Ohio state parks
Managed by Ohio State Parks (ODNR). These are statewide rules; individual parks may post stricter ones. Federal land inside Ohio follows federal rules, and drones also follow FAA rules.
Metal detecting Designated areas only
Metal detecting is allowed without permission on sand beaches and mowed areas (not golf, rental or campground areas); restore any dug ground. Elsewhere you need written permission.
- Permit
- Written permission outside those areas.
- Sources
- codes.ohio.gov
- Notes
- OAC 1501:46-7-08.
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.
Drones Designated areas only
Drones are prohibited unless you have permission or use a designated drone landing zone.
- Permit
- Permission from the chief, or use designated zones.
- Sources
- codes.ohio.gov
- Notes
- OAC 1501:46-13-11.
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.
Machine-readable: /api/states/oh.json