Metal Detecting Missouri State Parks Rules and Regulations

Metal detecting local and state parks is allows in many regions. Different rules and regulations apply based upon where the park is located. These regulations may be set by the different municipalities and will vary widely in what is allowed and what is prohibited.
We have begun compiling a list of rules and regulations of various parks in our area and around the country to assist you in learning these rules in particular areas.
Remember, these regulations change from time to time and are subject to change. It is always important to visit that park's website or call them to verify no changes have taken place. This article is specific to metal detecting in Missouri state parks.
Metal Detecting and Magnet Fishing in Missouri State Parks
The Equinox 600 Metal Detector is a Great Detector for Park Detecting
Metal detecting and magnet fishing activities are allowed on designated beaches in certain Missouri state parks, within the constraints shown below. This registration must be completed each calendar year.
METAL DETECTING LOCATIONS AND HOURS
Metal detecting and magnet fishing activities can ONLY take place on designated beaches in the following state parks and during the hours and seasons, as indicated:
Facility |
Memorial Day to Labor Day |
Labor Day to Memorial Day |
Cuivre River State Park |
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
Daylight hours |
Finger Lakes State Park |
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
Daylight hours |
Lake of the Ozarks State Park |
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
Daylight hours |
Lake Wappapello State Park |
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
Daylight hours |
Long Branch State Park |
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
Daylight hours |
Pomme de Terre State Park |
10 a.m. to noon |
Closed |
Stockton State Park |
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
Daylight hours |
Trail of Tears State Park |
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
Daylight hours |
Harry S Truman State Park |
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
Closed |
Mark Twain State Park | 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. | Closed |
Watkins Mill State Park |
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. |
Closed |
METAL DETECTING AND MAGNET FISHING RULES
- Metal detectors and fishing magnets may be used to the shoreline and in the water adjacent to the specified beaches of the above named parks.
- Operator must exercise care when using magnet fishing equipment to avoid injury to other park visitors.
- Any solid faced digging or probing tool cannot exceed 12 inches in overall length and 3 inches in width. Any sand digging or sifting scoop cannot exceed 12 inches in overall length and 6 inches in width. Suction dredges and grappling hooks may not be used.
- Plants may not be dislodged or have their roots disturbed.
- Operator shall wear or carry a litter apron or bag, and all litter found must be deposited in an appropriate trash receptacle.
- Operator shall have this Proof of Registration email in his/her possession at all times while using a metal detector or magnet fishing equipment.
- This registration and acknowledgement is non-transferable.
- Contact the facility manager if a historic, archaeological or item valued at $10 or more is found.
- The facility manager shall have authority to evict an operator for failure to comply with these rules.
- Registration must take place each calendar year and can be done below.
Click Here to visit the Missouri State Parks Website and you can currently register there.
For general questions or requests for brochures, please contact the following:
moparks@dnr.mo.gov
800-334-6946
- Joshua Turpin