Metal 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.
No written permission is required in eligible sand-beach and qualifying mowed areas. Written area-manager permission is required elsewhere.
Where it applies
Lands and waters administered by the Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft under Ohio Administrative Code Rule 1501:46-7-08. Eligible sand beaches and qualifying mowed areas are automatically permitted; excluded mowed areas and all other areas require prior written area-manager permission.
Campground
Mowed areas associated with campgrounds are outside the automatically permitted area categories. Obtain written permission from the area manager before detecting there.
Main restrictions
Designated areas only
Ground-restoration requirements
Campground conditions
Last reviewed
Where you can detect
Where detecting is allowed
Sand beach areas.
Qualifying mowed areas not associated with golf courses, rental facilities, or campgrounds.
Permission
Permit or written permission
Written area-manager permission is required for detector use outside eligible sand-beach and qualifying mowed areas. This includes mowed areas associated with golf courses, rental facilities, and campgrounds.
Digging and recovery
Any area disturbed while recovering an item must be restored to its original condition.
Important restrictions
Mowed areas associated with golf courses, rental facilities, and campgrounds require written area-manager permission.
Mowed areas associated with campgrounds are outside the automatically permitted area categories. Obtain written permission from the area manager before detecting there.
Before you go
Before you go
Check the current rule and local signs before detecting. No written permission is required in eligible sand-beach and qualifying mowed areas. Mowed areas associated with campgrounds are outside the automatically permitted area categories; obtain written permission from the area manager before detecting there.
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: Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules
Source role: Decisive
Exact claim established: The current rule is effective June 30, 2023. It permits detectors without written permission on sand beaches and qualifying mowed areas, excludes golf-course, rental-facility, and campground mowed areas from that automatic category, requires written area-manager permission in other areas, and requires immediate ground restoration.
Evidence locator: Rule 1501:46-7-08, metal-detector authorization and area categories
