Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden in Oklahoma’s scenic landscapes? Embark on a metal-detecting adventure in its state parks and uncover the past!
Oklahoma, one of the United States’ states, boasts rich biodiversity throughout—from lakes and rivers to rocky ledges and sandy flats; it truly has it all.
In the summer of 2016, I finally seized my opportunity to visit Oklahoma. I joined my local metal detectorist friends and embarked on a treasure-hunting adventure.
Having heard much about metal detecting in Oklahoma, I chose the state parks as my primary destination.
I visited numerous state parks for metal detecting, always with permission from the park authorities and armed with a valid permit.
Through these excursions, I was able to amass a collection of intriguing treasures.
Drawing from my personal experience and the information I gathered from local experts, I am eager to share with you the most metal detector-friendly state parks that you should consider visiting in Oklahoma.
So, here are the best state parks in Oklahoma to metal detect,
- Lake Murray State Park
- Black Mesa State Park
- Beavers Bend State Park
- Greenleaf State Park
- Robbers Cave State Park
- Great Salt Plains State Park
- Alabaster Caverns State Park
- Roman Nose State Park
- Gloss Mountain State Park
- Boiling Springs State Park
But there’s a lot more to know!
So, in this article, I’ll explore the best state parks in Oklahoma to metal detect, considering their historical value.
I will also explain how you can obtain permission and a valid permit for metal detecting in these state parks, as well as the rules you must follow.
So, without further ado let’s jump straight in!
Can You Metal Detect in Oklahoma State Parks?
Yes. You can metal detect in the state parks of Oklahoma, but only with a valid metal detecting permit issued by the park officials or authorities.
Before entering any state park with a metal detector, you must have valid permission issued by the authorities.
Mostly, these permits are issued by the state park officials or the nearest state council office.
After receiving the permission, you will be notified of what you can and cannot do on the side of the park.
While metal detecting, remember these rules and regulations and do your best to adhere to those.
Best State Parks In Oklahoma To Metal Detect
So, let’s discuss the best state parks you should go for metal detecting with all the permissions.
Just keep reading!
1. Lake Murray State Park
Lake Murray State Park is in Carter County near the Ardmore township area. This was established as a state park in 1933 by the government.
This is the largest state park in Oklahoma. People visit the state park to enjoy various outdoor activities and the views of the serene nature surrounding Lake Murray, which is within the state park.
In the state park, other major points of attraction are Tucker Tower Nature Center and the historic artillery range; these establishments give a sneak peek into the local history and the area’s nature.
In the park, people can engage in water-based activities like boating, fishing, and enjoying Tucker Towers natural exhibits, as well as other outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and camping.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. Make sure to get a proper permit issued by the authorities before entering the state park with a metal detector.
While at the state park, I found some coins, jewelry, and other artifacts belonging to various past visitors.
If you plan to visit Lake Murray State Park, starting metal detecting from the hiking trails is better.
2. Black Mesa State Park
Black Mesa State Park is located in Cimarron County near Kenton Township. This was declared a state park in 1936 by the government.
Based on the treasures I’ve collected, Black Mesa State Park is undoubtedly one of the best places in Oklahoma to metal detect.
This state park encompasses the highest point of Oklahoma, the Black Mesa, thus getting the name Black Mesa State Park.
This state park also borders the tri-state border of Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico.
The park allows people to see different geological formations and abundant flora and fauna. The park also offers opportunities for stargazing in the park.
Among the things the park is allowed to do, stargazing is on top of the list, so you can enjoy other outdoor activities like hiking and camping in the park’s territory.
Metal detecting is also allowed in designated areas of the park, and to engage in meal detecting, you need to have a valid permission slip from the authorities.
I could find some coins and other lost possessions from the previous visitors. There have been findings of historical artifacts from the state park, too.
3. Beavers Bend State Park
Beavers Bend State Park is in McCurtain County near the Broken Bow Township. This was declared a state park in 1937, one of the oldest state parks in the state.
There are many attraction points for visitors in this state park. People could see the beautiful Ouachita Mountains from the state park.
Most people also visit the park to see and enjoy outdoor activities in the Mountain Fork River and the Broken Lake.
These areas and attraction points offer people much to do in the state park. These offer excellent fishing opportunities and other water-based activities like rafting and swimming.
The park officials are also allowing metal detecting within designated park areas. Do not forget to get a valid permit to engage in metal detecting in the park.
Among the findings, most were coins, jewelry, and other lost items from the park visitors. If you are leaning on a metal detector in this park, I invite you to start from the banks of the river because you will be rewarded instantly.
4. Greenleaf State Park
Greenleaf State Park is located in Muskogee County in the Braggs town area.
This was declared a state park in 1937, just like the Beavers Bend State Park. This is also one of the oldest site parks on the list.
The park was built or established surrounding Greenleaf Lake, which is the major attraction point in the state park.
People often visit the park to enjoy the serene view of the lake and engage in various water-based outdoor activities.
The park also allows visitors to engage in water-based outdoor activities like fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, rafting, etc.
You can also enjoy other outdoor activities like hiking and camping within the state park.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the state park. Officials require a valid permit before entering the state park for detection.
Among the many things you can find, coins and lost items from previous visitors will be the majority.
5. Robbers Cave State Park
Robbers Cave State Park is in Latimer County near Wilburton Township. This was named a state park in 1935 by the government.
This is the oldest state park in the state, sharing the same year with another state park.
As the name suggests, people speculate that the caves in the park were hiding spots for outlaws back in the day.
People also visit to enjoy this rugged mountain terrain in the park and travel among these caves.
The park offers historical significance to its visitors as well as the freedom to engage in multiple outdoor activities.
Visitors could easily engage in hiking, rappelling, and camping within the park territory.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. It would be best to have a valid permit to engage in metal detecting inside the park.
While in the state park, I found some coins and other lost items in caves. And there are possible rumors of people finding historical artifacts among the caves, too.
6. Great Salt Plains State Park
Great Salt Plains State Park is situated in Alfalfa County near Jet. This was declared a state park in 1941 by the government.
As the name suggests, this is home to one of the few salt flats in the United States of America and the whole world.
Due to these amazing geographical features, people are often tempted to visit the state park.
Another important biological factor is that these salt flats attract many migratory birds. Thus making these flats the ideal place to enjoy birdwatching too.
Apart from these activities, people enjoy selenite crystal diving in the park.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. You need a valid permit to enter the park with a metal detector. The most common thing I found in the Great Salt Plains Park is coins.
7. Alabaster Caverns State Park
Alabaster Caverns State Park is situated in Woods County in Freedom Township. This was established as a state park in the year 1953.
This consists of the largest natural gypsum cave open to the public. This alone marks thousands of people coming into the park each year.
These gypsum caves offer a unique experience in geology and natural biological processes. Those more interested in the stuff can even engage in the guided tours.
The state park also allows people to engage in camping activities, and metal detecting is also allowed. To engage in metakd etecting, you need to have a valid permit from an authority.
Among the things, you can find stuff like coins and other lost possessions from previous visitors.
8. Roman Nose State Park
Roman Nose State Park is located in Blaine County near the Watonga town. This state park was declared in 1937, making it one of the oldest state parks in the state.
People often visit this state park to witness the picturesque rock canyon and stunning landscape features.
Apart from the natural beauty, there is a gold park inside this state park, allowing people to enjoy their downtime by playing golf.
Apart from these activities, the park also allows visitors to engage in camping and hiking. Metal detecting is allowed in the park, too.
To detect metal in the park, you need a valid permit. Coins and lost items from the visitors are the most common things that you can find.
9. Gloss Mountain State Park
Gloss Mountain State Park is located in the Major County, just close to the Fairview town area. This was declared a state park in 1954.
The state park has unique mesas and buttes, which many people visit to see. Apart from that, people also climb the glass mountains to see the panoramic view of the surrounding area.
There are a lot of outdoor activities allowed by the park, like hiking, picnicking, and camping. Metal detecting is also allowed in the park.
And it would be best to have a valid permit to engage in metal detecting activities in the state.
Among the many things you can find, coins and lost items from previous visitors will be the majority.
10. Boiling Springs State Park
Boiling Springs State Park is located in the Woodward County in Woodward city.
This was declared in 1935 as a state park, making it one of the pioneer state parks in the state.
The area in the state park consists of natural springs, which are very popular among visitors. Also, there is a history of native American settlements in the area.
Apart from that, a rich crop of birds in State Park has caught the eye of many birdwatchers on the street and outside the State.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the state. You must acquire a permit from a responsible authority before metal detecting in the park.
I could find coins, some jewelry, and other lost items of previous visitors from detecting in the state park.
There have been rumors of people finding artifacts related to native American settlements from the state park, too. So if you are lucky, you can find some too.
That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best state parks in Oklahoma to metal detect with the techniques you can use to find treasures.
Let me share with you several tips that I followed while I was metal detecting in Oklahoma state parks to collect cool findings in Oklahoma without any issues.
Some of the below tips were gathered by interviewing some local expert metal detectorists in Oklahoma.
So, just keep reading!
Tips For Successful Metal Detecting In Oklahoma State Parks
That is all about the state parks you can metal detect in Oklahoma. Here are some tips and tricks I used during metal detecting in state parks in Oklahoma.
Research
To have success in any metal detecting session, it is a must to have good research.
Good research will save you time and prevent you from wasting energy on invaluable stuff and money.
If you’re interested in learning more about metal detecting in state parks, better to join a metal detecting club in Oklahoma and engage with experts since they know more than we all do.
Metal Detector
Having a good metal detector is a must to have a successful metal-detecting session. A good metal detector is one that you know how to adjust and control the settings in any given situation.
Technique
When metal detecting in the field, always conform to a technique that is easy and repeatable. Don’t go hard on yourself; have a nice and easy technique.
Oklahoma’s state parks span over 80,000 acres, offering vast landscapes for metal-detecting enthusiasts.
ocpathink.org
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Is a permit required for metal detecting in Oklahoma state parks?
Yes, a valid metal detecting permit issued by park officials or the nearest state council office is mandatory for metal detecting in Oklahoma state parks.
Which state park in Oklahoma is the largest and potentially good for metal detecting?
Lake Murray State Park is the largest state park in Oklahoma and offers diverse opportunities for metal detecting, especially on its hiking trails.
Can you find historical artifacts while metal detecting in Oklahoma’s state parks?
Yes, it is possible to find historical artifacts while metal detecting in Oklahoma’s state parks, particularly in areas with a rich past, like Robbers Cave State Park, known for its association with outlaws.
Where is a good starting point for metal detecting in Beavers Bend State Park?
The banks of the river in Beavers Bend State Park are recommended as a starting point for metal detecting as they can yield instant rewards.
Are there any specific rules for metal detecting within Oklahoma state parks?
Each park has specific rules and designated areas for metal detecting, which will be outlined when you obtain your permit from the park authorities.
What kind of items are commonly found when metal detecting in Oklahoma state parks?
Common finds include coins, jewelry, and other lost items from visitors, with occasional discoveries of more significant artifacts.
Is metal detecting allowed in all areas of Oklahoma state parks?
Metal detecting is allowed in Oklahoma state parks but only within designated areas as stipulated by the authorities upon issuing a permit.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best State Parks In Oklahoma To Metal Detect
In this article, I deeply discussed the best state parks in Oklahoma to metal detect and how to can get permission from each state park to get a valid metal detecting permit in detail.
The best state parks in Oklahoma for metal detecting include Lake Murray State Park for its size and varied terrain, Robbers Cave State Park for historical artifacts, and Beavers Bend State Park, offering fruitful river banks. Always obtain a permit and adhere to park-specific regulations.
Furthermore, I’ve answered frequently asked questions as well.
I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best state parks in Oklahoma for metal detecting including experts’ tips.
As I said don’t forget your permit before entering the state parks and do teh treasure hunting with all the permission of the park officials. Happy treasure hunting in adventures Oklahoma state parks!
