State Parks

[crbhood]

I am just curious...Why is it illegal to MD in state parks? It's illegal here in Louisiana and I have a camping trip planned this weekend at a Mississippi state park with a great beach at the swimming hole and it's not allowed there either. I'm not talking historic sites, just the camping type parks. They have some great places to hunt, just can't do it.

Any feelings or thoughts on this?

[mlamp20412]

I think a lot depends on the state. Wildlife management, environmental, archeological areas are off limits here in VA. Many parks don’t allow mountain biking due to trail erosion, they may consider careless digging to have the same effect, also mineral rights issues. Just make sure of the park type because they all may have their own specific rules, State park, County Park, City Park, National Park Service etc. Researching can be discouraging, but it beats hefty fines. There is a lot of National Park Service land in my area due to CW sites, big no-no. We have state, county, city and private park authorities around here, I am scared to dig anywhere but my yard I have more research to do.


Camping somewhere where you cam MD legally would be awsome!

Best of Luck

[PAPPY]

You might want to check this out.

State Parks metal detecting - Google Search

[Harry(PA)]

It is allowed but the Park Manager has final say and therefore many State Parks are off limits. Some allow grass area only. some allow lake detecting during special hours and some ban it from Memorial Day until after Labor Day.

It all depends on the park envirement and the Manager decision.
All one need to do is go to the office and ask. Do not email or call as that is easy for a clerk without authority to say No or Yes.


Harry(PA)

[RON(PA)]

The two state parks that I have been to in Delaware have allowed it. They just have places where you are prohibited (the sand dunes), but all the rest of the area is fair game. I think they do it for environmental reasons, as sand dunes are pretty important for plants and animals.
One reason that it could be banned is that careless people have not filled in their holes. Just a guess.

[pris]

It is my belief that they want all the good diggin' for themselves.