Can you metal detect in Louisiana state parks? Louisiana prohibits displaying, possessing or using metal detectors on Office of State Parks property (LAC 25:IX.303).
Key rules
- Digging for or removing relics or artifacts is prohibited.
Federal land in Louisiana
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 Louisiana state parks?
Louisiana prohibits displaying, possessing or using metal detectors on Office of State Parks property (LAC 25:IX.303).
Where do these Louisiana rules come from?
From the official sources listed on this page: Office of State Parks rules (LAC Title 25, Part IX). Last checked 2026-10-16.
Can I metal detect on federal land in Louisiana?
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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