South Dakota requires you to get written authorization from the park’s site manager before you detect on Game, Fish & Parks land — and the state keeps anything historic you find. Tools and dig depth are capped. Here’s the detail.
At a glance
| State parks | Depends Prior written authorization from the site manager is required to use a detector on GFP land — generally only designated swimming beaches, lost-item searches, staff, or permitted archaeologists. |
|---|---|
| State & public land | Restricted SDCL Ch. 1-20 (§1-20-32) requires a permit for archaeological survey or excavation on state/subdivision property; objects from state sites remain state property. |
| Public land & lakes | Depends Landlocked; inland designated swimming beaches at parks and reservoirs, still with GFP written authorization. |
| Local & federal | Restricted Federal Corps reservoirs, Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, and Mount Rushmore prohibit detecting under ARPA; city/county vary. |
*Even where detecting is allowed, archaeological/historic sites are protected and you must fill holes and follow posted rules. Always confirm the current rule with the specific land manager.
Metal detecting in South Dakota state parks
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) requires prior written authorization from the site manager to use a detector on GFP land (applications go to the Division of Parks in Pierre); it’s generally limited to designated swimming beaches, lost-item searches, staff, or permitted archaeologists. Tools are capped at a probe (max 6″×1″×¼″) or a sand scoop/sieve (max 10″ diameter), holes must be 6 inches or less and restored, and all finds are inspected at the park office — GFP keeps anything of historical, archaeological, or cultural value.
South Dakota’s antiquities law
SDCL Chapter 1-20 (Archaeological Exploration), specifically SDCL 1-20-32, requires a permit for archaeological survey or excavation on state or political-subdivision property (and to exhume burials), and objects recovered from state sites remain state property.
Public land, lakes & federal
South Dakota is landlocked; inland designated swimming beaches at parks and reservoirs still require GFP written authorization. Federal Corps of Engineers reservoirs, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Mount Rushmore prohibit detecting under ARPA; city and county parks vary. See our national guide.
Sources
Official and statutory sources this page is based on (last verified July 2026):
Once you’ve confirmed where you’re allowed to hunt, LuckyFind helps you make the most of it — track your route on the map, log each find with its location, and remember exactly which spots you have permission for. Free for iPhone and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you metal detect in a South Dakota state park?
- Only with prior written authorization from GFP; without it, detecting on any GFP-controlled land is prohibited. Permits are typically limited to designated swimming beaches, lost-item recovery, staff, and permitted archaeologists.
- Can you keep what you find in South Dakota?
- All found items must be brought to the park office for inspection, and GFP retains the right to keep anything of historical, archaeological, or cultural significance; ordinary modern items are generally returnable at the department’s discretion.
- What tools can you dig with in South Dakota?
- Only a small probe (max 6″×1″×¼″) or a sand scoop/sieve (max 10″ diameter), with holes no deeper than 6 inches, and every hole must be returned to its original condition.
Find more, remember where
Download LuckyFind — free for iPhone and Android — to track your routes, log your finds, and keep your permitted spots organized.
