U.S. Metal Detecting Map
Explore the complete 50-state metal detecting database with real basemap layers, clickable state counts, verified pins, safe on-demand place resolution and paginated results.
Map totals: location records, map pins and permitted areas are different
Research records include permitted, conditional, permit-required, manager-confirmation-only, protected and prohibited properties. A record is not proof that a visitor may detect there. Verified reference pins show confirmed public reference coordinates, not the boundary of a detecting permit or designated area. Search-based navigation can locate a named property temporarily without establishing its legal detecting zone.
Before choosing a destination, check the individual rule summary, current managing agency, exact eligible area and written authorization. Records without independently verified coordinates are available in the results list, but should not be represented as pinned detecting destinations.
How to interpret metal detecting map results
This map brings together research records, manager restrictions, and independently grounded reference pins. A state bubble summarizes records; a verified pin is a reference point, not the boundary of an allowed search area. Results that only have a place name or broader locality may need an on-demand search and must not be treated as precise digging locations.
Filter before choosing a destination
- Select the state and area. Use the state, county and place-type filters to narrow the research context instead of assuming a nearby pin is open to detecting.
- Read the status and evidence. Allowed, conditional, permit-required, restricted and prohibited records have different meanings. Review the individual conditions and their verification dates.
- Separate detector use from digging and removal. A site may have rules that differ for carrying a detector, searching, disturbing soil and removing a find. Obtain the required written authorization if necessary.
- Check current official restrictions. Confirm park rules, archaeological protections, closures and the site’s exact permitted footprint with the relevant authority.
Other ways to explore
Use metal detecting near me to search using your location or select an area manually. The U.S. metal detecting laws guide explains the need for rule checks at different management levels. If you specifically want gold-related evidence, open gold prospecting maps; geological prospecting rights should never be inferred from general detecting records.