Can I do my hobby in this park?
Plain-language rules for metal detecting and recreational drones on US public lands. Every rule links to its official source.
Federal lands
National Park ServiceUS Forest ServiceBureau of Land ManagementUS Army Corps of EngineersNational Wildlife Refuges (USFWS)FAA drone basics (all airspace)
Quick take
- National parks and wildlife refuges ban both hobbies by default.
- BLM land and many national forest developed sites allow recreational metal detecting for modern items. Never dig on historic or archaeological sites.
- State parks vary a lot: many allow detecting on beaches only, and most require permission or a designated area for drones.
All states
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