Metal detecting has exploded in popularity as a hobby over the last decade. There’s something thrilling about searching for buried treasure, whether it’s on the beach, in a park, or even your own backyard. For many hobbyists, it becomes addicting to hear that beep indicating a find is near.
South Carolina’s long history makes it a prime state to try your hand at metal detecting. But before grabbing your gear, it’s important to understand the laws around metal detecting in South Carolina. While metal detecting is allowed in most public areas, there are some key regulations to follow. Generally, metal detecting is prohibited in protected wildlife habitats, archaeological sites, and around suspicious objects. Some state parks only allow metal detecting in designated areas. Permission is needed for private property and historic sites like plantations.
Understanding the legal guidelines will ensure your metal detecting is safe, ethical, and helps preserve SC’s heritage. This article provides an overview of where you can metal detect in the state, the tools you’ll need, what you can expect to find, and how to get started in the hobby while following the law. Let’s dig in to the exciting world of South Carolina metal detecting!
Where You Can Go For Metal Detecting in South Carolina
South Carolina has plenty of opportunities for metal detecting enthusiasts to legally hunt for buried treasures. While national parks and protected historic sites are off limits, there are still many public spaces open for the hobby.
Some state parks in South Carolina allow metal detecting in designated areas. Be sure to check with the park office first to find out their policies and get maps showing where detecting is permitted. Many beaches along the SC coastline are also open to metal detecting, as long as you stay out of protected wildlife nesting areas. These can yield great finds like jewelry and coins, especially right after major storms.
One of the best options is getting permission to metal detect on private property. Farms, home sites, and fields can be treasure troves for experienced detectorists. Always get the property owner’s written consent first. Offer to share any cool finds and fill in any holes dug. Building relationships leads to access to more private land over time.
By following the rules, there are ample opportunities in South Carolina to enjoy metal detecting while respecting historical sites and nature. With a good detector and persistence, you never know what treasures can be unearthed.
Types of Finds
Metal detecting in South Carolina can uncover a variety of lost treasures buried in the sand and soil. The most common finds are coins, jewelry and other personal relics lost by beachgoers over the years.
Coins are plentiful, with modern coins as well as older coins that date back hundreds of years. Jewelry like rings, bracelets and necklaces are also frequently found, especially after busy beach weekends. Other personal relics like sunglasses, watches, keys and cell phones can turn up.
More historic finds like old buttons, buckles and musket balls from the colonial era are also possible. These types of relics have archaeological value and legally need to be reported if found on public land.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act is a federal law that requires valuable historic and Native American artifacts found on public land to be reported to the appropriate authorities. This ensures important cultural heritage items are preserved and documented properly.
Most hobbyists can legally keep coins, jewelry and modern personal items found while metal detecting. But being aware of laws around historically significant finds is important. Check current regulations before metal detecting at state parks or beaches. And contacting authorities if you find any item that seems archaeologically important is advised.
Best Metal Detectors for SC
South Carolina’s diverse terrain, from beaches to mountains, requires versatile metal detectors to hunt for treasures. Choosing the right detector can make your search much easier and more successful.
For hunting in wet sand or wading in creeks, a waterproof metal detector is essential. These are designed to be fully submerged and continue operating. Popular waterproof detectors include the Garrett AT Max and the Minelab Excalibur II.
All-terrain detectors work for both wet and dry environments. Options like the Garrett AT Pro and Minelab Equinox 800 have good sensitivity in mineralized soil while resisting moisture.
If seeking coins, a detector with excellent discrimination helps separate trash from collectibles. The Garrett AT Pro and Nokta Simplex+ have notch discrimination and can ignore iron while detecting silver and copper coins.
For relic hunting, detectors with good ground balance handle iron minerals and provide depth for large objects. The Minelab Equinox 800 and Nokta Makro Simplex+ offer multi-frequency technology and ground balance options ideal for relics.
When searching for jewelry, detectors with higher frequencies up to 18-20 kHz provide excellent sensitivity to small gold and silver pieces. The Minelab Equinox 600 and Garrett AT Max have proven successful for finding rings, necklaces and more.
With the right metal detector, South Carolina’s diverse landscape offers exciting possibilities to uncover lost treasures. Carefully consider your hunting environment and target finds when selecting the best metal detector.
Metal Detecting Etiquette
Metal detecting is an exciting hobby, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette to respect the environment and others around you. Here are some key etiquette tips:
- Fill holes and leave no trace – Whenever you dig a hole while metal detecting, be sure to carefully fill it back in. You want to leave the area looking exactly as it did before you started detecting. Avoid digging in sensitive areas like archaeological sites, and don’t leave any litter behind.
- Be aware of protected wildlife habitats – Some beaches and natural areas have sections that are protected nesting grounds for birds, sea turtles, or other wildlife. Be sure you know which areas to avoid during nesting seasons. Stay on designated paths and avoid causing any disruption to the natural environment.
- Respect private property – Always get explicit permission before metal detecting on private land. Fill any holes you dig and do not trespass onto private property without consent.
- Consider others around you – Be aware of how your digging may disrupt the experience for other beachgoers or park visitors. Act courteously and be prepared to explain what you’re doing if asked.
- Research local rules – Some parks, beaches and public lands have specific metal detecting rules. Always check for permits, usage fees, or other regulations before metal detecting in a new area.
Following this metal detecting etiquette shows respect for nature, history, and your fellow hobbyists. It helps ensure everyone can enjoy the activity for years to come.
SC Areas Known for Good Finds
South Carolina’s coastline and historic sites offer excellent areas to search for buried treasures with a metal detector.
The state’s beaches can be productive hunting grounds, especially after major storms have shifted the sands. Many coins, jewelry and other lost items get revealed along the shore. Popular beach towns like Myrtle Beach, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Edisto Beach are worth exploring after storms roll through.
Inland, old home sites from the 1700s and 1800s can also produce exciting finds. Look for areas where colonial or Civil War-era plantations once stood. With the landowner’s permission, the grounds around old foundations often contain coins, buttons, buckles and other household objects lost centuries ago. Sites from the Revolutionary or Civil War battlefields may have military buttons, bullets or buckles buried.
South Carolina’s historic sites like National Park Service battlefields and State Historic Sites allow metal detecting in certain designated areas. Always check current rules, get any required permits, and report significant historic finds. With permission and proper care, old forts, public dig sites and reenactment areas allow responsible hobbyists to uncover lost relics of the past.
Getting Started
Metal detecting is a fun hobby that’s easy to get started in if you have the right equipment and knowledge. Here are some tips for beginners getting started in South Carolina:
Join a Metal Detecting Club
Joining a metal detecting club is a great way to connect with experienced detectorists who can provide tips on the best places to hunt in your area. Club members often go on group hunts which is a fun way to explore new sites. The Federation of Metal Detector and Archaeological Clubs (FMDAC) has a directory of clubs in SC [link].
Get the Right Tools
At minimum you’ll need a metal detector, digging tools, headphones, and a bag or pouch to hold any finds. Entry-level detectors like the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV or Garrett ACE 250 are good starter machines. Look for a waterproof detector if hunting beaches. A sand scoop helps sift out targets faster. Knee pads make digging more comfortable.
Use Resources
There are many websites and books dedicated to metal detecting. Learn to identify common coins and relics you may uncover. Read up on metal detecting etiquette and laws. Watch YouTube videos of other detectorists’ hunts. Join online forums to connect with the metal detecting community.
Having the right mindset as a beginner will help you get the most out of the hobby. Be patient, start slow, and don’t get discouraged. Metal detecting takes some practice but is very rewarding!
Permissions Needed
Metal detecting on most public beaches in South Carolina does not require any special permission. You are free to search the dry sand areas up to the high tide line. However, certain protected wildlife nesting areas may be off limits – be sure to check for signage. Metal detecting is prohibited in Myrtle Beach and Isle of Palms without a permit.
For South Carolina’s state parks, you typically need to get written permission before metal detecting. Each park has its own rules, so contact the park office to ask about areas open for detecting and acquire any required permits. Metal detecting is usually not allowed in designated wilderness areas.
It is always essential to get explicit permission from private property owners before metal detecting on their land. Be sure to only dig where allowed and fill any holes when finished. Developing positive relationships with landowners can open up promising new detecting sites. Never trespass or metal detect without consent.
Safety Tips
Metal detecting can be a fun hobby, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some key tips:
Be aware of unexploded ordnance risks
South Carolina’s coastline was heavily fortified during wars, and unexploded artillery shells or other munitions may still remain buried. Never attempt to disturb or move anything resembling unexploded ordnance. Mark the location and immediately contact law enforcement.
Follow all laws and regulations
Make sure you understand and abide by laws related to metal detecting. This includes getting permission for private land, avoiding protected wildlife habitats, and following rules in state parks or on beaches. Also be aware of federal laws regarding reporting valuable historic artifacts found on public lands.
Use proper digging tools
Bring a sturdy shovel, scoop, or digging tools to minimize ground disturbance. Dig carefully and refill any holes you make to leave no trace. Avoid digging in highly sensitive areas. A sand scoop is ideal for beaches.
What You Can Keep
South Carolina has fairly liberal laws when it comes to keeping metal detecting finds, with a few exceptions. Any U.S. coins, jewelry, or non-historic relics you discover while metal detecting in South Carolina are legally yours to keep. However, there are some restrictions around historically significant artifacts.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act is a federal law that requires reporting and turning over to authorities any valuable historic and Native American artifacts found on public land. This includes items like arrowheads, historic tools, or relics from the Civil War era. Reporting laws ensure these finds can be preserved and studied properly.
In South Carolina, hobbyists should report valuable historic finds to the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology. Turning in your find to experts allows it to be catalogued and preserved for future generations. You may even be rewarded or recognized for the discovery.
Outside of protected historic finds, South Carolina’s liberal laws let hobbyists keep their metal detecting finds. Any U.S. coins, jewelry, or modern relics are yours to take home. Just be sure to follow reporting procedures for historic artifacts to avoid any issues. With proper precautions, metal detecting can be an exciting hobby with real treasure finds in the Palmetto State.
Joining a Club
Joining a metal detecting club in South Carolina provides many benefits for hobbyists. Clubs offer camaraderie, access to private hunt sites, and a wealth of detecting knowledge from experienced members. Here are some of the top metal detecting clubs in South Carolina to consider joining:
Lowcountry Treasure Hunters Club
Based in Charleston, this club has over 100 members and has been around for over 10 years. They hold monthly meetings, raffles, and frequent group hunts at private sites. Membership provides access to the club’s extensive library of detecting guides.
Grand Strand Metal Detecting Club
Located in Myrtle Beach, this club welcomes members of all experience levels. In addition to meetings and hunts, they also participate in local beach cleanups. Members can access exclusive private hunt sites.
Foothills Treasure Hunters Club
Centered in Greenville, this club meets monthly and coordinates hunts in the Upstate. They have an annual competition hunt with prizes. Membership includes access to private farms, home sites, and other hunt locations.
Midlands Metal Detecting Club
This Columbia-area club has been around since 2009. They hold meetings, raffles, hunts, and annual picnics. Members can access the club’s private detecting sites.
Joining a prominent regional or local club provides camaraderie with fellow hobbyists along with access to experienced detectors and private sites. Consider visiting a meeting of any club that interests you.
Metal Detecting Events
South Carolina plays host to several annual metal detecting events that bring enthusiasts together. These organized hunts offer a chance to search historical sites, win prizes, and socialize with fellow detectorists. Some of the most popular annual metal detecting events in South Carolina include:
Lowcountry Treasure Hunt – Held each spring on Edisto Island, this hunt allows detectorists to scour the beach for coins, jewelry and other buried treasures. Participants can keep some of their finds. There are also prize drawings and a cookout.
Civil War Relic Hunt – Each fall near Columbia, this hunt takes place on the site of a former Civil War camp. Participants search for bullets, buttons and other relics left behind by soldiers. There are categories for most valuable find and other prizes.
SC Beach Hunt – At this large hunt held on Folly Beach each summer, detectorists search for modern coins, jewelry and other lost items along the shoreline. There are multiple prize categories.
Upstate Open Hunt – Held at various public parks in the Greenville area, these periodic hunts allow searching of baseball fields and other sites. Prizes are awarded for tokens and coins.
In addition to these major events, many metal detecting clubs host informal group hunts, practice sessions and meetups throughout the year in South Carolina. These offer a chance to improve skills and meet fellow hobbyists. Check club websites for upcoming events. Contests and prize drawings add a fun spirit of competition.
SC Metal Detecting Groups
South Carolina has an active metal detecting community with several forums and Facebook groups to join. These are great places to connect with fellow hobbyists, learn about good local spots, and stay up to date on events.
Some of the top SC metal detecting forums include:
- SC Relic Hunters – This forum on relicroundup.com focuses on Civil War relic hunting in South Carolina. It has local info, trip reports, and identification help.
- South Carolina Metal Detecting on Findmall.com – General discussion forum for SC with threads on laws, locations, finds, and meetups.
- SC Beach Detecting on DetectorProspector.com – Beach and water hunting focused forum with tips for popular spots like Myrtle Beach, Isle of Palms, and Hunting Island.
Major Facebook groups for SC metal detectorists:
- South Carolina Metal Detecting – Large group with over 2,000 members posting finds, questions, and gathering info.
- Lowcountry Metal Detecting Relics – Group for relic hunters in the Charleston, Beaufort, and surrounding areas.
- Grand Strand Metal Detecting – Focused on Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand coastal region.
- Metal Detecting Hobby Talk South Carolina – General discussion group for metal detecting news and finds in SC.
Joining some SC metal detecting groups is a great way to connect with the local community, learn productive spots, and stay on top of upcoming events like group hunts or competitions. Experienced members are also usually happy to provide advice to newcomers.
Reporting Finds
When metal detecting in South Carolina, it’s important to be aware of laws around reporting valuable historic artifacts or items of Native American origin.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) is a federal law that requires any person who knows or has reason to know they have excavated, removed, damaged, or otherwise altered or defaced any archaeological resource on public lands to notify the federal land manager. An archaeological resource is defined as any material remains of past human life or activities which are of archaeological interest and at least 100 years of age.
If you discover an artifact you believe to be over 100 years old, such as old coins, weapons, homestead remains, or Native American tools or jewelry, you are required to leave the item in place and report it immediately to the federal land manager. Removing, disturbing or keeping valuable artifacts found on public land can result in fines and imprisonment.
For finds on South Carolina state park lands, notify the park rangers or land managers about any historic or Native American artifacts uncovered. Providing detailed information on the artifact and location site can allow officials to properly document and preserve finds.
Native American artifacts and human remains unearthed on any South Carolina land should be reported to the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology by calling 803-777-8170. They can properly identify and repatriate the items according to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act or NAGPRA.
Responsibly reporting valuable finds preserves history and ensures artifacts can be studied and displayed in the proper institutions. Don’t risk hefty penalties by removing objects from public lands. Follow the reporting procedures to treasure hunt lawfully in South Carolina.
Conclusion
Metal detecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to make exciting discoveries and unearth history in South Carolina’s beaches, parks, and other public areas. With a quality metal detector, proper etiquette, and knowledge of relevant laws, metal detecting can be safely and legally enjoyed.
As we’ve covered, you can legally metal detect on most public beaches and in designated areas of some state parks. Private property is also an option with the owner’s permission. Valuable historic artifacts and Native American items should be reported, but coins, jewelry and other finds can typically be kept.
Metal detecting connects you to South Carolina’s past in a hands-on way. By responsibly recovering items lost to time, the hobby makes history tangible. South Carolina’s coastal regions and historic sites hold unlimited potential for making unique finds. With a bit of research, preparation and sensible precautions, metal detecting can become a rewarding lifelong hobby.
Meet Emily, our passionate metal detectorist and history enthusiast. With her trusty Manticore and Deus 2 metal detectors by her side, she delves deep into the earth, unearthing hidden treasures and untold stories from the past. Through her adventures documented on Instagram and YouTube, Emily invites you to join her on a journey of discovery, where every find tells a tale. Whether it’s ancient artifacts or forgotten relics, she’s dedicated to sharing the excitement and wonder of the world beneath our feet. Follow along with Emily on her quest to uncover the secrets of history at scrapsafari.com.