Public-land rule directory
Search by park, beach, state, land manager, or answer. Open the official source before visiting because rules and posted conditions can change.
12 researched records in Michigan and Ohio.
A missing result means the location is not researched here yet—not that detecting is allowed.
Metal detecting is limited to the red-shaded areas on DNR’s currently linked Algonac map. Only registered campers may metal detect in campground areas. All other areas are closed unless the unit supervisor or manager gives written authorization.
Only registered campers may metal detect in campgrounds.
Read the full answerNo permit is required, but digging is generally barred; named beaches have a limited seasonal exception.
Read the full answerEdgewater's sandy beach has a seasonal detecting exception with a 12-inch hole limit and immediate restoration.
Read the full answerA permit is required before metal detecting at Flint State Park; confirm the current process before visiting.
Read the full answerThe Michigan DNR says the entire park is open to metal detecting, subject to statewide rules. Only registered campers may detect in campground areas.
Only registered campers may metal detect in campgrounds.
Read the full answerA free park-office permit is required. The permit covers detector use, but a separate park rule prohibits collecting objects or soil. Ask the park office what recovery, if any, is allowed at the specific park.
Read the full answerAn annual Lake Metroparks permit is required and is valid only in listed parks and eligible surface areas.
Read the full answerMetal-detector use is prohibited throughout Metroparks Toledo parklands under the district's published rules.
Read the full answerDetecting is allowed in DNR-designated open areas. No separate authorization is stated for those areas; written authorization is required outside designated open areas. Individual property restrictions and maps control.
Read the full answerMetal detecting is permitted without written permission in eligible sand-beach and qualifying mowed areas. Written area-manager permission is required elsewhere, including mowed areas associated with campgrounds.
Mowed areas associated with campgrounds are outside the automatically permitted area categories. Obtain written permission from the area manager before detecting there.
Read the full answerOnly the small red-shaded area on the current DNR map is open by default. Only registered campers may metal detect in campground areas. Detector use elsewhere requires written authorization from the unit supervisor or manager.
Only registered campers may metal detect in campgrounds.
Read the full answerMetal detectors are prohibited in Summit Metro Parks.
Read the full answerTry a broader search or request the missing public location. No result should be read as permission to detect.
