Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden beneath Virginia’s rich soil? From its historical battlefields to picturesque beaches, Virginia is a treasure hunter’s paradise. Join us as we delve into the best places to metal detect in this historic state – who knows what you might unearth?
Throughout the many years of my activity as a metal detectorist, one of my greatest pleasures has been traveling to different places and enjoying the varied conditions and environments of metal detecting.
On this journey, having explored most of the states in the United States of America, I was keen to visit Virginia.
However, a friend of mine, also an avid metal detectorist, advised me to take my time with Virginia.
Therefore, I planned to spend at least three months there in May 2019. After spending time and visiting all the fantastic sites Virginia offers, I understood why my friend had made such a statement before my visit.
Virginia is replete with beautiful places, particularly appealing to metal detectorists like us.
From beaches and state parks to ghost towns and countless other sites, Virginia has everything a metal detectorist could wish for.
Upon returning home, I decided to share my incredible journey to Virginia with my readers, drawing upon my experiences and the information I gathered from expert Virginians.
So, here are the best places to metal detect in Virginia,
- Little Island Park Beach
- Chesapeake Beach
- Ocean View Beach Park
- Virginia Beach
- Croatan Beach
- Buckroe Beach
- Yorktown Beach
- Bear Creek Lake State Park
- Halliday Lake State Park
- Hungry Mother State Park
- Twin Lakes State Park
- Claytor Lake State Park
- Lake Anna State Park
- Lignite Ghost Town
- Ca Ira Ghost Town
- Portugee Ghost Town
- Wash Woods Ghost Town
But that’s just a quick overview of the places!
In this article, I will explain each of the best places to metal detect in Virginia and what you can look forward to finding in these places.
Apart from that, I will also be directing you to visit these places from the Norfolk International Airport, which is the airport where I landed in Virginia.
Plus, I thought of explaining metal detecting policies and laws in Virginia to my readers and spare them any legal hassle they might face.
So, let’s jump in!
Best Places to Metal Detect in Virginia
Now, let’s look at some of the best places in Virginia for metal detecting. These are all my favorites, and sometimes, these might vary from metal detectorist to metal detectorist.
These are arranged in the order of closeness from the Norfolk International Airport, from which I entered Virginia.
Going in the order will save you time on the road if you plan to visit all these places.
1. Little Island Park Beach
Little Island Park Beach is close to the Virginia Beach town in Virginia Beach OCunty.
This is a public beach, and people can do anything they want, the limits allowed by the park officials.
Most people visit the beach to sunbathe and swim in the ocean. There is a picturesque fishing pier to go along with these, too.
Metal detecting is allowed on the beach, where you need a permit to enter the beach with a metal detector.
Searching in crowd-gathering areas and the towel line will give you the maximum yield while metal detecting.
How To Get To Little Island Park Beach
- Take I-64 E via the ramp to Virginia Beach.
- Take exit 282 to merge onto US-13 S/US-460 E.
- Continue to follow US-13 S.
- Turn left onto Sandbridge Road.
Things You Can Find In Little Island Park Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Virginia!
2. Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach is situated close to Norfolk town in Norfolk County. This is also a public beach in which you can enjoy most of the things within its territories.
This beach offers visitors a lovely sandy beach setting with historical ties to the Civil War. You can visit the famous Chesapeake Beach Bridge tunnel while on the beach.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area, and it is necessary to get a permit before metal detecting. Searching in the crowd-gathering regions will help you get more findings while metal detecting.
How To Get To Chesapeake Beach
- Take I-64 E via the ramp to Virginia Beach.
- Take exit 282 to merge onto US-13 S/US-460 E.
- Continue to follow US-13 S.
- Turn left onto Chesapeake Boulevard.
Things You Can Find In Chesapeake Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
3. Ocean View Beach Park
Ocean View Beach Park is also located near the Norfolk area in Norfolk County.
This is also a public beach that most locals and foreigners visit.
The beach has multiple attraction points apart from the new sandy beaches. There is a fishing pier and a playground for people to enjoy.
There are ties with early 20th-century resorts in the area, too.
Metal detecting is allowed with a valid permit in hand. Looking in the towel line and near the pier will give you the most yield by metal detecting.
How To Get To Ocean View Beach Park
- Take I-64 E via the ramp to Virginia Beach.
- Take exit 279 for US-60 E/Granby Street toward Naval Base.
- Merge onto Granby Street/US-60 E.
- Continue to follow US-60 E.
- Turn left onto E Ocean View Avenue.
Things You Can Find In Ocean View Beach Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
4. Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is located in the independent city of Virginia. This is the most famous beach in the state.
The beach offers so much to the visitors.
There is a long stretch of sandy beach where people can enjoy. Apart from that, a boardwalk with shops and restaurants, an aquarium, and a marine science center are nearby.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area. As this is a popular tourist destination, searching anywhere will lead to interesting findings.
Based on my experience, Virginia Beach is one of the best beaches in Northern Virginia to metal detect.
How To Get To Virginia Beach
- Take I-64 E via the ramp to Virginia Beach.
- Take exit 284A to merge onto US-17 S/N US Highway 17 S toward J. Clyde Morris Boulevard.
- Merge onto US-17 S/N US highway 17 S.
- Continue to follow US-17 S.
- Turn left onto 25th Street.
Things You Can Find In Virginia Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
5. Croatan Beach
Croatan Beach is located near Virginia Beach town, too. This a quiet beach area compared to the nearby Virginia Beach.
People are primarily attracted here to have an excellent quiet time while absorbing the tranquil nature of the beach.
There are some interesting architectural monuments nearby that you can visit too.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area, but you must have a valid permit. Searching in the shade and shallow water areas will give you the maximum outcome if you plan to visit the beach.
How To Get To Croatan Beach
- Merge onto I-64 E via the ramp to Virginia Beach.
- Take exit 284B to merge onto Pacific Ave toward Rudee Inlet.
- Continue to follow Pacific Avenue.
- Turn right onto S Atlantic Avenue.
Things You Can Find In Croatan Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
6. Buckroe Beach
Buckroe Beach is located near Hampton Town in Hampton County. This is famous among the locals for the historic amusement park located here.
Most people visit the area to have an excellent time looking at the tranquil waters of the sea and enjoy some time in the playground and the fishing pier nearby.
Metal detecting is one of the activities the officials allow in the beach area. You will find some fantastic finds by looking in the shading area and the towel line.
How To Get To Buckroe Beach
- Take I-64 E via the ramp to Virginia Beach.
- Take exit 267B for I-664 S toward Downtown Newport News.
- Merge onto I-664 S.
- Take exit 4 for US-258 N/Mercury Boulevard toward James River Bridge.
- Continue to follow US-258 N.
- Turn right onto N 1st Street.
Things You Can Find In Buckroe Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
7. Yorktown Beach
Yorktown is situated in York County. This is also one of the public beaches in Virginia.
This offers lovely scenic views of the York River and the Colonial National Historical Park. This historically significant site dates back to the American Revolutionary War ties.
Among the many things accepted on the sites, you can also have a permit and engage in metal detecting.
While metal detecting, looking at the crowd, gathering places, and the river banks would yield the maximum output for you.
How To Get To Yorktown Beach
- Take I-64 E via the ramp to Virginia Beach.
- Take exit 247 for VA-238 E towards Yorktown.
- Merge onto VA-238 E.
- Continue onto US-17 N.
- Turn right onto Main Street.
Things You Can Find In Yorktown Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
8. Bear Creek Lake State Park
Bear Creek Lake State Park is located in Cumberland County. This was established as a state park in 1938.
The Civilian Conservation Corps developed this during the great depression, so the area has a rich historical background.
Most people visit the state park for water-based outdoor activities along Bear Creek Lake.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the state park, but you need permission. Around and on the lake shores are good areas to start your metal detecting proceeding in this state park.
How To Get To Bear Creek Lake State Park
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 192B to merge onto US-60 W toward Powhatan.
- Turn left onto State Rte 684/Beach Road.
Things You Can Find In Bear Creek Lake State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
9. Halliday Lake State Park
Halliday Lake State Park is located in Appomattox County. This was declared as a state park in the year 1969.
Halliday Lake is the main point of attraction in the state park. People enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating within the lake.
And there are hiking trails for all those explorations freaks in the state.
Metal detection is also allowed in the park, but you have to have the consent of the park officials before metal detection.
I suggest starting the metal detecting from hiking trails and moving elsewhere.
How To Get To Halliday Lake State Park
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 146B to merge onto US-460 W toward Appomattox.
- Merge onto US-460 W.
- Turn left onto VA-47 S.
- Turn right onto VA-626 W.
Things You Can Find In Halliday Lake State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Fishing equipment
- Camping items
10. Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother State Park is located in Smyth County in Marion town. This was declared as a state park in 1936.
The origin story is quite interesting, as it is named after a local legend. Most people visit this to enjoy a nice downtime near the Hungry Mother Lake and enjoy swimming and fishing in the lake.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. But it would be best if you had a permit to engage in metal-detecting activities.
By looking around the lake, you can uncover some exciting stuff.
How To Get To Hungry Mother State Park
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 7 to merge onto I-81 S toward Roanoke.
- Take exit 47A for US-11 S/US-460 W toward Marion.
- Merge onto US-11 S/US-460 W.
- Continue to follow US-11 S.
- Turn left onto VA-16 S/VA-91 S.
- Turn right onto Park Road.
Things You Can Find In Hungry Mother State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
11. Twin Lakes State Park
Twin Lakes State Park is located in Price Edward County. This was declared as a state park in 1938.
The Civilian Conservation Corps also developed this during the Great Depression times.
There are two beautiful lakes, Lake Goodwin and Lake Price Edward, for people to enjoy multiple water-based activities.
Besides these activities, hiking and camping are also allowed in the park.
Metal detection is also allowed in some designated areas of the park, and you need a permit to enter the park with a metal detector. I suggest you start the search from the hiking trails and then move into other areas.
How To Get To Twin Lakes State Park
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 64 for US-15 S/US-360 W towards Farmville.
- Merge onto US-360 W/US-15 S.
- Turn right onto State Rte 623/State Rte 635.
Things You Can Find In Twin Lakes State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Fishing equipment
- Camping items
12. Claytor Lake State Park
Claytor Lake State Park is located in Pulaski Cunty. This was declared as a state park in 195.
The Claytor Lake offers multiple recreational activities to visitors, from swimming and boating to fishing.
Apart from that, people also can enjoy the hiking trails and biking paths made in the state park.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area.
It would be best to have a permit to enter the state park. If you manage to enter, starting from the hiking trails might be the best option to find exciting finds.
How To Get To Claytor Lake State Park
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 98A to merge onto US-460 W toward Blacksburg.
- Continue on US-460 W. Take VA-603 N to State Rte 605 in Hiwassee.
- Continue on State Rte 605. Drive to State Rte 726.
Things You Can Find In Claytor Lake State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Fishing equipment
13. Lake Anna State Park
Lake Anna State Park is located in Spotsylvania County. This was declared as a state park in 1971.
Lake Anna centered in the park, was created as a water reservoir, inhabiting many wildlife habitats. People can also enjoy hiking, swimming, and boating in the state park.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. The best area to start your search is by hiking trails.
How To Get To Lake Anna State Park
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 143B to merge onto US-208 W towards Spotsylvania.
- Turn left onto State Rte 601/State Rte 719.
- Turn right onto State Rte 719.
Things You Can Find In Lake Anna State Park
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
14. Lignite Ghost Town
Lignite Ghost Town is located in Nottoway County, close to Crewe town. This is one of the prestigious historical ghost towns in the state.
Lignite was previously a mining town, a lignite mining town, to be exact. If you visit this area, you can still see the preserved ruins of previous mining operations.
This town offers a glimpse into the rich history of Virginia’s mining history.
Metal detection is allowed in the area and surrounding the ghost town, but you must have a valid email detecting permit for metal detection.
You can uncover some exciting findings by searching around the people gathering and old town areas.
How To Get To Lignite Ghost Town
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 11 for US-460 W toward Lynchburg.
- Merge onto US-460 W.
- Take the VA-49 exit toward Crewe.
- Turn right onto VA-49 N.
Things You Can Find In Lignite Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Parts of old mining equipment
15. Ca Ira Ghost Town
Ca Ira ghost town is located in Cumberland County near the Farmville township. This was a historically crucial 19th-century town in Virginia.
This has ties with the American Revolutionary War. And you can still see some of that era’s exciting architecture and buildings.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area, and having a permit before metal detecting is a must. Searching in unrestricted places and people gathering places, you can uncover some items.
How To Get To Ca Ira Ghost Town
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 104 for US-15 N/US-360 W toward Farmville.
- Merge onto US-360 W/US-15 N.
- Turn right onto State Rte 637/Ca Ira Road.
Things You Can Find In Ca Ira Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
16. Portugee Ghost Town
Portugee Ghost Town is situated in Buckingham County near Dilwyn town. This was previously a mining town.
The town was extensively in the mining business until the early 1900s.
Then, with a lack of development and resources for people, the city became abandoned.
Metal detecting is allowed on site, but you need a permit representing the authorization for metal detecting.
You will find some interesting stuff from the old town areas and people gathering spaces.
How To Get To Portugee Ghost Town
- Take I-64 W via the ramp to I-64 W/Chesapeake.
- Take exit 64 for US-15 S/US-360 W towards Farmville.
- Merge onto US-360 W/US-15 S.
- Turn right onto State Rte 629/State Rte 635.
Things You Can Find In Portugee Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Old mining equipment relics
17. Wash Woods Ghost Town
Wash Woods Ghost Town is located near Virginia Beach in Independence City of Virginia County.
This was a former fishing community. Now it is submerged under water. However, some parts of the city are still intact and are preserved as archaeological remains.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area. And to email, etc, in these areas, you might need a waterproof metal detector and a permit.
How To Get To Wash Woods Ghost Town
- Take I-64 E via the ramp to I-64 E/Norfolk/Virginia Beach.
- Take exit 289A for Lynnhaven Pkwy toward US-60/Shore Dr.
- Continue onto Lynnhaven Pkwy.
- Continue onto Laskin Rd/US-58 E.
- Turn right onto Pacific Avenue.
Things You Can Find In Wash Woods Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Virginia
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Virginia with the historic value of places and what treasures that are likely to be found.
Now let me share with you the tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in Virginia with experts which helped me to find valuable treasures and to avoid many troubles.
Some of the below tips were collected from local expert detectorists in Virginia.
So, just keep reading!
Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Virginia
- Research the history and significance of the location beforehand.
- Always carry appropriate gear, including a good-quality metal detector and digging tools.
- Be mindful of environmental conservation and leave no trace.
- Respect private property and secure permission if needed.
- Check weather conditions, particularly for beach and river detecting.
- Stay informed about local and state regulations regarding metal detecting.
- Consider visiting during off-peak hours or seasons to avoid crowds.
- Stay safe, especially when detecting in remote or rugged areas.
- Keep a log of your finds and locations for reference.
- Connect with local metal detecting clubs or communities for shared experiences and tips.
Metal Detecting Laws In Virginia
Like any other state in the United States of America, Virginia has some laws and policies that govern the use of metal detectors on its territories.
Here is the breakdown of rules and guidelines that prevail in the state.
Lands in Virginia are protected by the Archeological Resource Preservation Act, which governs the removal and extraction of any artifact from the historical site without permission.
So, if you intend to metal detect on lands of historical importance, obtaining consent before metal detection is necessary.
This permission can be taken from the park rangers or some authorized personnel at the place or by the local government official or an archaeologist.
You must obey these rules to avoid getting in trouble, so always align with the regulations while implementing them.
On lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, you can remove any finds, and if you find any artifacts while metal detecting in these lands, you have to report them to the Field Office of the Bureau.
In the grounds managed and owned by the Bureau of Land Management, you can metal detect with a proper permit. Still, you are prohibited from claiming any item you found or removing.
Metal detecting is allowed on the national forests and other national parks with some limitations.
Suppose these limitations fall under archaeological sites, just like previously. In that case, you need to have a valid permit from an authorized person or an institute before metal detecting in these places and removing any findings.
In national forests, if archaeological sites are present, you can detect metal, but you need a valid permit to remove or extract any artifacts you find.
Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Virginia Beaches?
Yes, You are allowed to metal detect on beaches in Virginia.
When detecting in beaches of Virginia, look out for signs of melted detecting is prohibited or not.
If there is no sign, it is a must-have permit before metal detecting and reporting any finds you found from the beach to officials.
Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Virginia State Parks?
Yes, you can metal detect Virginia state parks with a valid permit from the park manager. It is better to contact the park rangers before entering the park.
You can learn more about this from the BLM website.
The permit will explain the limitations that you fall under while entering. And with the help of park rangers, you can clear any doubts regarding the metal-detecting activities in state parks.
Is It Legal To Metal Detect On Virginia Ghost Towns?
Yes, It is legal to metal detect in ghost towns of Virginia, but you must have a valid permit from an authorized person or an institute.
Or if the land is private property, you need to have the owner’s permission to metal detect.
Metal searching on someone else’s land without their consent can result in accusations of trespassing and stealing. This is clearly stated in the Virginia Code 18.2-119.
Ensure that you obey the laws and that all findings are reported to the officials.
Beale Treasure, a legendary cache said to be worth millions and buried in Bedford County at what is now the site of Johnson’s Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery. The treasure’s exact location remains a mystery, with only one of the three ciphers left by Thomas Jefferson Beale having been deciphered.
www.onlyinyourstate.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What are the legal requirements for metal detecting in Virginia?
In Virginia, metal detecting is legal but requires adherence to state and federal laws, including obtaining permits for detecting in state parks and avoiding historical sites without permission.
Are there any recommended metal detectors for Virginia’s terrain?
The Garrett Ace 300 is a popular choice for Virginia’s terrain, particularly for detecting coins and relics, though it’s not suitable for highly mineralized soils or gold prospecting.
What types of finds are common in Virginia?
Common finds in Virginia include silver coins, relics, and occasionally, remnants of pirate treasures and Civil War artifacts.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Virginia
In this article, I explored the best places to metal detect in Virginia, how to get to those locations, and what rules you need to follow in each area when metal detecting.
The best places to metal detect in Virginia include public beaches like Virginia Beach and Chincoteague Island, ghost towns such as Lignite and Wash Woods, and rivers like Shenandoah and Clinch River. Always follow state regulations and obtain necessary permits for metal detecting.
Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions.
Hope you learned all the things you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in Virginia including experts’ tips.
Happy treasure hunting in beautiful Virginia! Don’t forget to share your Virginia story with us in the comment section.
