Now that you have gathered all the tools, you have decided on the wise decision to go beach hunting. With 663 miles of beaches, you have your work cut out for you. Here are the best beaches in Florida to metal detect.
Finding a suitable location can be a bit tiring. Depending on the region you’re located, here are some of the best beaches to metal detect in Florida:
Northern Florida:
Emerald Coast
Panama City Beach
Central Florida:
Daytona Beach Area
South Florida
Lee County Beaches
These are just some of the beaches that this article will cover. Not only that but there are restrictions and other hurdles such as permits you will require to go metal detecting. This article will cover that and more. Be sure to keep reading and learn more about beach hunting in Florida.
The Best Beaches in Florida to Metal Detect
Beaches are an excellent place to start hunting. Whether you’re hunting for coins or nuggets (please note that you can find primarily find gold nuggets on hillsides), regardless of your experience level, beaches are a great and fun place to start.
Why Are Florida Beaches Considered a Treasure Trove?
The specific area that made Florida into a metal detecting haven is the Treasure Coast. Why is it called the treasure coast? In 1715, eleven Spanish ships known as the Treasure Fleet carried gold and silver, traveling to Spain.
Seven days after they left Cuba, the ships sank from a hurricane. Experts assume that the ships sank near Vero Beach in present-day Florida. Over time, gold coins would wash to shore, and thus, the treasure coast was born.
In 2015, metal detector enthusiasts found $4.5 million worth of gold off Florida’s Atlantic coast. That was just one instance of the results of metal detecting in Florida.
This article will guide you through the best beaches for beach hunting and the laws surrounding them. So, keep reading for more information on beach hunting in Florida.
What You Need to Know When Beach Hunting
Beach hunting can come across as similar in some ways. However, there are differences and things to consider before going beach hunting.
Salty water beaches are more problematic than freshwater beaches. Why? Because of the salt. The salt causes a loss of sensitivity. There’s no going around it, and the best metal detectors to handle it are the more high-tier and expensive metal detectors. The best solution to this problem is to reduce the sensitivity of your machine.
You need to know that objects on the sand sink at an incredibly higher rate than on typical soils.
You will need to constantly check your ground balance, more so than on typical soils.
When hunting on ocean soils, experts recommend focusing on cuts. A cut is a sand shelf made as a result of a high watermark. Beach hunting on a cut allows you to find targets that the waves have redeposited as they move back and forth.
On the other hand, with freshwater beaches, you have the issue of heavy mineral deposits. These deposits make your metal detector go haywire, so you’ll need to increase the sensitivity.
Not only that, but there isn’t enough turnover in freshwater beaches compared to saltwater beaches. So, it would be best if you had consistent ground balance and high sensitivity the entire time you’re prospecting.
Nonetheless, do not hike the sensitivity to the point it negatively affects you, the metal detector enthusiast. Ensure that you raise it to a level that you are capable of enduring.
Metal Detecting Tip: If you’d like to find all the good spots in Florida to sweep a metal detector check out this article: 7 Best Places to Metal Detect in Florida
The Top Beaches to Metal Detect in Florida
Florida Beaches Great for Metal Detecting
Now that the history lesson is done and dusted, it’s time to get into the best places for beach hunting. Please note that authorities regulate some of these areas, and it is upon you to conduct research. You don’t want to break the law.
Northern Florida
1. Emerald Coast
On the map, you can find the Emerald Coast in the North West direction of Florida. The best thing about this beach is that you do not require a permit to go beach hunting with your metal detector.
As long as you adhere to the general ethics set in place and do not go into the water, you should be fine. Another thing the authorities ask is that metal detector enthusiasts stay away from the dunes. Why should you stay off the dunes?
The dunes have plants, and when you walk on the dunes, you destroy the plants holding the dunes together. These plants are detrimental to the dunes because they stop soil erosion from occurring. No more soil equals no more dunes and ultimately a deteriorating coastline.
2. Panama City Beach
Authorities permit metal detecting on the beaches, but here are a few restrictions that come with this site:
You cannot go to the beach with metal shovels
Any holes that you dig should not be wider than two feet
There are 27 miles of beach hunting for you to search, and Trip Advisor named this beach one of the top three beaches. There’s also Shell Island, a Peninsula nearby that you can try out. However, you will have to contact the local authorities and inquire whether you can beach hunt.
3. Jacksonville
Located on the North East of Jacksonville, metal detecting is allowed on all beaches. There are 22 miles of beaches here, so you have a lot of ground to cover.
Of course, metal detecting in Jacksonville is only allowed on public beaches. You can check out Atlantic Beach or Jacksonville Beach to get started.
Metal Detecting Tip: The natural progression after beach sweeping is getting wet! Learn how to metal detect in the water with this ARTICLE
Central Florida
1. Daytona Beach
Now that we’ve left the Northern region of Florida, it’s time to head to central Florida. First on the list is Daytona Beach. It’s first on this list because of the ease of accessibility. It’s one hour away from Orlando.
The downside to this beach is that you cannot go beach hunting in the Volusia County Park. The Park does cover some parts of Daytona Beach but not all of it. The parts that the Park doesn’t regulate are free real estate at this point.
2. St. Petersburg
In 2021 Trip Advisor named this beach the #1 beach in the United States. But how does it fare in terms of metal detecting? When it comes to metal detecting, it’s pretty good.
The local authorities do have one specific rule.
You cannot use any metal detectors if it’s not on the beach. This regulation applies to both private and public beaches. So as long as you keep the beach hunting on the beach, you should be fine.
Southern Florida
Northern Florida and Central Florida have their charm. However, if you want to invest in your metal detecting hobby, it would be a good idea to check the South of Florida.
Why? Because the majority of the best beaches to metal detect are in the south of Florida. They are also on the treasure cost where the Spanish ships in 1715 sank with chests full of gold and silver.
Here are the best beaches to go beach hunting in Florida:
1. Vero beach
As shared earlier, the ships that sank in 1715 sank near modern-day Vero Beach. It tends to be a hotspot not only for metal detector enthusiasts but curious tourists and historians.
Occasionally, debris or coins from the ship will wash up along Vero Beach. That’s why Vero Beach is at the top of this list. It’s right next to the underwater wreckage.
2. Wabasso Beach
A couple of miles north of Vero Beach is Wabasso Beach. Similarly, it also falls on the treasure coastline. What’s interesting about Wabasso Beach is that another ship sank there in 1698. Making it another hot spot for metal detecting.
In February of 2020, a man named Jonah Martinez found a dozen silver coins at Wabasso Beach.
There are other beaches on the treasure coast like:
Sebastian Inlet
Melbourne Beach
Be sure to check them out for beach hunting and more interesting treasure finds.
The Best Time to Go Beach Hunting with Your Metal Detector
The best time to go beach hunting is after storms like hurricanes. Yes, you could call it the calm after the storm. The excessive wave movement stirs up the ocean floors. This movement exposes and deposits any new material that was sitting there.
Metal detecting experts also recommend beach hunting during the winter. It’s considered an excellent time, most especially after the summer. The summer sands have left the shores, and you have the tides to thank.
Another good time is after a rainstorm. The rain washes out the beaches and exposes the lower levels of the sand. Since the sand level has gone down, you have reduced depth to work with along the coastline.
Are You Interested in What Other Metal-Detector Enthusiast Are Asking? Here Are Some Extremely Helpful FAQs.
1. Can You Metal Detect the Water in Florida?
Unfortunately, the law does not allow metal detecting in the water. According to the State of Florida, anything submerged in the water belongs to the state. So, by metal detecting in the water, you’re on State property. This law also includes wet beach sand below the high-water line.
2. Do You Have to Have a Permit to Metal Detect in Florida?
It depends on the beach. Check with your local authorities on the metal detecting requirements. Some beaches need one while others don’t.
3. Is It Legal to Metal Detect in Florida?
Metal Detecting in Florida is legal; however, any actions like stepping on dunes are illegal. It would be best if you kept your hands to yourself. More info about being legal HERE
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
Additional Sources
Brandon Neice, The Metal Detecting Bible (Berkley: Ulysses Press, 2021) 128.
A deep and rich history includes being the first state to declare independence from Great Britain, and adventurous tales of pirates make Rhode Island an adventure to behold. It was a deciding factor when establishing our route for our experiences across the United States to find the best places to metal detect.
During my adventures with the family, traveling through Rhode Island, I found seven state parks, beaches, and recreation areas that I enjoyed the most. These parks all require permission to treasure hunt with a metal detector, but they are all well worth the approval effort (we’ll talk more about laws and approval here as well).
Let’s take a journey together through these seven state parks, beaches, and recreation areas. I’ll share some of my experiences and the activities and amenities each has to offer. That way, you’ll be able to get a good idea of what to expect and can plan that adventure of your own.
1. Lincoln Woods State Park – Freshwater and Good Times
Lincoln Woods State Park is a fantastic park that isn’t far from Providence. The freshwater beach is lovely (to hunt), and there are plenty of other things to do at the park, which I’ll get to in a moment.
Metal Detecting in Rhode Island State Parks
The park was first officially started in 1909, but the land in the area dates back to Abraham Lincoln. Not betraying the rich historical trend that suits most of Rhode Island, the Lincoln Woods SP holds the promise of lost treasures, like any in place in Rhode Island.
Some of the great things you can do at this park are:
2. Goddard Memorial State Park – Beach and Golf in One Park!
East Greenwich, Rhode Island, presents an opportunity to visit Goddard Memorial State Park. While the park has a lovely beach where you can request metal detect permission, the park also offers a 9-hole golf course. It’s handy if you like golf and not swimming while the beach is busy and you’re waiting to hunt. Why not just play a round of golf?
3. Scarborough State Beaches – North and South Beaches to Explore
In Narragansett, Rhode Island, resides two beaches, the North Scarborough State Beach and the South Scarborough State Beach. These two beaches are run by the Parks & Rec division of the Rhode Island State Government, just like the State Parks. Therefore, they fall under the same rules for obtaining a permit. Just contact the regional manager to get your permit. Remember, as long as you aren’t digging up anything over 100 years old, it should be fair game on a beach. However, don’t forget to get that permit.
The sandy beaches of Scarborough have lifeguards working from 9 am to 6 pm. If it’s a hot day and the beach is busy, you can expect permission denied. However, on cooler or rainy days, there shouldn’t be much resistance to getting a permit.
Here are a few of the beach’s amenities and activities:
4. East Matunuck State Beach – Post Hurricane Beach Hunting
The East Matunuck State Beach was once privately owned lands that, over the 1950s, were ravaged by hurricanes that sometimes swept entire structures out to sea. Over the years, the state acquired the land and built a modern beach facility.
Burlingame State Park is located just west of Charleston, RI. The park is pretty big with lots of hiking, camping, and a swimming beach on the freshwater Watchaug Pond.
The park also boasts a DEM boat launch, so if you want to bring out your watercraft, you are welcome to do so. Fees may apply.
The beach has lifeguards working 9 am-6 pm, seasonally. There is also fishing permitted in the park if one has the proper fishing license, of course.
Metal Detecting Tip: Sometimes, I’m over-excited when I’m out in the field about what I might find. It leads me to want to rush ahead naturally. But this has been the cause of missing treasures on more than one occasion.
To prevent this, practice taking your time. Keep your patience at bay, and you’ll have a better chance of finding something that may have otherwise slipped through your rushed pace. For more great tips on detecting and more, read this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
6. Pulaski State Park – 13-acres of Recreational Fun
Pulaski State Park is small, but it packs a big wallop of fun. Between the incredible trout fishing and the swimming at the beach at Peck Pond, Pulaski offers something everyone can enjoy.
While at Pulaski, you can enter the adjacent George Washington Management area for over 10 miles of trails to enjoy.
7. Misquamicut State Beach – New Facilities and New Adventures
One of the state’s most popular beach destinations, Misquamicut is known to fill to capacity on hot summer days. The destination offers over half a mile of sandy beach frontage; the area is often mixed with locals and those from abroad who want to enjoy and take advantage of the beach on a hot day.
The state beach was only formally opened in 1959. It means that being such a new facility, it’s unlikely you’ll run into any issues with potentially finding relics over a century old. After all, the beach is not a historic site.
Rhode Island is a state with a rich history. State officials guard that history, and likely for a good reason. It causes an issue for metal detectorists. Concerning State Parks and other DEM-run properties within the state, such as beaches, the law is ambiguous and entirely transparent. Here is the low-down:
You must get a permit to hunt in state parks.
The area and possibly time of day will likely be limited, at the manager’s sole discretion, providing authority to process the permit.
Permits are stated to be provided by the Department of Environmental Management and approved by the Director.
State DEM management breaks the state down into regions. The regional managers approve permits, not the Director, according to a forum where a person stated their sibling works for DEM, and that is how they operate.
Most parks have regulations at the park entrance stating whether they allow detecting or not.
The state park regulations are worded as:
“A. No one shall excavate, disturb, or conduct field investigations on any site or underwater historic property, nor shall anyone disturb or remove any specimens from any property under the care, control, or custody of the RIDEM without first obtaining the written approval of the Director and a permit from the State Historic Preservation Commission.
B. All archaeological sites, underwater historic property, and archaeological specimens, as defined in the Antiquities Act of Rhode Island, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-45.1, are the property of the State of Rhode Island.
C. Metal detectors and other location devices are restricted to designated areas during specified time periods.”
BLM Lands: Permit required for relics. The Bureau of Land Management is a great resource for metal detectors. Read more about the policies HERE
Rhode Island State Parks: Permit required. Designated areas and times may apply.Read more at the Rhode Island State Parks website – HERE
Rhode Island DEM Lands (campgrounds, beaches): Permit required. Designated areas and times may apply.
Private Property: Land owner’s permission required.
Metal Detecting Clubs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Relics – Pawtucket, RI – This ‘club’ is essentially a metal detecting store that organizes some events. Their website is more focused on selling products than showing club information, but there are mentions that they meet regularly, so it might be worth investigating if you’re looking for a club in Rhode Island (there seems to be a lack of clubs). – https://www.rhodeislandrelics.com
Metal Detecting Tip: Be respectful and always follow the law. You may think you can get away with sneaking on a property to do some detecting, but without proper permission, it could have dire consequences. You could get a trespassing fine or worse, depending on what state you’re in at the time.
Everyone likes a good mystery. Add some treasure, pirates, and a good old-fashioned chase and allude authorities, and you’ve got the makings of a great adventure tale. Rhode Island is not without its own stories.
Back in 1695, there was a fierce pirate named Capt. Henry Every. He allegedly attacked and plundered a ship carrying Muslim pilgrims home to India. The pirate eluded capture by posing as a slave trader and then disappeared.
Enter Jim Bailey, a metal detectorist who found an Arabian coin dating back to the 17th-century. The coin may hold a clue to how this notorious pirate escaped. Mr. Bailey also found the coin in Rhode Island.
The crimes of Every were so great that the incident was one of the first worldwide manhunts in history.
MDHTALK forum has a great quick reference resource for information about rules for metal detecting in Rhode Island. Check out the reference list here. – http://www.mdhtalk.org/cf/city-regulation.cfm?st=RI
Delaware for treasure hunting. With lots of State Parks open to Metal Detecting Delaware is a great destination. Read where to go in this article: 15 Places to Metal Detect in Delaware
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
Having an interest in history, I couldn’t pass up seeing Mount Rushmore when our family went on a tour across the United States. We went to many different fun locations for the whole family and the best places to metal detect. It was a family adventure in experiences and treasure hunting.
Noting our stops along the journey, I found seven State Parks that caught my attention. The following list of State Parks in South Dakota represents those that I found had excellent metal detecting and other amenities we were looking for on our trip. I’ll cover each park and offer some of their featured amenities, features, and activities that drew my attention and will likely be helpful to you for planning your adventures.
1. Custer State Park – More Fun Than You Can Shake a Detector At!
Starting our adventures in the western side of South Dakota, we stopped first at Custer State Park. The park is a great place you can see some large wildlife at a pretty close range. There are bison in the park, and they are awe-inspiring to see up close, well medium-close anyway.
While the majestic bison entrance your family, you can slip on over to the beach to get some metal detecting in. Ensure you call ahead so a manager is there and can sign off on your permit. That isn’t all there is to do in the park, though. Some of the other great things you can do at this park are:
2. Hartford Beach State Park – A Ton of Fun Activities!
Hartford Beach State Park is one of the most scenic parks in the mid-northern United States. Amidst a wooded forest, you’ll find Big Stone Lake. The lake is our central point of interest here at Hartford. Although, there are several things you can do in the park that aren’t necessarily associated with the lake.
The beach is busy on hot summer days, so you can trust that there is booty to be found, seemingly lost to the sands of time on the shores of Big Stone Lake. Get your permit to detect from the park manager, specific and maybe you’ll find a cache of your own nestled in the beach sand.
3. Lake Herman State Park – Excitement in The Northeast!
Lake Herman is a fantastic choice for a destination adventure. In fact, the lake has been a popular campsite for hundreds of years and was enjoyed by native peoples who lived in the area.
The beach here can get quite busy on hot summer days, so make sure you keep that in mind when you contact the office to get your permit approved. The park staff may ask you to hold off until a certain time of day or offer that you treasure hunt early morning before the beach is busy.
There are numerous other activities and amenities at Lake Herman State Park to keep your family entertained while visiting Northeast South Dakota. Here are a few of the park’s amenities and activities:
4. Oakwood Lakes State Park – Glacial Lakes Adventure!
A year-round park that offers so many activities that you could stay and forever be entertained. I enjoyed the beach, of course. However, there’s more to life than treasure hunting, as my family likes to tell me.
When we camped at the park, the sunset was fantastic. If you need to find a place to stay, remember to book your campsite in advance. That way, you can also enquire about getting your permit approved to hunt for lost treasures on the sandy beach.
Here are some of the park’s amenities and activities include:
5. Sandy Shore Recreation Area – Beautiful Long Sandy Beach to Explore
If it’s one thing that Lake Kampeska in South Dakota is known for, it’s the beautiful, long, sandy beach at Sandy Shore Recreation Area. This Game, Fish & Parks run property features a large beach on the glacial-formed lake.
While the history of the lake may go back to the last ice age, there’s plenty of modern amenities and activities you can enjoy at Sandy Shore. These include camping, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and much more.
Metal Detecting Tip:Practice using your metal detector with a movement that sweeps the ground with the coil as close as possible and as parallel to the earth as possible. Whether you practice in your own yard or out in the field, a consistent method of motion of the coil parallel and close to the ground is vital to maximizing the detector’s sensitivity. For more great tips on detecting and more, read this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
6. Farm Island Recreation Area – Lewis and Clark’s Expedition Was Here!
Another busy park, often bustling with visitors of all sorts, the Farm Island Recreation Area is home to various beauty and beaches. Boasting a rich history that includes the Lewis and Clark expedition, the area is rich with culture and possibility.
Considering the great activities and amenities, including camping, archery, fishing, basketball, biking, boating, canoe rentals, hiking, kayak rentals, and more, your family is sure to have fun without you. At the same time, you’re treasure hunting on one of the beaches at Farm Island Recreation Area.
7. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area – Clear Waters and Great Fishing!
The last stop I’ll mention from my adventures through South Dakota is the Lake Vermillion R.C. in the southeast of South Dakota. The 512-acre reservoir makes for excellent boating, fishing, and swimming. A beach is a great place to treasure hunt. Just ensure you’ve got your permit lined up first.
The Lake Vermillion Recreation Area has a lot to offer. Such activities as biking, hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and others are permitted in the area. With camping available, you can stay the night so you can have the next day to continue your adventures.
South Dakota is a metal detecting friendly state. Although they require a permit for metal detecting in state parks, the state recognizes the hobby and its importance to some of its citizens in particular beach areas. There are two stipulations that most of us treasure hunters need to know about obtaining permission (a permit) from a park manager.
Metal detector use will only be granted for recreational purposes on designated swimming beaches.
Metal detector use will be granted if you are looking for a lost personal item. Digging will only be allowed in designated swimming areas though. Other areas are assumed the lost possession would remain on the surface. Ergo digging is not required (or permitted).
There are two more stipulations, that you are already in possession of an approved permit from the State Archaeologist or you are a parks department staff. Neither of these will apply to most hobbyists though.
Quick Law Recap:
National Forests: Permit required from US Forest Service if you want to dig.
BLM Lands: Permit required for relics.Read more about BLM land and metal detecting at the BLM.gov website – HERE
South Dakota State Parks: Permit required, designated beaches only.Check out South Dakotas State Park System – HERE
Metal Detecting Tip: I’ve found working with the folks at the property is the best way to find the best treasure. I ask a park ranger where he thought a great place to metal detect was and he pointed me to a set of stairs by the beach. His words “folks are spilling stuff there all the time” That spot earned me a ring and some change!
Metal Detecting Clubs In South Dakota
Black Hills Prospecting Club – Rapid City, SD – An active club that has monthly meetings you can find out about on their website here. – https://www.blackhillsprospectingclub.com/
There don’t seem to be any other active metal detector clubs at the time of writing.
Metal Detecting Tip: Depending on your energy level and where you are detecting, you might find yourself out in the field for hours. Keeping comfort in mind, you’ll want to ensure that your headphones are comfortable and breathable. Always use them too, don’t rely on hearing a beep from the detector if it has a built-in speaker. If the wind rises, it may be difficult to hear, it may also be annoying for anyone in the vicinity. Using a good quality pair of headphones is vital to your success and your comfort. For more great tips, take a look at this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
Metal Detector Stores In South Dakota For Expert Advice
There are no specialty metal detector businesses currently operating in South Dakota. However, here is one store that does sell metal detectors in Rapid City.
Scheels – Rapid City, SD – https://www.scheels.com/ – This sporting goods and outdoor outfitter has everything you need for outdoor adventures, and they even carry metal detectors.
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
Heading into “The Old Dominion,” you have to understand that Virginia has a long and rich history. Aside from famous Virginians such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, among many more to have risen to the highest levels of society, many great people live in the state. I thought if I could find a lost treasure left behind by a great person, then that would make our family trip into Virginia that much more exciting.
We started our adventure with a tour of some of the best state parks the United States has to offer. Virginia has some strict regulations for metal detecting, though, so I had to call ahead to the parks to ensure I could get written permission (a permit) to use my metal detector.
After calling ahead to ensure we had permission to metal detect, we carried on with our adventures through Virginia. I’ve compiled a list of my seven favorite state parks to treasure hunt in and some info about laws, clubs, great finds, and more. This way, you’ll be well-prepared for treasure hunting in the state. Let’s start with the seven parks.
1. Bear Creek Lake State Park – Nestled In Virginia’s Woods
Our first stop was smack in Central Virginia’s Cumberland State Forest at Bear Creek Lake State Park. This gem hidden in the middle of the woods is a fantastic getaway for you and your family. There are plenty of things to do for all, which I’ll mention in a moment.
Metal Detecting at Bear Creek Virginia
The staff at this park are friendly and professional. If you consider the environment and leave no trace, there shouldn’t be much issue getting a permit from the park manager to detect metal. Although the beach is closed from time to time for clean-up following storms, make sure you call ahead.
As mentioned, there are a lot of great things to do at this park. Some of the great things you can do at this park are:
Close to halfway between Lynchburg and Richmond, you’ll find another central Virginia State Park called Holliday Lake State Park (yes, that is the correct spelling). Another forest park, Holliday is deep in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. If you like nature, this is the park for you.
The beach is decent at Holliday Lake SP, but there’s more to do than just swim here. You can fish and camp and boat too. Here are some of the park’s compiled highlights:
3. Hungry Mother State Park – Western Virginia’s Best Kept Secret
When you look at some of those travel sites and see how some people stay in different kinds of buildings, I’m often fascinated by the construction. Because of this, I jumped at the chance to stay in a yurt for a night when we went to Hungry Mother State Park.
The park boasts some other great features as well; just remember to call ahead for your permission to metal detect. Here are a few of the park’s amenities and activities:
4. Twin Lakes State Park – A Premiere Central VA Park
Another central Virginia State Park, Twin Lakes State Park, is southeast of Holliday Lake State Park, near a town called Farmville in Prince Edward County, Virginia. We liked this park because it has a lovely sized beach, so we were not falling all over other families when we had our beach day.
Twin Lakes has more than just a sandy swimming beach; there are plenty of things to do at the park. Here are some of the park’s activities and amenities:
5. Claytor Lake State Park – Bigger Lake, Bigger Adventure
Virginia has plenty of large water bodies, and Claytor Lake is one of them. The lake boasts 4,500 acres of water has about three miles of State Park frontage. There is no shortage of places to stay, with three lodges, 15 cabins, yurts, and camping available. However, when you call ahead for permission to treasure hunt, ensure you reserve your preferred accommodations.
Claytor Lake State Park offers plenty to do. The park offers hiking, fishing, boating, camping (as mentioned), swimming, and more.
Metal Detecting Tip: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years metal detecting is not to get discouraged. There will be times when you find little to nothing. There will be times when all you find is garbage. Don’t let those times get you down. Instead, try documenting them in a journal and move to a different location each time. You’ll find your luck soon turns around. For more great tips on detecting and more, read this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
6. Lake Anna State Park – The Pride of Spotsylvania
The first time I went to Lake Anna SP, I stayed at one of the six cabins. However, I understand that the park now also offers yurts as an alternative which I find pretty interesting.
The park also offers camping, and although RVs up to 60 feet are allowed, the best you can get is electric and water hookup. There is a community bathhouse with hot showers, though.
Lake Anna State Park allows fishing and is well-known for its largemouth bass fishing. Swimming is permitted during the day at the beach, and there are also some very nice hiking trails to keep you occupied.
7. Smith Mountain Lake State Park – Blue And Turquoise Waters
In Huddleston, Virginia, you will find Smith Mountain Lake State Park. This beautiful park resides on Smith Mountain Lake’s north shore, Smith Mountain Lake being the state’s second freshwater lake.
The lake itself is beautiful and perfect for boating, swimming, and other water-borne activities. The beach is often busy, so permission to treasure hunt on hot summer days will be limited. Aim for those days or times when the beach is open but not likely to be busy. Those times are cooler and overcast days, mornings, and similar times. Ensure you call ahead to the park to arrange your permit.
Aside from the joys of treasure hunting (with permission), there are several other amenities the park offers. Some of these amenities include rental cabins and a campground, fishing and boating, and some fantastic hiking trails.
Virginia may be a beautiful state, but you still need a permit to do metal detecting in many places. Take the state parks, for example. According to Virginia State Park’s website, they only allow metal detecting on “designated manmade beaches and only with a DCR special use permit.” The permit is available at the park from the park management.
Cities within Virginia have varied rules about metal detecting. Take a look at the following list of cities and the particular rules the city imposes.
Alexandria, VA – Written approval from the city manager is required.
Fredericksburg, VA – Permit required.
Glouchester County, VA – Not permitted.
Hopewell, VA – Not allowed.
Manassas, VA – Not permitted without permission of city council.
Newport, VA – Written approval from parks management required.
Petersburg, VA – Metal detecting (and possession of detectors) not permitted on city-owned properties.
Williamsburg, VA – Written approval from parks management required.
BLM Lands: Permit required for relics, non-relic no permit required. Read more at the BLM website HERE
Virginia State Parks: Permitted in specified areas only, and you must have a permit.Read more at the state website Here
Metal Detecting Clubs In Virginia
Northern Virginia Relic Hunters Association – Fairfax, VA – This club holds regular meetings at the NRA National Firearms Museum on the first Tuesday of each month. The club was founded in 1972. – http://www.nvrha.com/index.htm
Hampton Roads Recovery Society – Hampton, VA – A club that started in the mid-1980s, the club has active members and regular meetings. – http://www.hrrsmetaldetecting.com/index.html
The Central Virginia Civil War Collectors Association – Glen Allen, VA – Founded in 1980 and formerly known as The Central Virginia Relic Hunters Association, this active club holds regular meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month. – http://www.cvcwca.com/
The Rapidan River Relic Hunters Association – Unionville, VA – Founded in 2011, this club meets on the second Tuesday of the month. – https://rrrha.com/
Tidewater Coin & Relic Club – Virginia Beach, VA – Other than stating the next meeting is in May, the website doesn’t tell us much about this club. – https://www.tc-rc.com/
Metal Detecting Tip: Dig on every hit. You never know when a tiny blip turns out to be an obstructed cache or a deep yet more extensive object. Sometimes we can pass by an incredible find by making an assumption. Just remember that you’re playing a numbers game, so the more times you dig, the more chances you have of finding something. For more great tips, take a look at this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
Metal Detecting Treasures Found In Virginia
Can you imagine losing a class ring right before graduation? That’s what happened to one such unfortunate fellow in Virginia Beach.
MDHTALK forum has a fantastic quick reference resource for information about metal detecting laws for various cities in Virginia. Check out the reference list here. http://www.mdhtalk.org/cf/city-regulation.cfm?st=VA
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
Visiting the second-largest state in the US is an exciting prospect. I was particularly committed to trying legitimate Texas barbecue, something the state is known to do very well.
One thing that struck me when planning our family trip to Texas was that for a state with seemingly strict laws for metal detectorists, there is an exceedingly high amount of treasure-seeking clubs in the state.
We’ll talk about the laws metal detectorists face and some clubs, resources, and more for the eager treasure hunter who wants to hunt in Texas for lost treasures. Before we get into these things, let’s take a look at my seven favorite places to detect metal in Texas.
1. Rockport Beach – Texas’ First Blue Wave Beach
Rockport Beach is a beautiful beach with a calm and tropical feel. Intended for day-use, the beach charges for parking and has facilities people can rent for parties and gatherings. The beach is a common destination to host beach weddings as well.
The Bayside Walking Path is a beautiful and scenic ¾ mile path along the beach that you can also cycle (but give pedestrians the right way).
2. City of Houston Parks – Multiple Small Parks To Detect
Due to Texas strict laws, State Parks are a lost cause to get permission to metal detect. However, some cities have rules that specify precisely which parks you can use your detector with without issue. Houston is one of those cities. Houston has 17 small parks that you are permitted to use a metal detector.
Finding Money Metal Detecting on a Beach
Here is a list of parks that you are allowed to metal detect in, in Houston Texas:
3. El Jardin Beach – A Forgotten Jewel For Treasure Seekers
El Jardin is about 10 minutes from downtown Seabrook, Texas. It’s a typical beach with a bit less strict rules than other beaches. For example, at El Jardin, you are allowed to bring dogs onto the beach. Dogs like to dig, so getting permission to metal detect is not a hurdle by any means. Most people don’t even bother to get approval for this beach. As long as you aren’t bothering anyone and being respectful, I would be concerned, not like the National Coastline beaches that are strictly off-limits to metal detectorists.
Here are a few of the beach’s amenities and activities:
4. Texas City Dike/Beach – One Long Dike, All Man-Made
The beach on the Texas City Dike is a great place to explore and bring your metal detector. Check with officials if they’ve changed permission for detecting, but it was no issue when I went. There have been some great finds along the dike, including gold civil war buttons and coins.
The beach has a few amenities. Here are some of them:
5. Benbrook Lake – U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Site
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the Benbrook Lake area. They allow metal detecting in the developed regions that they define as being mowed and managed by the USACOE.
Benbrook Lake offers many amenities, including several campsites, swimming, fishing, and more. It’s a beautiful reservoir as well, making your stay there pretty nice. I liked the fact that I wasn’t worried about going to jail for taking out my detector.
Metal Detecting Tip:Whether you’re new to metal detecting or you have a new metal detector, it is best to practice with the detector in your yard. You can bury coins and metal objects at specific depths and places where you can test out and fine-tune your metal detector. Best of all, you’ll get comfortable with your equipment in a stable and safe location. For more great tips on detecting and more, read this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
6. Bardwell Lake – Ennis, Texas Best Kept Secret
Another USACoE managed ‘park,’ metal detecting is again permitted in developed areas. It includes a beach that I’ve heard several treasure seekers have had decent luck investigating.
The area boasts amenities and allowed activities like boat ramps, a swimming beach, multi-use trails, fishing, and a dump station.
The parks at Granger Lake offer a variety of things to do. Wilson H. Fox Park is not an exception. This park, also run by the USACoE, offers camping, swimming beach, fishing, a playground, bbq, and more. There are camping sites, and many offer water and electrical hookup also.
Nearby is the Pecan Grove Wildlife Area if you get tired of treasure hunting on the beach and developed areas of the park. Overall, I think I liked the parks and beaches managed by the USACoE the most in Texas. They seem the most laid back about metal detecting.
Like many other states, Texas is strict when it comes to allowing metal detectors on state lands. It is true for state lands, and it is valid for state parks. Here’s what the Texas Administrative Code, Title 31, Part 2, Chapter 59, Subchapter F, Rule §59.134 (i) “Metal detector. It is an offense for any person to operate or use a metal detector, except as authorized by permit.”
The Texas Historical Commission points out that it is prohibited to detect metal in state and federal parks in Texas. They mention that these laws respond to a looting and salvage event of a 1554 Spanish Plate Fleet.
The THC specifies that metal detecting is not restricted on state public land, which is not classified as a park. Referencing other information from the DNR, we see that as long as the land is not classified as a state forest, and as mentioned, not a park either, but still state-owned, then the use of metal detecting is permitted. However, removing artifacts is not allowed, so as long as the finds are recent items, you should be good to go to places like beaches that do not park. If it is a state park, you’ll need to get a permit. And they only allow permits for known lost items, not for hobby treasure hunting.
The state does not allow the removal of archaeological resources located on public lands without a permit. However, if the items found are non-archaeological in nature, and no plants or wildlife are disturbed, it may be permitted. Just ask the park or property management first to be specific.
BLM Lands: Permit required for relics. Read what the BLM says HERE
Texas State Lands (not national forest or parks): metal detecting permitted; removing artifacts is not.
Texas State and Federal Parks: Permit required.Read more about getting a permit HERE
Metal Detecting Clubs In Texas
Golden Spread Gem, Mineral & Treasure Society – Amarillo, TX – Meeting monthly on the second Tuesday, this club boasts a family-friendly atmosphere. They claim to be very environmentally conscious and want like-minded individuals.
Central Texas Treasure Club – Brownwood, TX – This club is active and holds monthly meetings. They also arrange an annual hunt for their members. – https://centraltexastreasureclub.webs.com/
Cowtown Treasure Hunters Club – Fort Worth, TX – Meeting on the third Thursday of each month; this active club has a friendly bunch of members. The club boasts that it is all about being a hobby metal detectorist and loving the outdoors. – https://sites.google.com/site/cowtowntreasurehuntersclub/home?authuser=0
East Fork Treasure Hunters Association – Garland, TX – Founded in 2005, this club has an active membership and holds monthly meetings.
Rusk County Treasure Hunters Association – Henderson, TX – This club dated back to 1991 and formed to join together fellow hobby archaeologists, treasure hunters, artifact recoverers, and, of course, metal detectorists. The club hosts monthly meetings and metal detecting adventures. – https://www.rctha.org/
Tomball Archeological Recovery Club – Tomball, TX – A family-oriented club that meets monthly to discuss metal detecting. – http://tomballmdclub.com/
East Texas Treasure Hunters Association – Longview, TX – Founded in 1982, this active metal detector club holds monthly meetings and annual events. – https://www.ettha.org/
Treasure Hunters Association of Pasadena – Pasadena, TX – One of Texas’ oldest treasure hunting clubs, forming in 1968. The club is open to new members interested in the metal detecting hobby. They meet monthly and welcome families. – https://sites.google.com/site/pasadenatreasurehunters/home
Metal Detecting Tip: When you seek treasures in a particular area and don’t want to miss anything, use a sweeping pattern that is overlapping. Using an overlapping scanning technique means that each pass will cover a thin area of the pass before. This way, you reduce your chances of missing something dramatically. For more great tips, take a look at this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
Metal Detecting Treasures Found In Texas
2020 was a year of unrest, instability, and pandemic. So, for two men from Temple, Texas, when a long-lost treasure was found and returned at the beginning of 2021, it was a sign of good tidings.
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
Having kids, I wanted to take them to Massachusetts to see Harvard. It’s every parent’s dream to have their kids attend a school of higher learning, isn’t it? We started our journey with a campus tour but soon decided to turn our trip into more of a vacation and started for some state parks.
I enjoy doing some metal detecting when my family goes camping. I can often sneak off in the morning for a few hours, and my sleepy family is none the wiser while I seek out treasure and lost items.
Metal Detecting Tips for Beach
The state of Massachusetts is more stringent on its rules for metal detecting, so I made sure to call ahead to each park and speak with the park manager for permission to metal detect. See the section later in the article for the details of metal detecting laws in the state. First, let’s start with my favorite seven parks in the state where I was able to get permission to metal detect.
1. Salisbury Beach State Reservation – Where River Meets Ocean
Salisbury was our first stop at one of the beaches of Massachusetts. Located at the mouth of the Merrimack River, where it feeds into the Atlantic, the park offers some fantastic fishing, swimming, and boating.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and offers camping, so you can technically stay all day and night if you are in the campground. Some of the great things you can do at this park are:
2. Constitution Beach Park – Metal Detectors Secret
When you’re in Boston, don’t miss out on one of Boston’s secret beach paradise locations. Tucked away in Orient Heights is Constitution Beach Park. The park sports some rather nice athletic fields and a good and wide, sandy beach for beach sports or swimming. Naturally, one might include metal detecting on such a beach if one were so inclined. Here are some of the park’s highlights:
3. Nantasket Beach Reservation – Busy Beaches And Lost Treasures
Nantasket Beach is a bustling beach in Hull, Massachusetts. Forget trying to do any kind of metal detecting here on a hot summer day. On rainy days, however, this beach can be an incredible place to prospect for lost treasures. It is not unusual to find a decent amount of coins and jewelry along this beach, given the crowds that can swarm the beach on a hot summer day.
4. Revere Beach Reservation – The First Public Beach In The US
As my title suggests, Revere Beach was the first public beach in the United States. This achievement means one thing for metal detectorists: The beach has the most potential to find lost treasures.
Beach detecting potential aside, the park is rather lovely with a decent width beach. Since the beach is on the Atlantic, there is excellent potential also to do some fishing. Ensure you’re carrying a valid fishing license, and you’ll have miles of coast to wander and fish.
Metal detecting on beaches
One of the best times I had with my family was taking them to Revere Beach in July. We were able to see the International Sand Sculpting Festival held from July 17 to July 19. What an incredible display of sand-sculpting talent! You haven’t seen a sandcastle until you’ve seen the sand sculptors go to work at this internationally acclaimed event. Okay, it’s a far cry from metal detecting, but it stood out in my memory as something even a hardened and staunch treasure hunter can appreciate.
Metal Detecting Tip:Picking up a lot of garbage signals from garbage? Try using a smaller coil. Smaller coils have a smaller search area. It lets you hone in on your search without getting a lot of clatter from a larger debris field. For more great tips on detecting and more, read this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
5. South Cape Beach State Park
South Cape Beach is a beautiful mile of white sandy beach to enjoy. The cool Atlantic Ocean is a perfect place to take a dip on a hot summer day with the family. When the weather isn’t hot and sunny, it’s an ideal beach to do some treasure hunting.
There are several amenities at South Cape Beach State Park that allow you and your family some extra fun and luxuries while visiting. The park offers boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, hunting, swimming, and even have grills and picnic areas that are generally available. Some of the amenities may be closed due to local health situations, but you’ll need to call ahead for permission to use a metal detector anyway so you can double-check before you go to the park.
Demarest Lloyd is a fantastic small park in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, that exhibits an 1800-foot saltwater beach. The background of the beach is some scenic wandering hills sporting some fantastic spots to sit in the grass and enjoy a picnic with the family.
The park has some of the best birdwatching around if that’s an interest to you. I enjoyed combing the beach, and when it wasn’t so busy, I got permission to get the detector out and see what I could find. The staff at the park were friendly when I was there, and it had a feel of a best kept secret sort of place. Like something that people forgot about but then on rediscovery, you wonder why everyone doesn’t go there.
7. Horseneck Beach State Reservation – Sandy Dunes And Ocean Spray
One of Massachusetts’s most popular beaches, I enjoyed my stay at Horseneck because they have camping sites on location. The two-mile-long beach offers plenty of opportunity for swimming on the warmer days and metal detecting on the other ones.
As mentioned, we stayed at the campground, and I was surprised to see how many boaters enjoy the area as well. I had not seen a lot of sailboats out until we stayed at Horseneck Beach. It led me to believe that the site is great for sailors, boaters, and those that enjoy watersports and activities. Although I spent my time on the beach, beachcombing during busy hours and metal detecting in the off hours, I would think that if I had a boat, I’d take advantage of the boat ramp they have at Horseneck Beach. There’s also a decent little playground for the kids if you intend to stay landbound as I did.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, metal detectors are not allowed on DCR property. However, it is also noted that metal detecting may be permitted on select beaches and camping areas under the sole discretion of the park manager or area supervisor, depending on where you read the information. Like most other states, the National Forests in Massachusetts are off-limits to metal detectorists without special permits. These permits are typically only awarded for scientifically backed ventures, so they can be challenging for a hobby detectorist to obtain. The same is the case for BLM lands.
BLM Lands: Permit required for relics, non-relic no permit required Read about BLM Here
Massachusetts State Parks: Certain parks allow metal detecting on select beaches and camping areas, but only with written permission from the park manager. Read more about Massachusetts State Parks HERE
Metal Detecting Clubs In Massachusetts
Despite the strict conditions legislation has placed on the hobby within Massachusetts, there are a surprising number of clubs to support our hobby within the state.
Western Mass Metal Detecting Club – Western Massachusetts – Another club found on Facebook boasts 427 members. It appears to be a relatively active club. – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1412273519099957/
Massachusetts Treasure Hunting Association – Newton Highlands, MA – The club meets regularly (current COVID situation may alter the meetings). – https://masstreasure.com/
Metal Detecting Tip: Belt pouches are one of the handiest tools for a metal detectorist. Use one to keep those dirty finds secure while keeping dirt out of your pockets. A belt pouch is convenient, lightweight, out of the way, and most importantly, it is an efficient tool in your treasure hunting arsenal. For more great tips, take a look at this article: https://metaldetectingtips.com/metal-detecting-tips/
Metal Detecting Treasures Found In Massachusetts
Pirate booty and coins abound with tales and legends of times long gone. And some ancient coins found not only tie together the past of certain states but also help unlock answers about a pirate mystery.
One such event occurred recently in New England. It ties together several states, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, in a pirate treasure mystery of the past.
Metal Detector Stores In Massachusetts For Expert Advice
Usually, one sees a correlation between a good number of local clubs and metal detector stores within a state. In the case of Massachusetts, there appears to be a 2:1 ratio. I was only able to find two decent metal detector sales companies within the state.
Delaware for treasure hunting. With lots of State Parks open to Metal Detecting Delaware is a great destination. Read where to go in this article: 15 Places to Metal Detect in Delaware
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
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