On state park land
Permission needed
Permission from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, state park land only.
1. The rule, in full
Virginia – DCR state park rules, 4VAC5-30
Operative text, from DCR's own rules page:
"Metal detectors may be used only on designated man-made beaches and only with a DCR special use permit."
The permit is obtained from the park manager. Designated beaches exist at six parks only: Bear Creek Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Holliday Lake, Hungry Mother and Twin Lakes. Everywhere else in the state park system, detecting is prohibited.
Scope: Virginia State Parks managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Determination: DCR state park land only. Does NOT reach municipal parks.
Separate, and broader – the Virginia Antiquities Act. Objects of antiquity found on state-controlled land remain the property of the Commonwealth, and disturbing or removing them without a Department of Historic Resources permit is a Class 1 misdemeanour. Note the scope: state-controlled land, not municipal land. This belongs in the state entry, not on city rows.
Source: dcr.virginia.gov state parks rules and regulations. Checked 19 Sep 2026.
2. Cities in Virginia that publish a rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
3. County rules
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
4. Cities checked — no published rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.