Federal land basics
Can you metal detect on federal land? Not in national parks. On most national forest and BLM land, low-impact detecting is generally allowed, but archaeological resources are protected.
Can I metal detect in national parks?
No. National Park Service regulation 36 CFR 2.1(a)(7) prohibits possessing or using a metal detector in park areas, except a device broken down and packed to prevent its use, or one used for authorized scientific, mining or administrative work.
What does ARPA prohibit?
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 470aa–mm) prohibits excavating or removing archaeological resources (generally over 100 years old) from federal or Indian lands without a permit.
Is metal detecting allowed in national forests?
Forest Service rule 36 CFR 261.9 does not ban detectors outright, but prohibits digging, disturbing or removing any prehistoric, historic or archaeological resource, and removing natural features or federal property. Check with the local ranger district for area closures.
Is metal detecting allowed on BLM land?
BLM treats metal detecting that causes no or negligible surface disturbance as casual use on most public lands. Archaeological and historical items are still protected, and local closures apply.
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