If it is a state park, you’ll need to get a permit. However, removing artifacts is not allowed, so as long as the finds are recent items, you should be good to go to places like beaches that do not park. Referencing other information from the DNR, we see that as long as the land is not classified as a state forest, and as mentioned, not a park either, but still state-owned, then the use of metal detecting is permitted. The THC specifies that metal detecting is not restricted on state public land, which is not classified as a park. They mention that these laws respond to a looting and salvage event of a 1554 Spanish Plate Fleet. The Texas Historical Commission points out that it is prohibited to detect metal in state and federal parks in Texas. It is an offense for any person to operate or use a metal detector, except as authorized by permit.” Here’s what the Texas Administrative Code, Title 31, Part 2, Chapter 59, Subchapter F, Rule §59.134 (i) “Metal detector. It is true for state lands, and it is valid for state parks. Like many other states, Texas is strict when it comes to allowing metal detectors on state lands. They seem the most laid back about metal detecting. Overall, I think I liked the parks and beaches managed by the USACoE the most in Texas. Nearby is the Pecan Grove Wildlife Area if you get tired of treasure hunting on the beach and developed areas of the park. There are camping sites, and many offer water and electrical hookup also. This park, also run by the USACoE, offers camping, swimming beach, fishing, a playground, bbq, and more. The parks at Granger Lake offer a variety of things to do. The area boasts amenities and allowed activities like boat ramps, a swimming beach, multi-use trails, fishing, and a dump station. It includes a beach that I’ve heard several treasure seekers have had decent luck investigating. Bardwell Lake – Ennis, Texas Best Kept SecretĪnother USACoE managed ‘park,’ metal detecting is again permitted in developed areas. For more great tips on detecting and more, read this article: 6. Best of all, you’ll get comfortable with your equipment in a stable and safe location. You can bury coins and metal objects at specific depths and places where you can test out and fine-tune your metal detector. Metal Detecting Tip: Whether you’re new to metal detecting or you have a new metal detector, it is best to practice with the detector in your yard. I liked the fact that I wasn’t worried about going to jail for taking out my detector. It’s a beautiful reservoir as well, making your stay there pretty nice. They allow metal detecting in the developed regions that they define as being mowed and managed by the USACOE.īenbrook Lake offers many amenities, including several campsites, swimming, fishing, and more. Army Corps of Engineers manages the Benbrook Lake area. You can find the Texas City Dike/Beach here – There have been some great finds along the dike, including gold civil war buttons and coins. Check with officials if they’ve changed permission for detecting, but it was no issue when I went. The beach on the Texas City Dike is a great place to explore and bring your metal detector. Texas City Dike/Beach – One Long Dike, All Man-Made Here are a few of the beach’s amenities and activities: As long as you aren’t bothering anyone and being respectful, I would be concerned, not like the National Coastline beaches that are strictly off-limits to metal detectorists. Most people don’t even bother to get approval for this beach. Dogs like to dig, so getting permission to metal detect is not a hurdle by any means. For example, at El Jardin, you are allowed to bring dogs onto the beach. It’s a typical beach with a bit less strict rules than other beaches. El Jardin Beach – A Forgotten Jewel For Treasure SeekersĮl Jardin is about 10 minutes from downtown Seabrook, Texas. You can find these incredible parks here – 3.

Here is a list of parks that you are allowed to metal detect in, in Houston Texas: Houston has 17 small parks that you are permitted to use a metal detector. However, some cities have rules that specify precisely which parks you can use your detector with without issue. City of Houston Parks – Multiple Small Parks To Detectĭue to Texas strict laws, State Parks are a lost cause to get permission to metal detect. The Bayside Walking Path is a beautiful and scenic ¾ mile path along the beach that you can also cycle (but give pedestrians the right way). The beach is a common destination to host beach weddings as well. Intended for day-use, the beach charges for parking and has facilities people can rent for parties and gatherings. Rockport Beach is a beautiful beach with a calm and tropical feel. Rockport Beach – Texas’ First Blue Wave Beach Click for Equinox 800 price check on Amazon 1.

Dash point state park metal detecting