prohibited,"Current official FAQ: ""In order to conserve and protect the resources of the parks, we do not allow metal detecting"" -- applies parkwide with no permit route offered.",https://azstateparks.com/frequently-asked-questions-faq-about-arizona-state-parks-trails,"An older AZSP FAQ once allowed casual detecting/spoon-depth digging on non-sensitive beach areas, but the current published FAQ supersedes it -- treat as prohibited."
arkansas,designated-areas,"Metal detecting allowed only at 9 named swim beaches (Crowleys Ridge, Daisy, DeGray Lake Resort, Lake Catherine, Lake Charles, Lake Dardanelle, Lake Ouachita, Village Creek, Woolly Hollow), only from the day after Labor Day through the weekend before Memorial Day, 8am-5pm. Detectorist must carry a completed registration form. Digging tools capped: screwdrivers/ice picks/probes <=2in wide, sand scoops <=6in wide x 8in long. Historic/archaeological finds cannot be removed (report to staff); other valuables held 30 days per lost-property law (circulating coins excepted); found-property report required before leaving.",https://foi.arkansas.com/sites/default/files/2019-05/PD3225.pdf,"Governed by Arkansas Dept. of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, State Park Directive 3225."
california,designated-areas,"No single statewide allow/ban rule -- each unit's District Superintendent posts a unit-specific order under 14 CCR Section 4326 either permitting or banning metal detector possession/use. Multiple high-profile units (Marshall Gold Discovery SHP, Lake Oroville SRA, Auburn SRA) have posted orders banning detectors outright to protect cultural/historic resources; violating a posted order is itself citable. Where not banned, general rules still forbid disturbing archaeological features or digging without Superintendent permission.",https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/14-CCR-4326,"Always check the specific park unit's posted orders (parks.ca.gov unit page) before bringing a detector -- default should be ""ask first."""
colorado,prohibited,"CPW Chapter 1 park regulation (2 CCR 405-1) bars possessing or using a ""mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar...or subbottom profiler"" in state parks, except when broken down/stored for transport, used as boat/aircraft navigation equipment, or used for authorized scientific, mining, or administrative work -- recreational hobby use is not a listed exception.",https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Regulations/ChP01.pdf,"Unofficial/forum sources claim ~20 of 41 parks informally tolerate no-removal detecting at manager discretion, but that conflicts with the codified text -- verify with the specific park manager."
connecticut,designated-areas,"DEEP regulation RCSA Section 23-4-1 permits metal detecting on DEEP land generally limited to surface collection, with digging allowed only in sand at beach areas devoid of vegetation. A specific list of parks/sites is fully closed to detecting (Fort Griswold Battlefield, Fort Trumbull, Gillette Castle, Gay City, Macedonia Brook, Mashamoquet Brook, Putnam Memorial, Rocky Hill Dinosaur Park, Continental Army Hospital Memorial, among others). Nothing 100+ years old may be dug up or removed.",https://eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/Browse/RCSA/Title_23Subtitle_23-4Section_23-4-1/,SHPO treats detecting as archaeological fieldwork requiring a separate permit within designated Archaeological Preserves; confirm current closed-site list with DEEP State Parks Division.
delaware,designated-areas,"7 Del. Admin. Code 9201 permits metal detectors only on ""ocean beaches east of the dune line"" during normal park hours; prohibited elsewhere on Division of Parks & Recreation land. Collecting/excavating prehistoric or historic artifacts or human remains anywhere is banned without written Director permission.",https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title7/9000/9200%20Operation%20and%20Maintenance%20Section/9201.htm,"Applies to ocean-facing parks (e.g., Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore); inland parks have no detecting allowance. Also listed as prohibited on DNREC Wildlife Areas."
florida,designated-areas,Prohibited on all state park lands except coastal parks: allowed between toe of dune and high-water line as designated by park manager; no submerged detecting; finds 50+ years old are state artifacts and may not be kept,https://www.floridastateparks.org/plan-your-visit/faqs,Verified July 2026
georgia,prohibited,"Georgia DNR: ""It is not legal to surface collect, dig, or metal detect on state property. This includes Civil War sites,"" citing OCGA 12-3-10(n) and 12-3-52. No permit route for hobbyists; only scientific/professional collection permits exist.",https://gastateparks.org/Archaeology/ArtifactCollecting/FAQ,Blanket ban across all Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites; legal only with written landowner permission on unposted private land (not state parks).
hawaii,designated-areas,"DLNR Division of State Parks official rule: ""Metal detecting devices are allowed on sand beaches only."" Prohibited elsewhere in parks, including on aboriginal/archaeological sites; finds must be reported to DLNR.",https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/park-rules/,No permit needed for beach detecting per the posted rule; some individual parks with cultural/heiau sites may post stricter local signage.
idaho,permit,"IDAPA 26.01.20.175 lists metal detecting as a ""non-traditional recreational activity"" that ""may be authorized by the park or program manager"" if it doesn't interfere with traditional uses and is consistent with resource preservation -- detecting requires manager sign-off, granted per-park. Digging up or removing historical/cultural/natural resources remains prohibited regardless; permission to detect is not permission to dig up a find.",https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/26/260120.pdf,No statewide standard permit form -- authorization is discretionary and site-specific; ask the individual park before visiting.
illinois,permit,"Metal detecting allowed only at select IL state parks (listed on DNR activity page); permit obtained at park office. Prohibited on any State Historical, Archaeological, or Nature Preserve site. Digging tools restricted to hand-carried small implements (no shovels/picks/entrenching tools). Any item of antiquity must be turned in to park office; unauthorized use off-permit area can mean criminal charges + permit revocation.",https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/activity.html,Site-specific permit PDF example: dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/parks/documents/giantcitymetaldetectingpermit.pdf
indiana,permit,Prohibited on DNR properties (incl. all state parks) except on a sand/swimming beach with approval of an authorized representative (property manager/superintendent issues written permission); no listed fee.,https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/indiana/312-IAC-8-2-10,"Rule: 312 IAC 8-2-10, ""General Restrictions on the Use of DNR Properties"""
iowa,designated-areas,"Prohibited statewide in parks/rec areas except designated beach areas, and only during set daily hours (roughly 4am-11am summer season, 4am-10:30pm off-season). No permit needed in those beach windows; digging tools limited to probes ≤12in long/1in wide/0.25in thick or scoops/sieves ≤10in diameter; excavation limited to 3in sq (probe) or 10in diameter (scoop); area must be restored; litter bag required. Off-area use only via written park manager approval (e.g., lost-item recovery).",https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/03-19-2025.571.64.pdf,"Iowa Admin. Code 571-64 ""Metal Detectors Use in State Areas"""
kansas,designated-areas,"No statute names metal detectors specifically, but KAR 115-8-20 bans digging holes/pits and removing/destroying property, geological formations, historic or archaeological relics on department lands without authorization -- effectively limiting recovery to park manager permission, and most parks restrict use to beach areas only. Kansas Antiquities Act (K.S.A. 74-5401 et seq.) separately bars disturbing archaeological/historic sites without an Antiquities Commission permit (misdemeanor).",https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations,"KAR 115-8-20 regulation; some parks (e.g., Milford, Horse Thief Lake non-beach zones) fully ban detecting"
kentucky,prohibited,"Metal detector use is prohibited in all Kentucky State Parks; only park personnel, law enforcement, and utility workers are exempted. An archaeology permit could theoretically authorize use but is issued only to professional archaeologists, so recreational detecting is a blanket ban statewide with no realistic permit path.",https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/304/001/050/,"Regulation: 304 KAR 1:050 ""Metal detectors"""
louisiana,permit,"Prohibited in LA state parks/historic sites without a special-use permit from the Office of State Parks (LAC Title 25, Cultural Resources); display/possession/use of metal detectors is generally banned. Where permitted, limited to beaches or other previously-disturbed areas with no reasonably expected archaeological/historical/paleontological resources; prohibited around occupied campsites; digging/removing archaeological or historic relics strictly forbidden; permits rarely granted.",https://www.lastateparks.com/sites/default/files/2023-09/OSP%20Title25v01-11.pdf,"Louisiana Administrative Code Title 25, ""Cultural Resources"" (Office of State Parks)"
maine,permit,"Metal detecting prohibited at historic sites within state parks. Elsewhere in state parks/grounds, allowed only with a written permit obtained at the individual park (contact park directly). Federal ARPA rule also bars removing man-made objects over 100 years old from public land.",https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees_rules/park_rules.shtml,"Bureau of Parks and Lands (Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry) park rules page"
maryland,designated-areas,"Prohibited on MD Park Service lands/beaches/waters without a permit from the Office of Archaeology, Maryland Historical Trust (issued only to archaeologists with a scientific-investigation plan). Exception: no permit needed to search for modern coins/jewelry/items on designated swimming beaches -- EXCEPT Point Lookout and Calvert Cliffs, where it remains prohibited even on the beach.",https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/MetalDetecting.aspx,"Also see Agency Policy 19-17, Artifact Collection Policy: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/documents/mps-artifactcollectionpolicy.pdf"
massachusetts,designated-areas,"DCR generally does not allow metal detecting on its properties, but no park-supervisor permission is required specifically for coastal and inland beaches. In other non-beach DCR park/forest areas (normally closed due to natural/cultural/archaeological concerns), detecting is allowed only when searching for specific lost personal property and only with verbal permission from the park supervisor.",https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-archaeology,DCR Archaeology program page; local city/town ordinances may add further restriction
michigan,designated-areas,Allowed in many state parks but only in designated areas per park map; prohibited at historic/archaeological sites; finds reviewed by park staff; ~5 parks (e.g. Grand Haven) allow park-wide,https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-parks/metal-detecting,Verified July 2026; hand trowels OK if ground restored
minnesota,prohibited,"MN Rules 6100.0900: detectors only for locating specifically identified lost personal property, with prior written permission and under park manager supervision",https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/6100.0900/,Verified July 2026
mississippi,prohibited,"No one shall use metal detectors on any Mississippi State Park under the official state park rules -- a blanket prohibition. Some individual parks may allow limited use in certain areas with a permit after speaking to the park ranger/supervisor, but this is an exception granted case-by-case, not a standing right. Items appearing over 100 years old must be left undisturbed and reported to authorities.",https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/mississippi-state-park-rules-regulations,"Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) official park rules page"
missouri,designated-areas,Allowed only on specific sand beaches (and shoreline adjacent to them) at 11 named state parks; free annual registration required via online form (proof must be carried while detecting). Digging/probing tools capped at 12in length x 3in width; sand scoops/sifters capped at 12in length x 6in width; suction dredges/grappling hooks banned; plants/roots must not be disturbed. No object of historical/archaeological value may be removed -- notify park staff immediately (items valued $10+ or historic/archaeological must be reported to facility manager).,https://mostateparks.com/activity/metal_detecting,Registration: mostateparks.com/form/metal-detecting-registration-form; program admin: dnr.mo.gov/agency-general/metal-detecting-registration
montana,prohibited,"No metal-detector-specific permit process exists; ARM 12.8 (State Parks Public Use Rules) bans digging or disturbing soil, turf, plants and natural features park-wide, which effectively prohibits recovering any detected item. No designated detecting areas identified.",https://myfwp.mt.gov/getRepositoryFile?objectID=88682,"De facto prohibition via soil-disturbance ban, not an explicit metal-detector clause."
nebraska,designated-areas,"Prohibited statewide except posted state recreation area swimming beaches; May 22-Sep 7 use limited to 6-9am, detector must stay below vegetation line. Hand-held detectors only; digging tools max 12in x 4in, scoops/sieves max 10in diameter. Historical/archaeological/paleontological finds must be left undisturbed and location reported to the Park Superintendent. Lost-item search elsewhere possible only with prior Superintendent arrangement.",https://www.nebraska.gov/rules-and-regs/regsearch/Rules/Game_and_Parks_Commission/Title-163/Chapter-5.pdf,"Neb. Admin. Code Title 163, Ch. 5."
nevada,permit,"NAC 407.103: no person may use a metal detector in a state park ""except as authorized by the supervisor of the park."" Written permission from the individual park supervisor is required; items appearing 100+ years old may not be excavated/removed and must be reported (ARPA).",https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-407.html,"Section 407.103, General Restrictions on Use."
new-hampshire,designated-areas,"Allowed along state park beach shorelines, at athletic fields, playgrounds, and within 25ft of picnic tables/pavilions unless posted otherwise. Not permitted at state historic sites (e.g., Odiorne Point). Beach digging must be refilled and limited to 12in depth; ground disturbance elsewhere requires Director + Division of Historical Resources approval.",https://www.nhstateparks.org/getmedia/78550992-2128-4844-97e3-ab8fde083a17/Res-7300-Parks-and-Rec-Adopted-Rule-eff-030114.aspx,NH Admin Rule Res 7300 (Parks and Recreation).
new-jersey,permit,"N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.16: metal detector use requires a permit from the park Superintendent or designee (roughly $10/unit); permit can restrict location, hours and days, and will not be issued for areas of significant historical/other value. Historic sites such as Monmouth Battlefield and Washington Crossing are fully off-limits.",https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-7-2-2-16,"NJDEP state park use regulation, mirrored via Cornell LII."
new-mexico,permit,"NMAC 19.5.2.24: metal detecting within a state park is prohibited unless the park superintendent grants permission, limited to approved scientific/cultural-properties-review-committee projects or retrieving a specific lost item — not general hobby detecting.",https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title19/19.005.0002.html,"Title 19, Ch. 5, Part 2 (Park Visitor Provisions)."
new-york,permit,NYS Parks issues regional metal detecting permits (e.g. Long Island region via ReserveAmerica; Central Region permit form),https://parks.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/Metal%20Detecting%20Permit%202025-2026.pdf,Verified July 2026; NYC parks separate permit + 48h find reporting
north-carolina,permit,"Metal detectors are prohibited in all NC state park areas except to search for lost personal property, which requires a Special Use Permit from the Park Superintendent specifying location and time frame. Hobby detecting for coins/relics is banned; any historical artifact found must be surrendered to the state.",https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/environmental-assistance-and-customer-service/z-topic-index/metal-detectors,Official NC DEQ/state parks metal detector policy page.
north-dakota,prohibited,N.D. Admin Code ch. 58-02-08 (Park Use Rules): no person may use any device to locate or remove metallic objects or objects of value from a state park; the Parks and Recreation Department issues no metal-detecting permits. Narrow director exceptions exist for approved archaeological surveys; lost-item searches allowed only under direct staff supervision.,https://ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/58-02-08.pdf,Violation is a class 1 noncriminal offense.
ohio,designated-areas,"OAC 1501:46-7-08: detecting allowed without permission on sand beaches and most mowed areas (golf course, rental-facility and campground mowed areas excepted); elsewhere requires area manager written approval; dug ground must be restored",https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-1501:46-7-08,Verified July 2026; friendliest large system alongside PA
oklahoma,prohibited,Official Oklahoma State Parks FAQ states magnet fishing and metal detecting are prohibited at all state parks. No codified metal-detector permit process was found in Title 725 (Tourism and Recreation Dept.) Chapter 30 rules.,https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/faqs,"Third-party sites claim a permit process exists/existed, but the current official FAQ states a flat prohibition — confirm with individual park if planning a visit."
oregon,designated-areas,"Allowed without a permit only at sites on the official published list (ocean shore seaward of the vegetation line plus specific designated park/scenic-site areas). Digging limited to ice pick, screwdriver or small knife — no larger tools. Items found worth over $250 must be turned in to the Park Manager; historically/culturally significant finds must be left undisturbed and reported. Non-listed areas may be opened via a staff-issued permit.",https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=21,"Official Oregon State Parks ""Where can I metal detect?"" page with park-by-park list."
pennsylvania,designated-areas,"Allowed in many state parks sunrise-sunset, no fee; swim beaches only off-season (Tue after Labor Day to Sat before Memorial Day); no shovels/trowels in turf, only narrow probes",https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/rules-and-regulations/metal-detecting,Verified July 2026; most permissive large system
rhode-island,permit,Park and Management Area Rules and Regulations (250-RICR-100-00-1): metal detectors restricted to designated areas during specified time periods; a permit is required and area/time are set at the park manager's discretion. All archaeological sites and specimens are state property under the RI Antiquities Act.,https://rules.sos.ri.gov/Regulations/part/250-100-00-1?reg_id=8580,Administered by RI Dept. of Environmental Management (DEM).
south-carolina,permit,"Not permitted at State Historic Sites at all. At other SC State Parks, prohibited unless park manager grants prior written approval specifying exact location; detectorist must carry the signed permit on-site, must avoid historic structures, dunes/sensitive land formations, and rare/endangered habitat, and must surrender any historic or prehistoric artifacts found to park staff.",https://southcarolinaparks.com/faqs,SCDNR-managed sites (Heritage Trust) ban detecting outright; ordinary state parks require manager approval case-by-case.
south-dakota,permit,"Written authorization (""Metal Detector Permit,"" issued by GFP Division of Parks, Pierre SD) required on all department lands/state parks. Recreational use limited to designated swimming beaches (plus lost-item searches and archaeologist-permitted research). Digging tools limited to probes (max 6""x1""x1/4"") or scoops/sieves (max 10"" dia.); holes max 6"" deep and must be refilled; all found items must be brought to park office for inspection; department may retain historically/archaeologically significant items.",https://gfp.sd.gov/metal-detector/,"Application mailed to SD Game, Fish & Parks, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501."
tennessee,permit,"Metal/mineral detecting devices are prohibited in Tennessee State Parks by default. Exception requires a permit from the State Archaeologist that is also signed by the Director of Parks and Recreation (for legitimate archaeological research), or a limited lost-item search supervised directly by the park superintendent. Detecting is never allowed on archaeological/historic sites, even with a permit.",https://tnstateparks.com/about/policies,Official policy page returned 403 to automated fetch; content corroborated via cached search excerpt of tnstateparks.com/about/policies.
texas,prohibited,Operating a metal detector in a TX state park is an offense; permits effectively only issued to recover lost personal items with superintendent permission,https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_p4000_0000a.pdf,Verified July 2026 (gear-refresh research)
utah,permit,"Allowed only with an approved Special Use Permit per Utah Admin. Code R651-620-6; permit terms vary by park manager's discretion (some parks decline entirely). Anything found, regardless of value, must be turned in at the park office — nothing may be removed from the park.",https://stateparks.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/04/Jordanelle-Metal-Detecting-Agreement-Form.pdf,See also stateparks.utah.gov/parks/echo/drones-metal-detecting/ for a park-level example permit page.
vermont,designated-areas,"Allowed only in areas already disturbed by park development (beaches, roads, parking lots, campsites) — never near stonewalls, cellar holes, or other obviously historic features. Detectorist must notify park staff before starting; probing limited to hand tools, max 3"" depth; any historic artifacts found belong to the State and must be handed in immediately with find-location details; disturbed ground must be restored and all litter (bottle caps, pull-tabs, etc.) packed out.",https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/activities/metal-detecting-and-gold-panning,"Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation manages state parks; page returned 403 to automated fetch but content corroborated via search excerpt."
virginia,permit,"Metal detectors may be used only on designated man-made beaches, and only with a DCR Special Use Permit obtained from the park manager in advance. Eligible beaches are at Bear Creek Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Holliday Lake, Hungry Mother, and Twin Lakes State Parks. Removing any historical/archaeological artifact, rock, or mineral without a separate scientific-collecting permit is illegal; unauthorized detecting can result in fines and confiscation of equipment/finds.",https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/rules-and-regulations,Only six parks (those with man-made beaches) are eligible locations statewide.
washington,designated-areas,"Metal detecting is allowed at more than 30 specific state parks (official list/map published by Washington State Parks), only within posted/approved portions of those parks (e.g., specified beach or campsite zones; in camping areas, only in unoccupied sites) and only during posted daylight park hours. Users must register with Washington State Parks before detecting. Digging limited to ice picks/screwdrivers/probes ≤2"" wide, holes max 6"" deep and immediately refilled. Historically/archaeologically significant finds may not be removed and must be reported to staff immediately. A Discover Pass is required for park entry.",https://parks.wa.gov/find-activity/activity-search/metal-detecting,Registration form: parks.wa.gov/find-activity/activity-search/metal-detecting/metal-detecting-form. Governing rule: WAC 352-32-235.
west-virginia,prohibited,"Not explicitly named, but de facto prohibited: WV State Parks/Forests rules bar removing, disturbing, or gathering any natural, man-made, or historical/archaeological object, rock, or mineral from park land without written authorization from the Chief of Parks and Recreation (WV DNR) — which functionally forecloses metal detecting (you could search but could not dig up or keep anything found).",https://wvstateparks.com/rules-and-regulations/,"Official page does not use the term ""metal detecting"" directly; status inferred from the general removal/disturbance prohibition. Confirmed by phone for exact wording if publishing: 1-833-WV-PARKS."
wisconsin,permit,"Prohibited except by written Metal Detector User Permit (DNR Form 9400-239) issued by the property superintendent, and only to search for one or more specific described lost personal items (not general treasure-hunting) within a designated search area. Use is allowed only May 1–Oct 15. Detecting within recorded archaeological sites requires separate DNR archaeologist approval and is generally barred in reported burial areas; recovered items must be reported to the property office, which keeps anything not matching the permitted lost item; artifacts 50+ years old may not be removed.",https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/rules/metaldetect,Permit form: apps.dnr.wi.gov/doclink/forms/9400-239.pdf. Rule codified at Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.04(1)(c).
wyoming,permit,"Use of any mineral- or metal-detecting device at a Wyoming state park or recreation area is prohibited without prior written permission from the park superintendent; at state historic or archeological sites, such devices are prohibited outright except for official use.",https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/wyoming/024-1-Wyo-Code-R-SS-1-15,"Codified as Ch.1 §15, ""Preservation of Public Property,"" Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources rules (024-1 Wyo. Code R. §§1-15). Agency rules page (wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/learn/rules-regulations) links the same regulation as a PDF but text wasn't extractable by automated fetch."