Massachusetts state parks
Managed by Massachusetts DCR. These are statewide rules; individual parks may post stricter ones. Federal land inside Massachusetts follows federal rules, and drones also follow FAA rules.
Metal detecting Designated areas only
Metal detectors are allowed on coastal and inland sandy beaches. Elsewhere you need permission from DCR staff, and only to find lost personal property.
- Permit
- Staff permission off-beach.
- Sources
- mass.gov
- Notes
- 302 CMR 12.00.
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.
Drones Permit / permission needed
Drones are not allowed on state park property without a permit.
- Permit
- DCR special use permit (apply 45 days ahead).
- Sources
- mass.gov · mass.gov
- Notes
- Stated on a park page; no statewide rule text confirmed.
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
⚠️ Needs review: we couldn't fully confirm this against the official text yet. Please check with the park directly.
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.
Machine-readable: /api/states/ma.json