Ever dreamed of unearthing hidden treasures in scenic parks? Discover the allure of metal detecting in Arkansas’s majestic state parks! Which gems and relics await your discovery? Dive in to find out!
A couple of years back, I had to visit Kirby, Arkansas and was mesmerized by nature. As a metal detectorist, the first thing that will always come into my mind is to metal detect there.
I first thought of detecting State Parks there. So I traveled to many state parks in Arkansas with my friendly local detectorists in Arkansas.
During these trips, I was able to identify the state parks that are great for metal detecting based on the things I found and the easiness of getting permission.
I got the idea of visiting some state parks in Arkansas based on the recommendations I got from local expert detectorists.
Based on their suggestions and the things I’ve experienced, I made a list of state parks that are superb for treasure hunting in Arkansas.
Here are the best state parks in Arkansas to metal detect,
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Crowley’s Ridge State Park
- Lake Catherine State Park
- Daisy State Park
- Lake Charles State Park
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- DeGray Lake Resort State Park
- Lake Dardanelle State Park
- Village Creek State Park
- Woolly Hollow State Park
- Lake Ouachita State Park
- Lake Poinsett State Park
But there’s a lot more to know about Arkansas state parks!
So, in this article, I’ll explore the best state parks in Arkansas to metal detect with all the possible things you can find there.
Plus, I’ll explain to you the right procedure for getting permission for metal detecting in each state park in detail based on my own experience.
Let’s dig in!
Can You Metal Detect in Arkansas State Parks?
Yes, there are several state parks in Arkansas that allow metal detecting, but it’s vital to keep in mind that each park might have its own unique rules and regulations.
It is advisable to inquire about the laws and obtain the necessary permissions from the specific state park you are interested in visiting.
Metal detecting may occasionally only be permitted in certain portions of the park, with other areas being off-limits.
There can also be limitations on the equipment you can bring, rules for protecting the environment, and regulations for protecting historical objects.
For information on the park’s metal detecting rules and regulations, it is advised to contact the management or go to their official website to guarantee a great experience.
They can provide you with precise and current information on the metal detecting chances available in the state park you want to visit.
Best State Parks in Arkansas to Metal Detect
So, let’s discuss the best state parks great for metal detecting in detail with their historical values.
Keep reading!
1. Crater of Diamonds State Park
In the Arkansas city of Murfreesboro, is a park called Crater of Diamonds.
The address of the park is 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958. The location is in southwest Arkansas, about two hours drive from Little Rock, the state capital.
The only publicly accessible diamond-producing location in North America is Crater of Diamonds State Park, a distinctive and well-liked tourist destination.
Visitors to Crater of Diamonds State Park have the chance to look for diamonds and other gemstones on the 37.5-acre plowed field known as the “diamond search area.”
As you can see Crater Diamonds State Parks is one of the best places in Arkansas to metal detect.
Everything you find is yours to keep!
Metal Detecting Finds
- Diamonds- While metal detecting in the allocated search area, it is possible to come across diamonds, notwithstanding their rarity. Over the years, visitors have found diamonds in a variety of shapes and hues, some of which are even extremely precious.
- Gemstones- In the search area, in addition to diamonds, other gemstones can be located. They nonetheless make for exciting and lovely findings, despite not being as costly as diamonds.
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Arkansas!
2. Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Northeast Arkansas, more particularly the community of Paragould, is where Crowley’s Ridge State Park is situated.
Crowley’s Ridge, a distinctive geological structure that stretches from southeast Missouri to northeastern Arkansas, is where the park is located.
One of the few places in Arkansas where metal detecting is permitted on state-owned property is Crowley’s Ridge State Park.
A statute that was approved in 2006 authorized metal detecting in nine state parks spread around the state.
Northeast Arkansas Crowley’s Ridge State Park is home to a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp.
Metal detecting is only permitted in the park’s lake and immediate beach area, though. There are two beaches that guests may find around the 31-acre lake near Crowley’s Ridge.
3. Lake Catherine State Park
The United States city of Hot Springs is home to Lake Catherine State Park. It is located along Lake Catherine’s southern coast, which is a section of the Ouachita River system.
The park is located at, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 1200 Catherine Park Road Lake Catherine State Park.
Due to the activities the lake offers, this state park is one of the more well-known ones. One of the five lakes found in the Ouachita Mountains is Lake Catherine.
There are many things to do and it is close to Hot Springs, making travel easy. Keep in mind that metal detecting is only permitted close to water and beaches.
Time your detection for the early morning or late at night as it’s a busy park. It will be less probable for crowds of people to disrupt the beach.
4. Daisy State Park
The United States city of Kirby, Arkansas, is home to Daisy State Park. It is located in Pike County on the shores of Lake Greeson.
The park is located at Park Daisy State, East Park, 103 AR 71950 Kirby.
The park is well-known for its stunning landscape, a variety of fauna, and activities involving water.
Another well-liked state park for metal detecting is Daisy State Park. The Ouachita Mountains are where it is situated.
In the middle of this state park, the Little Missouri River and Lake Greeson meet. Daisy State Park has a remarkable quantity of beaches to explore.
Anyone who wants to start metal detecting should go to Daisy State Park. You don’t have to worry as much about heavy traffic or making mistakes because it isn’t one of the busier state parks.
5. Lake Charles State Park
Powhatan, Arkansas, in the United States, is home to Lake Charles State Park. In Randolph County, close to the community of Walnut Ridge, it is located.
The park is located at 3705 Highway 25, Powhatan, Arkansas 72458.
A roughly 645-acre lake is surrounded by Lake Charles State Park, which offers a variety of beaches to explore.
If you want to spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, you may also choose from 60 various campsites.
Make sure you’re equipped to deal with the insects because they may be particularly vicious in the summer. You’ll be thrilled with Charles State Park if you visit for a weekend.
6. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
In the United States, the state of Arkansas is home to Pinnacle Mountain State Park. It is specifically located close to Little Rock in central Arkansas.
The location of Pinnacle Mountain State Park is Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
The focal point of this physically diversified state park is Pinnacle Mountain, which is located just west of Little Rock, the state capital of Arkansas.
In the Arkansas Arboretum, this day-use park provides a range of outdoor activities along the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers.
In specified parts of this park near Little Rock, metal detecting is permitted, but you must obtain permission and abide by park regulations.
7. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
In the United States, the state of Arkansas is home to DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
It is located close to the city of Arkadelphia in the state’s southwest region.
The location of DeGray Lake Resort State Park is DeGray Lake Resort State Park 2027 State Park Entrance Road Bismarck, Arkansas 71929.
For those who like the great outdoors, DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers a serene haven in Arkansas’s gorgeous southwest.
The DeGray Lake Recreation Area, which is the park’s focal point, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, metal detecting, camping, and even an 18-hole golf course.
While metal detecting is often permitted in Arkansas state parks, interested visitors should get in touch with the park administration to clarify particular rules and permitted locations.
8. Lake Dardanelle State Park
The USA’s state of Arkansas is home to Lake Dardanelle State Park. It is located close to Russellville in the Arkansas River Valley area.
The Lake Dardanelle State Park is located at 100 State Park Drive in Russellville, Arkansas.
A 34,000-acre reservoir with several beaches and a lengthy history is called Lake Dardanelle. It is in fact situated along the river path of the Trail of Tears.
You may take part in several other activities and attend a park tour if this kind of history attracts you.
Gain access to the park’s busiest beaches in Russellville. Although it is really divided into two separate areas of land, the state park’s Russellville portion is the preferable choice.
Along with going to the aquariums, you might go fishing.
9. Village Creek State Park
In the United States, the state of Arkansas is home to Village Creek State Park. It is specifically located close to the town of Wynne in the state’s eastern region.
The location of Village Creek State Park is 201 County Road 754, Village Creek State Park, Wynne, AR 72396.
Nature lovers may enjoy a thrilling outdoor experience at Village Creek State Park, which is tucked away in the tranquil surroundings of eastern Arkansas close to Wynne.
From trekking the gorgeous routes that snake through the wooded environment to camping beneath the starry nights, this expansive park offers a wide variety of activities.
For those who are interested, metal detecting can add another level of inquiry and discovery to the park’s natural splendor.
10. Woolly Hollow State Park
In the United States, the state of Arkansas is home to Woolly Hollow State Park. It is located close to the city of Greenbrier in the state’s north-central region.
The location of Woolly Hollow State Park is Greenbrier, Arkansas 72058 82 Woolly Hollow Road Woolly Hollow State Park
Approximately 20 miles north of Conway in Greenbrier lies Woolly Hollow State Park. There is a lake called Bennett within the park.
It is a man-made lake that the Soil Conservation Service excavated in the 1930s.
You can see that there is a sizable beach. Plan your visits to coincide with the times when you’ll have the most flexibility to explore as it gets really busy in the summer.
Once more, focus your search efforts on the areas with the highest foot traffic.
Although the lake is just 40 acres, the beach extends over a sizable portion of its shoreline.
11. Lake Ouachita State Park
In the United States, the state of Arkansas is home to Lake Ouachita State Park. It is located close to the city of Hot Springs in the state’s center.
The Lake Ouachita State Park’s address is Mountain Pine, AR 71956 Lake Ouachita State Park 5451 Mountain Pine Road.
Being able to explore the Lake Ouachita region is a great gift for the metal-detecting community. It is the biggest lake in Arkansas and spans 40,000 acres of land.
If you reside in Mountain Pine, you are not far from a variety of cities that provide top-notch entertainment.
When searching for finds in this park, it’s essential to stay near to the ocean and beaches. An area of land this vast that is reachable by detection is exceedingly rare.
12. Lake Poinsett State Park
The American state of Arkansas is home to Lake Poinsett State Park. It is located close to the town of Harrisburg in the northeastern region of the state.
Lake Poinsett State Park’s address is Harrisburg, Arkansas 72432 Lake Poinsett State Park 13225 Lake Poinsett Road.
In the stunning northeastern part of Arkansas, Lake Poinsett State Park offers a tranquil retreat for individuals who appreciate the great outdoors.
The park offers a range of recreational activities including fishing, boating, camping, metal detecting, and hiking, all of which are surrounded by a serene lake, lovely trees, and an abundance of wildlife.
By offering visitors the possibility to unearth hidden treasures while complying with the laws and preserving the park’s pristine environment, metal detecting enhances the natural beauty of the area.
That’s it folks, Now you know the best state parks in Arkansas to metal detect in detail.
Now, let’s talk about the things you can commonly find while metal detecting in state parks in Arkansas.
Metal Detecting Finds in Arkansan State Parks
Depending on the location, usage, and history of an Arkansas state park, many sorts of metal detecting discoveries may be discovered there.
Typical discoveries include,
- Coins- Old and contemporary coins, including pennies, dimes, and quarters, as well as occasionally earlier silver coins, may be found.
- Jewelry- Fans of metal detecting frequently discover rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other kinds of jewelry.
- Relics- Due to the rich history of Arkansas, it is possible to discover items from many historical periods, such as musket balls, buttons, and buckles from the American Civil War.
- Military Artifacts- You could find military-related things like buttons, badges, or even dog tags at some parks with a military heritage.
- Medals and Tokens- On sometimes, metal detectorists come up medals from historical events or other intriguing tokens.
- Historical Artifacts- You can find old tools, machine pieces, and other artifacts from bygone ages.
- Metal Tools and Objects- You may come across a range of metal tools, utensils, and ornamental things.
- Lost Personal Property- Metal detectors may pick up on small, easily lost goods like watches, keys, and other small personal property.
- Fishing Equipment- Because the park is mostly used for water-based sports, you can stumble across lost or abandoned fishing equipment. This might apply to fishing reels, sinkers, hooks, and lures.
Now I’m going to share with you some tips that will help you to achieve possible results with cool findings when metal detecting in state parks in Arkansas.
Most of the below tips were learned by myself while metal detecting in state parks in Arkansas and some were collected by interviewing several local expert detectorists in Arkansas.
So, just keep reading!
Tips for Successful Metal Detecting in Arkansas State Parks
Here are some of my best tips for you to detect metals in Arkansas State Parks
- Examine Park Rules: Before you begin metal detecting, carefully review the policies and procedures of the particular state park where you intend to use the detector.
- Obtain Required Permits: Metal detecting permissions or permits may be needed in some state parks. Before you start detecting, make sure you have acquired all necessary permissions to prevent any fines or penalties.
- Respect the Environment: When metal detecting, always take care to leave as little of an environmental footprint as possible. Fill any holes you make and properly dispose of rubbish.
- Get the Right Equipment: Spend money on a good metal detector appropriate for the terrain and artifacts you hope to find. Make sure everything is functioning properly.
- Be Safe: Be aware of your surroundings and put safety first. Wear suitable clothes and footwear for the terrain and weather conditions, utilize sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Keep a phone on you and a first aid kit for emergencies.
By employing these tips and getting better at metal detecting, you’ll find things in Arkansas easier.
For more info, refer Arkansas State Parks map.
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Is a permit required for metal detecting in Arkansas state parks?
Yes, some parks require a permit for metal detecting. Ensure to inquire about the necessary permissions and obtain them beforehand to comply with each park’s regulations.
What types of items can I expect to find while metal detecting in Arkansas state parks?
Findings vary, but common items include old and modern coins, jewelry, military artifacts, historical relics, and sometimes, lost personal property like keys or watches.
Are there any restrictions on the equipment used for metal detecting in these parks?
Each park may have specific rules regarding equipment. It’s advised to check with park management or refer to their official websites for detailed information on allowed equipment.
Can I keep everything I find while metal detecting in Arkansas state parks?
Yes, in parks like Crater of Diamonds, anything you find is yours to keep. However, always check the specific rules of each park to ensure compliance with their regulations.
What are the best times to metal detect in busy parks like Lake Catherine State Park?
Early morning or late at night are ideal times, as these off-peak hours offer less crowd disturbance and more freedom to explore and detect.
How can I ensure I am respecting the environment while metal detecting?
Always fill any holes you dig, dispose of trash properly, and avoid disturbing wildlife or natural habitats to minimize your environmental impact.
What safety precautions should I take when metal detecting in these parks?
Wear appropriate attire, stay hydrated, be aware of your surroundings, and have a phone and first aid kit handy to ensure your safety while exploring.
Are there local communities or clubs for metal detecting enthusiasts in Arkansas?
Yes, there are metal detecting clubs in Arkansas where enthusiasts share experiences, findings, and tips. Joining these can enrich your metal detecting experience in the state parks.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best State Parks in Arkansas to Metal Detect
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best state parks in Arkansas to metal detect with treasures you can find in them and how you can get permission for each one to visit.
The best state parks in Arkansas for metal detecting include Crater of Diamonds, Crowley’s Ridge, Lake Catherine, Daisy, Lake Charles, Pinnacle Mountain, DeGray Lake Resort, Lake Dardanelle, Village Creek, Woolly Hollow, Lake Ouachita, and Lake Poinsett State Parks. Always check each park’s rules and obtain necessary permits before metal detecting.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you’ve learned all you wanted to know about the best state parks in Arkansas to metal detect including experts’ tips and techniques.
Now it’s time for you to ready the backpack, take your companion metal detector, and visit your nearest state park from the above list for metal detecting like a pro!
Don’t forget to reach out and share your experience. All the best!
