Have you ever wondered what hidden treasures lie beneath Arkansas’ diverse landscapes? Join us as we uncover the top metal detecting spots in this explorer’s paradise!
Among the states in America, Arkansas stands out for its immense geographic diversity. Spanning 53,179 square miles, it offers a range of environments, from mountains and forests to rivers and plains.
Whether you reside there or are planning a visit, Arkansas is a treasure trove for hunters, a true paradise for detectorists.
In 2018, I embarked on a road trip across Arkansas, exploring various locations including state parks, ghost towns, and other hidden spots ideal for metal detecting.
During my journey, I had the opportunity to speak with several expert local detectorists in Arkansas, gaining valuable insights into the state’s terrain.
Drawing on my experiences and the information I gathered from these expert Arkansans, I am excited to share with you the top locations for treasure hunting that you simply must visit.
Here are the best places to metal detect in Arkansas,
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Alum Fork Saline River
- Lake Catherine State Park
- Cossatot River
- Village Creek State Park
- Daisy State Park
- Lake Charles State Park
- Woolly Hollow State Park
- Crowley’s Ridge State Park
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- DeGray Lake Resort State Park
- Lake Dardanelle State Park
- Ouachita National Forest
- Lake Ouachita State Park
- Lake Poinsett State Park
- Riverfront East Park
- Monte Ne
But there’s a lot more to know about those locations!
In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Arkansas, how to get to those locations, and what treasures are likely to be found.
Plus, I’ll explain the latest 2023 metal detecting rules you need to follow in each location to avoid common issues that can happen when metal detecting.
So, let’s dig in!
Best Places in Arkansas to Metal Detect
A fantastic state for metal detecting is Arkansas. The state has a varied topography, including lakes, rivers, woods, mountains, and prairies.
The history of the state is very lengthy. When European settlers came to Arkansas in the 1500s, they coexisted alongside the Caddo, Quapaw, and Osage Native American tribes.
So come along with me on this adventure as I discuss metal detecting in Arkansas in detail.
1. Crater of Diamonds State Park
For rock hounds and treasure seekers, the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is a distinctive and well-liked location.
This state park permits visitors to partake in the exciting pastime of gemstone and diamond hunting on the park grounds, something that is not permitted in most other state parks.
Although the main attraction is diamond hunting, the park also allows metal detecting as long as visitors follow certain rules to improve their overall experience.
To help with their treasure-hunting, visitors to the Crater of Diamonds State Park are permitted to bring their own metal detectors.
The park staff encourages the appropriate use of metal detectors since they understand how useful they can be in finding hidden treasure.
In addition to seeking out valuable gemstones, metal detectorists are permitted to search the park for a variety of metallic objects that may be strewn around.
According to my experience and the treasures I collected, Crater Diamonds State Park is one of the best state parks in Arkansas to metal detect.
Location
The park known as Crater of Diamonds is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The park may be found at 209 State Park Road, Murfreesboro, Arkansas 71958.
The state capital of Little Rock is two hours drive away from the area, which lies in southwest Arkansas.
How to Get Into Crater of Diamonds State Park
The most practical route to get to Crater of Diamonds State Park from an airport is to fly into Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), in Little Rock, Arkansas.
This major airport is around 114 miles away from the park. Once you’ve left the airport, find a car rental company by following the signs, then pick a vehicle that meets your needs.
After obtaining your rental vehicle, proceed along Interstate 440 West until you reach Interstate 30 West. After traveling about 110 miles on I-30, use Exit 78 to merge onto US-70 West, which will lead to Glenwood.
The town nearest to Crater of Diamonds State Park is Murfreesboro, Arkansas; continue on US-70 West for approximately 4 miles after that.
Things You Can Find In Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Diamonds
- Gemstones
- Civil Relic Artifacts
- Jewels
2. Alum Fork Saline River
Discovering buried gems beneath the riverbanks and adjacent regions may be an interesting and fulfilling outdoor pastime for metal detectorists in Alum Fork Saline River, Arkansas.
Because of its extensive history and wide variety of artifacts that are just waiting to be found, the Alum Fork Saline River, which traverses the lovely state of Arkansas, is a great place for metal detecting enthusiasts.
Being aware of the rules and regulations is important to keep in mind when metal detecting in this location.
It is important to confirm with local officials, such as the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, or the particular county’s restrictions controlling Alum Fork Saline River, even though metal detecting is normally allowed in many public sites.
Location
Saline County in the state of Arkansas is home to the picturesque and historically significant Alum Fork Saline River.
How to Get Into Alum Fork Saline River
To reach the Alum Fork Saline River in Arkansas, you can start your journey from the nearest airport, usually Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock.
From the airport, head west on Airport Road and merge onto I-440 West, then continue along I-440 West where it connects with I-30 West.
Drive west on I-30 for about 56 miles, then take Exit 111 on US-67 South toward Malvern/Arkadelphia.
Continue south on US-67 for about 27 miles until you reach Malvern. From Malvern, follow the signs for State Highway 171 north and you’ll easily reach the Alum Fork Saline River area.
Things You Can Find In Alum Fork Saline River
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Arkansas!
3. Lake Catherine State Park
This state park is one of the most well-known ones because of the activities the lake provides. Lake Catherine is one of the Ouachita Mountains’ five lakes.
Traveling is made easy by the proximity to Hot Springs and the abundance of activities available.
Remember that metal detecting is only allowed in close proximity to beaches and bodies of water.
Because it’s a busy park, time your detection for early in the morning or late at night. Large groups of people will be less likely to cause disturbances on the beach.
Location
Lake Catherine State Park is located in the American city of Hot Springs. It is situated on the southern shore of Lake Catherine, a portion of the Ouachita River watershed.
Lake Catherine State Park is situated at 1200 Catherine Park Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913.
How to Get Into Lake Catherine State Park
These directions will get you to Lake Catherine State Park from the closest major airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Proceed on Airport Road in a southwesterly direction, then turn right onto the Airport Exit Road and join I-440 West.
Proceed on I-440 West and turn right onto I-30 West in the direction of Texarkana. After about 20 miles, take Exit 111 and head south on AR-171 toward Malvern/Hot Springs.
Go about 12 miles on AR-171 South. It’s only a short drive from Lake Catherine State Park, where you’ll notice signs pointing the way.
Things You Can Find In Lake Catherine State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
4. Cossatot River
Southwest Arkansas’s Cossatot River is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, dangerous whitewater rapids, and the plethora of outdoor recreational activities.
Make sure you have all the licenses and authorization required by local and state legislation before organizing a metal-detecting trip in the Cossatot River region.
While doing this activity, take into consideration the surrounding surroundings and other park users.
When you go on your metal-detecting expeditions, make sure to properly dispose of any garbage or stuff you find. Leave no trace.
How to Get Into Cossatot River
You can reach Cossatot River State Park from the nearest airport which is Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK).
Exit the airport and head north on Airport Drive and then south onto AR-245 North/N State Line Avenue.
Continue on AR-245 North for about 11 miles until you reach US-71 North. Merge onto US-71 North and drive about 17 miles until you reach the town of Wickes, Arkansas.
In Wickes, follow the signs to Cosatote River State Park, located east of town. You can reach the park entrance by continuing along this path.
Things You Can Find In Cossatot River
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Buried Treasure
5. Village Creek State Park
Tucked away in the peaceful environs of eastern Arkansas near Wynne, Village Creek State Park offers thrill-seekers an exhilarating outdoor adventure.
This large park offers a wide range of activities, from camping under the stars to hiking the stunning paths that wind through the forested surroundings.
For those who are interested, metal detecting can enhance the natural beauty of the park by providing an additional avenue for exploration and learning.
Location
Village Creek State Park is located in the American state of Arkansas. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, particularly near the town of Wynne.
Village Creek State Park can be found at 201 County Road 754, Village Creek State Park, Wynne, AR 72396.
How to Get Into Village Creek State Park
You can access Village Creek State Park from the nearest airport, which is Memphis International Airport (MEM).
First, you need to exit from the airport and head east on Winchester Road. Merge onto I-240 East and proceed approximately 11 miles.
Then, take Exit 20A to join I-40 East toward Nashville and drive about 51 miles. Take Exit 241 for AR-284 toward Wynne/Cherry Valley, then turn left onto AR-284 South.
Drive south along that road for about 11 miles. Now you will take a right at your destination, Village Creek State Park.
Things You Can Find In Village Creek State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
6. Daisy State Park
The park is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and water-based activities.
Daisy State Park is another popular state park for metal detecting. It is located in the Ouachita Mountains.
The Little Missouri River meets Lake Greeson in the center of this state park. There is an amazing amount of beach to explore at Daisy State Park.
Daisy State Park is a great place for anyone who wishes to start metal detecting.
Not one of the busier state parks, so you won’t have to worry as much about high traffic or making mistakes.
Location
Daisy State Park is located in the US city of Kirby, Arkansas. Situated on the shoreline of Lake Greeson, it is in Pike County. Park Daisy State, East Park, 103 AR 71950 Kirby is the location of the park.
How to Get Into Daisy State Park
You should start your journey from the nearest airport which is Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK).
Exit the airport and go north on Airport Drive, then take a left onto US-67 North. Continue along US-67 North for about 30 miles until you reach the town of Arkadelphia.
In Arkadelphia, take Exit 26 for Caddo Valley/AR-7 South, then turn right onto AR-7.
Then, drive south for about 45 miles, and you’ll find the entrance to Daisy State Park on your left.
Things You Can Find In Daisy State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
7. Lake Charles State Park
Lake Charles State Park, which offers a variety of beaches to explore, surrounds a lake that is around 700 acres in size.
There are 60 different campsites to pick from if you want to spend a lot of time in nature.
Insects can be more aggressive in the summer, so make sure you’re prepared to deal with them. If you go for a weekend trip to Charles State Park, you’ll love it.
This park is among the ones that are heavily secured. For this reason, you need permission to metal detect as well as authorization to enter.
Sometimes metal detecting is only allowed for lost objects, but if you get permission from the authorities, you can start and carry on for a long.
Location
Lake Charles State Park is in Powhatan, Arkansas, in the United States. It is situated in Randolph County, near the town of Walnut Ridge. The location of the park is 3705 Highway 25, Powhatan, AR 72458.
How to Get Into Lake Charles State Park
You can access Lake Charles State Park from the nearest airport, Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH).
Exit the airport and head north on Airport Drive, then merge onto LA-385 North.
Continue north on LA-385 for about 7 miles and you will reach Lake Charles State Park on your right.
Things You Can Find In Lake Charles State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
8. Woolly Hollow State Park
Woolly Hollow State Park is located in Greenbrier, about 20 miles north of Conway. Within the park lies a lake known as Bennett.
The Soil Conservation Service dug out this artificial lake during the 1930s.
It is evident that there is a large beach. It becomes incredibly busy in the summer, so schedule your visits for when you’ll have the most time to explore.
Again, concentrate your search engine optimization on the busiest foot traffic locations.
Despite the lake’s small size of 40 acres, a significant amount of its shoreline is covered by the beach.
You need authorization before you may go metal detecting in a park, and that permit will outline your restrictions.
Location
Woolly Hollow State Park is located in the state of Arkansas in the United States. It’s in the north-central part of the state, not far from Greenbrier.
Woolly Hollow State Park is located at Greenbrier, Arkansas 72058-82. Road Woolly Hollow Park at Woolly Hollow State.
How to Get Into Woolly Hollow State Park
You can reach Woolly Hollow State Park from Little Rock’s closest airport, Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT).
Exit the airport and head east on Airport Road. Continue on I-440 until it merges into I-440 West and becomes I-40 West.
Then, drive west on I-40 for about 32 miles, then take Exit 125 on US-65 North toward Conway/Greenbrier.
Merge onto US-65 North and drive about 6 miles. Take Exit 125A for Dave Ward Drive. Turn left onto Dave Ward Drive and after 4 miles turn left onto Woolley Hollow Road.
Continue on Woolly Hollow Road for about 2 miles and now your destination is near, you will see Woolly Hollow State Park.
Things You Can Find In Woolly Hollow State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
9. Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is one of the few locations in Arkansas where metal detecting is allowed on state-owned land.
A 2006 regulation permitted the practice of metal detecting in nine state parks throughout the state.
An old CCC camp can be seen in Crowley’s Ridge State Park in northeastern Arkansas.
However, metal detecting is only allowed in the lake and nearby beach areas of the park. The 31-acre lake next to Crowley’s Ridge has two beaches available to visitors.
Location
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is located in northeastern Arkansas, specifically in the town of Paragould. The park is situated on Crowley’s Ridge, a unique geological formation that runs from southeast Missouri to northeastern Arkansas.
How to Get Into Crowley’s Ridge State Park
You can get into Crowley’s Ridge State Park from the nearest airport, which is Memphis International Airport (MEM).
Exit the airport and head east on Winchester Road. Merge onto I-240 East and proceed approximately 11 miles.
Then, take Exit 29B to merge onto I-55 North toward St. Louis and drive about 67 miles. Take Exit 57 for AR-284 toward Blytheville/Osceola, then turn left onto AR-284 South.
Then, continue on AR-284 for 11 miles and you will enter Crowley’s Ridge State Park on your right.
Things You Can Find In Crowley’s Ridge State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
10. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Situated to the west of Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, Pinnacle Mountain serves as the main attraction of this physically diverse state park.
This day-use park in the Arkansas Arboretum offers a variety of outdoor activities beside the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain areas of this park near Little Rock, but you have to get permission and follow park rules.
Local artifacts include tents, aluminum foil, tin cans, jewelry, camping pegs, and scams.
Of all the places listed, this state park is the one where I was most successful because of the massive number of people that visit it every day for camping, fishing, and the breathtaking scenery.
Location
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located in the state of Arkansas in the United States. More specifically, it’s in central Arkansas, not far from Little Rock.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock, Arkansas 72223.
How to Get Into Pinnacle Mountain State Park
You can access Pinnacle Mountain State Park from Little Rock’s closest airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT).
First you need to exit the airport and head east on Airport Road. Continue on I-440 until it merges into I-440 West and becomes I-30 West.
Then, drive west on I-30 for about 12 miles, then take exit 128 for AR-10 West/Cantrell Road.
Turn left onto Cantrell Road and drive about 6 miles, then turn right onto Pinnacle Valley Road. Follow Pinnacle Valley Road for approximately 2 miles and you will now enter Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
Things You Can Find In Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
11. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
In the stunning southwest of Arkansas, DeGray Lake Resort State Park provides a tranquil sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts.
The centerpiece of the park, the DeGray Lake Recreation Area, provides a range of outdoor pursuits, such as boating, fishing, hiking, metal detecting, camping, and even an 18-hole golf course.
While metal detecting is frequently allowed at Arkansas state parks, interested visitors should contact the park administration to find out the specific guidelines and areas that are allowed.
Location
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is located in the American state of Arkansas. It is situated in the southwest of the state, not far from the city of Arkadelphia.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is situated at 2027 State Park Entrance Road in Bismarck, Arkansas 71929.
How to Get Into DeGray Lake Resort State Park
You can reach DeGray Lake Resort State Park from the nearest airport, Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock.
Exit the airport and head east on Airport Road. Continue on I-440 until it merges into I-440 West and becomes I-30 West.
Then, drive 58 miles west on I-30, then take Exit 78 on AR-7 South toward Caddo Valley/Hot Springs.
Merge onto AR-7 south and continue for about 2 miles, then take the exit for DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Now you can follow the signs to the park entrance.
Things You Can Find In DeGray Lake Resort State Park
- Antique Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
12. Lake Dardanelle State Park
Lake Dardanelle is a 34,000-acre reservoir with multiple beaches and a long history. In actuality, it is located along the Trail of Tears’ river path.
If you’re interested in this kind of history, you can participate in a number of other events and go on a park tour.
Get access to Russellville’s busiest beaches within the park. It’s actually split into two distinct regions, although the Russellville section of the state park is the better option.
You might go fishing in addition to visiting the aquariums.
You need authorization before you may go metal detecting in a park, and that permit will outline your restrictions.
Local artifacts include tents, aluminum foil, tin cans, jewelry, camping pegs, and scams.
Of all the places listed, this state park is the one where I was most successful because of the massive number of people that visit it every day for camping, fishing, and the breathtaking scenery.
Location
Lake Dardanelle State Park is located in the US state of Arkansas. It’s in the Arkansas River Valley, not far from Russellville. Russellville, Arkansas’s Lake Dardanelle State Park may be found at 100 State Park Drive.
How to Get Into Lake Dardanelle State Park
To access Lake Dardanelle State Park, you can start your journey from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), the closest airport in Little Rock.
Leave the airport and head west on Airport Road. Continue on I-440 until it merges into I-440 West and becomes I-40 West.
Then, drive west on I-40 for about 70 miles, then take Exit 81 on AR-7 South toward Russellville/Dardanelle.
Merge onto AR-7 south and follow it for about 9 miles until you reach Lake Dardanelle State Park. Now your destination, the park entrance will be on your left.
Things You Can Find In Lake Dardanelle State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
13. Ouachita National Forest
One of the many outdoor activities available in the large and diverse Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas is metal detecting.
It’s important to know the current regulations and get the required permits before you start your metal-detecting expedition in the Ouachita National Forest.
These laws are frequently put into place to safeguard the forest’s natural resources as well as any potential historical or cultural assets.
It is generally advised that those who enjoy metal detecting confine their efforts to specific regions of the forest.
This minimizes any possible harm to delicate ecosystems while preserving the forest’s natural integrity and beauty.
Location
Much of the Ouachita Mountains region is contained within the boundaries of the Ouachita National Forest, which is situated in the US state of Arkansas.
This enormous and varied forest covers more than 1.8 million acres, making it the state’s largest national forest.
How to Get Into Ouachita National Forest
You can start your journey to the Ouachita National Forest from the nearest airport, Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT).
Exit the airport and head west onto Airport Road. Continue on I-440 until it merges into I-440 West and becomes I-30 West.
Then, drive west on I-30 for about 18 miles, then take Exit 117 for US-70 West/Arch Street Pike.
Remember to join the pike at Arch Street and head south for about 9 miles until you reach the Ouachita National Forest.
Things You Can Find In Ouachita National Forest
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Buried Treasure
14. Lake Ouachita State Park
For the metal-detecting community, being able to explore the Lake Ouachita region is a fantastic gift.
The lake covers 40,000 acres of land, making it the largest in Arkansas. If you live in Mountain Pine, there are other cities nearby that offer excellent entertainment.
You should always try to find treasures in the park close to the shore and the ocean. Such a large tract of land that is detectable is really unique.
Old coins, military memorials, buttons, bullet fragments, and other objects from the era can all be found in the park.
Location
Lake Ouachita State Park is located in the American state of Arkansas. It is situated in the middle of the state, close to the city of Hot Springs.
The location of Lake Ouachita State Park is 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine, AR 71956.
How to Get Into Lake Ouachita State Park
You can start your journey to Lake Ouachita State Park from Little Rock’s closest airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT).
Exit the airport and go west on Airport Road and merge onto I-440 West. Continue on I-440 until it becomes I-30 West and drive about 70 miles.
Take Exit 97 for US-270 West/US-70 West toward Hot Springs and merge onto Albert Pike Road.
Ouachita State Park is on your left and you will need to travel along Albert Pike Road for about 10 miles to reach it.
Things You Can Find In Lake Ouachita State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
15. Lake Poinsett State Park
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Lake Poinsett State Park provides a serene haven in the breathtaking northeastern region of Arkansas.
The park offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and metal detecting, all of which are encircled by beautiful trees, a tranquil lake, and an abundance of animals.
Metal detecting adds to the area’s natural beauty by giving visitors the chance to find hidden gems while abiding by the law and protecting the park’s pristine environment.
Location
Lake Poinsett State Park is located in the American state of Arkansas. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, close to the town of Harrisburg.
The location of Lake Poinsett State Park is 13225 Lake Poinsett Road, Harrisburg, Arkansas 72432.
How to Get Into Lake Poinsett State Park
You can start your journey from Memphis International Airport (MEM), which is the closest airport to reach Lake Poinsett State Park.
Exit the airport and go east on Winchester Road and merge onto I-240 East. Continue on I-240 East for about 6 miles, then take Exit 20A to merge onto I-40 East toward Nashville.
Drive east on I-40 for about 70 miles. Merge onto US-63 South by taking Exit 80 for US-63 South toward Wynne/Marked Tree.
Follow US-63 South for about 10 miles and you will come to Lake Poinsett State Park on your left.
Things You Can Find In Lake Poinsett State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
16. Riverfront East Park
The eight-acre Riverfront East Park is situated directly beside the Arkansas River in Little Rock. You can find a lot of treasure by searching near waterways.
Your chances of finding something truly remarkable increase with the amount of time you have to investigate moving water.
You’ll be delighted if you visit this park on the weekend or during your lunch break.
Policies and rules regarding metal detecting might differ from park to park and may change over time.
Therefore, for the most current and correct information about metal detecting in Riverfront East Park, I advise you to get in touch with the park administration or local law enforcement.
Location
Situated beside the Arkansas River, Riverfront East Park is a part of Little Rock, Arkansas.
How to Get Into Riverfront East Park
New York Skyports Seaplane Base (NYS) airport is your closest route to access Riverfront East Park.
You can take Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive (FDR Drive) south from Seaplane Base.
Continue along the FDR Drive for about 4 miles and you will reach Riverfront East Park.
Things You Can Find In Riverfront East Park
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Jewels
17. Monte Ne
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains lies a ghost town called Monte Ne. It was founded in the 1930s, in contrast to a lot of other Arkansas ghost towns.
The majority of ghost towns collapsed because their economy depended on ephemeral industries like logging or mining.
Nevertheless, Monte Ne’s failure was a result of its tourism-based economy.
William Hope Harvey, the town’s creator, intended for Monte Ne to be a health resort. Harvey envisioned the town serving the wealthiest segments of the American population.
Tragically, those at the pinnacle of American society showed no interest. The settlement was soon abandoned, and in 1964 Beaver Lake drowned it.
The location is accessible for metal detection with the consent of the local authorities.
Location
Near the city of Rogers, in the northwest portion of Arkansas, sits the historic town of Monte Ne. Located alongside Beaver Lake’s coasts
How to Get Into Monte Ne
The closest airport to Monte Ne is Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA).
First, you need to exit the airport and go west on Airport Blvd. Turn right onto AR-264 West and continue for about 6 miles.
Then, take a left on AR-94 West and drive about 8 miles. Now you have reached Monte Ne.
Things You Can Find In Monte Ne
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
- Buried Treasure
Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Arkansas
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Arkansas with their historical importance and metal detecting capabilities and rules you need to follow.
Now let me tell you several tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in Arkansas which helped me to find cool treasures and to avoid many metal detecting problems that can commonly occur.
Some of the below tips were collected by interviewing some of the expert local metal detectorists in Arkansas.
So, just keep reading!
Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Arkansas
- Obtain necessary permits for state parks.
- Research the historical background of the area.
- Plan visits during less crowded times.
- Bring appropriate gear for varied terrains.
- Respect environmental conservation rules.
- Stay informed about local metal detecting laws.
- Report any significant historical finds.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Practice responsible hole digging and filling.
- Join local metal detecting clubs for insights and companionship.
Metal Detecting Laws in Arkansas
Depending on where you reside in Arkansas, different laws apply to metal detecting.
In addition, it can be against the law to dig or disturb the environment in any other way, and any valuable finds have to be reported legally to the relevant authorities.
In Arkansas, metal detecting necessitates following local ordinances, protecting the environment, and obtaining any necessary licenses or permits.
Let’s look into specific locations to see if metal detecting is permitted.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect in Arkansas State Parks?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed in Arkansas State Parks, but it is important to contact the particular state park office you are interested in visiting to find out about the rules and secure the required permits.
Metal detecting is allowed from the day after Labor Day until the weekend before Memorial Day. This activity can be done between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Sunday through Saturday.
Individuals must fill out and carry a registration form while metal detecting.
The use of digging tools and the size of holes made will be subject to specific rules.
Items with historical or archaeological importance cannot be taken. Park staff should be informed immediately if such items are found.
Found valuables (excluding coins in circulation) should be left at the park office. They will be held for 30 days, as per Arkansas Lost and Found laws, to allow the original owner to claim them.
A found property report must be filled out before leaving the park. If no one claims the item within 30 days, the person who found it may keep it.
Occasionally, metal detecting may be restricted to specific regions of the park, with access to other areas prohibited.
Additionally, there may be restrictions on the gear you can bring, environmental protection guidelines, and historical object preservation guidelines.
To have an excellent experience, it is recommended to visit the park’s official website or get in touch with the management for information on the rules and regulations pertaining to metal detecting.
They have up-to-date, accurate information about the metal-detecting opportunities in the state park you’ve chosen.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect in Arkansas Ghost Towns?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed in Arkansas Ghost Towns, but depending on who owns the land, there may be varied rules regarding metal detecting in Arkansas ghost towns.
Before beginning any metal detecting operations, it is imperative to get permission from the landlord if the ghost town is situated on private property.
In every circumstance, private property rights must be respected.
It’s a good idea to check the exact laws and licenses needed for metal detecting if the ghost town is situated on public grounds, such as national forests or state-owned land.
It is advisable to get in touch with the relevant authorities or consult the corresponding land management organizations to make sure that any limits or requirements involving metal detecting on public land are followed.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect in Arkansas National Forest Service Land?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed in Arkansas National Forest Service Lands, but depending on the particular forest district and its management plans, different rules may apply.
The easiest approach to get the most current and accurate information about metal detecting guidelines and required permits is to visit the National Forest Service website or call the local office.
It’s important to remember, though, that metal detecting might not be allowed in some regions of the NFS lands.
Is It Legal to Metal Detect in Arkansas Rivers?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed on the Arkansas rivers, however, it’s important to be aware of some guidelines and limitations.
Since riverbank property and use might vary, it’s important to ascertain the precise legal status of the region you intend to visit.
On public lands and waterways, metal detecting is permitted, but in privately held locations, you could need permission or a permit.
A pleasurable and responsible metal-detecting adventure on Arkansas Rivers will be more likely if you respect the environment and follow any rules that may be in effect.
In Arkansas, over 75,000 diamonds have been found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park since it became a state park in 1972, including the famous 40.23-carat “Uncle Sam,” the largest diamond ever discovered in the U.S.
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So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What are the legal requirements for metal detecting in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, metal detecting is subject to the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, which prohibits removing artifacts over 100 years old from public lands; you’ll need written permission for private land.
Are there any popular historical sites in Arkansas for metal detecting?
Historical sites like Fort Smith and the Massard Prairie area are popular for metal detecting due to their Civil War history.
What are some of the best metal detectors for Arkansas terrain?
Multi-terrain detectors like the Minelab Equinox 800 are recommended for Arkansas’s diverse landscapes.
Can you find gold while metal detecting in Arkansas?
The Arkansas River and its headwaters are known spots for finding gold and other valuable ores in Arkansas.
What types of relics can you find in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you can find Civil War relics, old coins, Native American artifacts, and occasionally, historical jewelry.
What should you do if you find an artifact over 100 years old?
Artifacts over 100 years old, if found, should be reported to the authorities as per the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Arkansas
In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Arkansas with the latest metal detecting rules and how to get to each place from the nearest Airport.
The best places to metal detect in Arkansas include Crater of Diamonds State Park, Alum Fork Saline River, Lake Catherine State Park, Cossatot River, Village Creek State Park, Daisy State Park, Lake Charles State Park, Woolly Hollow State Park, Crowley’s Ridge State Park, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions.
Hope you learned all you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in Arkansas including experts’ tips.
Select your next metal-detecting location in Arkansas from the above list, take all the permissions, and start treasure hunting like a pro!
