Metal Detecting in Maryland

When used properly under the guidance of a professional archaeologist, metal detectors are valuable archaeological tools that can help locate new sites, define site boundaries and focus areas for investigation. 

On this page, you’ll learn what you can and cannot do, where you may search, and how to protect Maryland’s heritage while enjoying your hobby. 

Help protect Maryland's heritage

MHT occasionally partners with experienced metal detectorists on supervised projects guided by MHT’s Standards & Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations - PDF 3.57 MB. If you’re interested in future opportunities to assist with archaeological fieldwork, contact us. 

If you find something that appears to be more than 50 years old, like evidence of an old historic site or other historic activity, please report it to MHT. Your report helps us document significant places in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (Archaeology). 

Metal detecting in Maryland 

Metal detecting can be a fun hobby, and finding modern items like recently lost coins or jewelry usually has little impact on archaeology. But if you’re searching for older objects – especially at places where people lived, worked or gathered in the past – your activity will likely affect important archaeological sites. Maryland’s heritage laws help protect these resources for everyone. 

Metal detecting on state-owned land 

According to the Code of Maryland Regulations, metal detecting on state-owned land requires an archaeology permit from MHT, which is usually reserved only for professional archaeologists. 

The only places you may metal detect on state-owned land without a permit are state-owned swimming beaches, where you may look for recently lost, modern items (with the exception of Point Lookout State Park and Calvert Cliffs State Park).  

Metal detecting on private, federal or local land

MHT does not issue permits for metal detecting on private, federal, or local land.  

• Private land: If you want to detect on private land, always get the landowner’s permission, as items found in or on the ground generally belong to them.
• Federal land: Recreational metal detecting is usually not allowed on federal land without a permit, and removing historic artifacts is illegal under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. Check with the specific agency for any exceptions.
• Local land: Local rules vary. Some counties and towns allow detecting in parks or on beaches, while others don't or require permits. Always follow posted signs and local regulations.