Can you metal detect in North Dakota state parks? North Dakota prohibits using any device to locate metallic objects in state parks, except approved archaeological surveys, law enforcement, and lost-item searches under park staff supervision.
Key rules
- Rule: NDAC 58-02-08-16.
Federal land in North Dakota
National Park Service areas prohibit possessing or using metal detectors. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but digging up or removing archaeological resources is illegal under ARPA. Federal rules →
Frequently asked
Can you metal detect in North Dakota state parks?
North Dakota prohibits using any device to locate metallic objects in state parks, except approved archaeological surveys, law enforcement, and lost-item searches under park staff supervision.
Where do these North Dakota rules come from?
From the official sources listed on this page: NDAC 58-02-08 (park use rules). Last checked 2026-10-16.
Can I metal detect on federal land in North Dakota?
Not in National Park Service areas. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but archaeological resources are protected under ARPA.
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