Tennessee prohibits recreational detecting in its state parks, with only a lost-item search (supervised) or a research permit as exceptions. And the lakes many detectorists eye are federal TVA land, where it’s flatly banned. Here’s the detail.
At a glance
| State parks | Restricted Using any metal-detecting device is prohibited, except boat/aircraft navigation electronics, a State Archaeologist research permit countersigned by the Director of Parks, or a supervised lost-item search under the park superintendent. |
|---|---|
| State & public land | Restricted The Tennessee Antiquities Act (TCA Title 11, Ch. 6) gives the Division of Archaeology the exclusive right to excavate on state land; artifacts from state land are state property. |
| Public land & lakes | Restricted Landlocked; much lake and reservoir shoreline is federal TVA or Corps land, where TVA prohibits detecting outright and treats artifacts as federal property. |
| Local & federal | Depends City and county rules vary; TVA and USACE land is off-limits. |
*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 Tennessee state parks
TDEC Division of State Parks rules (Chapter 0400-02-02) prohibit using any mineral or metal-detecting device, except: (1) navigation electronics such as fathometers or radar on boats and aircraft; (2) the holder of a State Archaeologist research permit countersigned by the Director of Parks; and (3) a supervised, limited search for a specific lost item under the park superintendent. Contact the park superintendent for a lost-item search.
Tennessee’s antiquities law
The Tennessee Antiquities Act (TCA Title 11, Chapter 6, §11-6-101 et seq.) gives the Division of Archaeology the exclusive right to excavate on state land; excavating state land without a permit is a crime (TCA 11-6-105), artifacts from state land are the property of the State of Tennessee, and defacing sites is a misdemeanor (11-6-106).
Public land, lakes & federal
Tennessee is landlocked; much lake and reservoir shoreline is federal TVA or Army Corps land. TVA prohibits metal detecting outright and treats any artifacts as federal property that must be left in place, and USACE reservoirs are restricted. City and county rules vary. See our national guide.
Sources
Official and statutory sources this page is based on (last verified July 2026):
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is metal detecting allowed in Tennessee State Parks?
- No, not for recreation — detecting devices are prohibited in state parks except for boat or aircraft navigation gear, a State Archaeologist research permit countersigned by the Director of Parks, or a supervised search for a specific lost item. Contact the park superintendent for a lost-item search.
- Can you detect along a Tennessee lake or reservoir shoreline?
- Usually no — much of that land is federal TVA or Army Corps property, and TVA prohibits metal detecting outright and treats any artifacts as federal property that must be left in place.
- What happens to artifacts found on Tennessee state land?
- Under the Tennessee Antiquities Act, artifacts excavated from state lands are the property of the State of Tennessee, and excavating a site on state land without a Division of Archaeology permit is a crime.
Find more, remember where
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