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US Forest Service
Metal detecting Designated areas only
Recreational detecting for modern coins, jewelry and lost items is allowed without a permit, typically in developed campgrounds, picnic areas and swimming beaches, unless posted closed. Detecting in or near archaeological or historic sites, or for artifacts, is illegal. If you find something old, stop and report it.
- Permit
- None for recreational use. Treasure-trove searching needs a special use permit. Artifact searches are permitted only for professional research. Gold prospecting falls under mining law and may need a Notice of Intent.
- Sources
- fs.usda.gov · fs.usda.gov · ecfr.gov
- Notes
- 36 CFR 261.9(g),(h); ARPA (16 USC 470ee). Individual forests may post closures.
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.
Drones Designated areas only
Recreational drone flying is allowed on most national forest land if you follow FAA recreational rules. You may not take off from, land in or operate from designated Wilderness. Never fly in a TFR such as a wildfire.
- Permit
- None for hobby use. Commercial or other non-recreational flights may need a special use permit (36 CFR 251.54).
- Sources
- fs.usda.gov · fs.usda.gov · fs.usda.gov · ecfr.gov
- Notes
- FAA asks aircraft to keep 2,000 ft above Wilderness surfaces (AIM 7-4-6); this is advisory. The FS tips page cites the outdated 'Section 336'; current law is 49 USC 44809.
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.
Drones also follow FAA rules.
Machine-readable: /api/federal/usfs.json