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West Virginia state parks

Managed by WV State Parks (DNR). These are statewide rules; individual parks may post stricter ones. Federal land inside West Virginia follows federal rules, and drones also follow FAA rules.

Metal detecting Unclear

There's no specific detector ban, but removing any object or artifact requires written authorization from the Chief.

Permit
Ask the superintendent.
Sources
code.wvlegislature.gov
Notes
58 CSR 31; the official CSR page wasn't fetched.
Verified
2026-10-21 · official page could not be read directly
⚠️ Unclear: official sources are silent or conflicting, so we can't give a firm answer. Please check with the park directly.

Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.

Drones Permit / permission needed

Drones are permitted in WV state parks, forests and rail trails, but you must register at the area superintendent's office before flying and say where you'll fly. Superintendents can restrict areas and times (e.g., Babcock 1-3 p.m.).

Permit
Register with the superintendent (no fee stated).
Sources
code.wvlegislature.gov · wvstateparks.com
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/wv.json