Detecting 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.
No separate authorization is stated for DNR-designated open areas. Written authorization is required outside designated open areas.
Where it applies
Michigan state parks and recreation areas covered by the DNR metal-detecting program; property maps and restrictions determine the designated open areas.
Campground
Campground access is unclear in the reviewed sources.
Main restrictions
Designated areas only
Tool-type limits
Ground-restoration requirements
Protected-resource exclusions
Archaeological-resource exclusions
Found-property rules
Last reviewed
Where you can detect
Where detecting is allowed
Areas Michigan DNR specifically designates open to metal detecting.
Other areas only when the unit supervisor or manager gives written authorization under Order 5.26.
Where it is restricted or prohibited
Designated historic sites.
Designated archaeological sites.
Any area not designated open when written unit-manager authorization has not been obtained.
Digging and recovery
Recovery tools are limited by DNR guidance to probes or small hand trowels used without unduly disturbing the land.
A probe or small hand trowel may be used if the land is not unduly disturbed, and all disturbed material must be replaced. Large-scale digging is prohibited except as part of a DNR-authorized and properly permitted archaeological project.
Keeping or reporting finds
All recovered items must be checked by a unit employee. Artifacts must be left in their original position; relics, aboriginal antiquities, and abandoned property of historical or recreational value are retained by the state. Recorded lost property may be returned to its owner by park staff.
Important restrictions
Campground access is unclear in the reviewed sources.
Before you go
Before you go
Check the individual property’s current DNR map and signs. No separate authorization is stated for DNR-designated open areas; written authorization is required outside designated open areas.
Check posted signs before you go. Rules, closures, maps, and permit procedures can change.
Official sources
Official sources
These links show the rules and dates used for this page.
Source authority: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Source role: Controlling
Exact claim established: The DNR page states the park classifications, limits detecting to specifically designated open areas, excludes designated historic and archaeological sites, gives small-tool and ground-restoration rules, and requires staff review of recovered items.
Evidence locator: Metal detecting > designated open areas
Source authority: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Source role: Restriction
Exact claim established: Order 5.26(1) prohibits detector use outside an area shown open on the current access map unless the unit supervisor or manager provides written authorization; the order calls for access maps to be published by April 15 each year.
Evidence locator: Order 5.26(1), access-map and written-authorization condition
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.
Permission
The mapped red-shaded areas are open under the current property guidance. Written authorization is required elsewhere.
