Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden in the vast Texan landscape? Join us on a quest to uncover the best metal detecting spots in the Lone Star State!
Texas is the second largest state in the United States. Due to Texas’ extensive history and a large number of ancient settlements, recreational metal detecting is a fantastic opportunity to find extremely old artifacts and coins.
I have been able to visit Texas several times since 2016 for metal detecting sessions in various locations, including beaches, state parks, ghost towns, and others.
During those trips, I collected many treasures and met expert local detectorists who accompanied me in treasure hunting.
Based on my experience in Texas and the data I gathered from Texans, I would like to share with you the most metal-detecting-friendly places, taking into account the ease of detecting and the potential treasures you might find.
Here are the best places to metal detect in Texas,
- Crystal Beach
- Surfside Beach
- Mustang Island Park Beach
- Rockport Beach
- Jakes Colony
- Sherwood
- Glenrio
- San Andres
- Lost Maples State Natural Park
- Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Goliad State Park
- San Angelo State Park
- Colorado River
- Concho River
- Devils River
But that’s just a quick snapshot of the question!
In this article, I’ll dive deep into the best places to metal detect in Texas with the historic value of those places and treasures that are highly likely to be found.
Plus, I’ll provide you with the maps of each location and explain the latest metal detecting rules in different areas of Texas for your knowledge.
Let’s dig in!
Best Places to Metal Detect in Texas
Texas is one of the top states for treasure hunting and metal detecting. The weather is great for metal detecting, and the area is rich in undiscovered gems and gold.
Metal detecting is made more enjoyable by the state’s beaches, rivers, ghost towns, and state parks.
Diamonds, cash, artifacts from the American Civil War, or even gold nuggets could be discovered during your search.
I’m here to share with you my experience metal detecting in each of these locations because I’ve been to all of them. I’ll additionally instruct you how to go to each of these locations.
So come along with me on this adventure as I discuss metal detecting in Texas.
1. Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is one of Texas’ most popular beach areas. This beach provides a serene and tranquil backdrop for anyone who visits it.
Because this is one of the busiest beaches on the coast, there are numerous options or spots on the beach to metal detect.
After you have obtained permission, I recommend that you begin in the car park and work your way to the beach. I was able to come across many valuable finds like coins, jewels, etc.
I made note of and recorded these in accordance with local laws before checking the list with the official who was present before leaving.
As you can see Crystal Beach can be considered one of the best beaches in Texas to metal detect due to the treasures you can collect there.
Location
Crystal Beach is on the Bolivar Peninsula, a tiny strip of land on the Texas Gulf Coast. It is located on the peninsula’s eastern extremity and is part of the city of Port Bolivar.
Crystal Beach is a renowned beach resort located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) east of Houston, Texas.
To get to Crystal Beach, take the ferry from Galveston to Port Bolivar and then drive down State Highway 87 to the beach.
How to Get to The Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach, Texas is about 75 miles southeast of Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
To get from the airport to Crystal Beach, drive Interstate 45 South to Galveston, then take the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry to the Bolivar Peninsula.
From there, it’s about a 20-mile journey along State Highway 87 to Crystal Beach on the peninsula’s eastern extremity.
Things You Can Find In Crystal Beach
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Jewelry
- Lost Personal Items
2. Surfside Beach
This beach is one of the prettiest on the Texas coast, and because of its beauty and serenity, many people come here to relax.
Fishing, bird watching, surfing, and metal detecting are just a few of the leisure activities available at the beach.
Compared to other Texas beaches I’ve visited, this one exudes calmness.
This is one of the ones that is more suited to families. This is almost always crowded because of its nature.
The shops and sellers outside the beach, the towel line on the beach, the low-water region, and even the dunes are all possible focal points.
The greatest chance of recovering missing items is at these places.
I was able to collect lots of coins, old watches, and some other unique Texas findings when metal detecting in Surfside Beach.
Location
On the shore of the Gulf of Mexico is the Texas town of Surfside Beach. It is located in Texas’s Brazoria County, about 60 miles south of Houston.
How to Get to The Surfside Beach
The William P. Hobby Airport in Houston is roughly 63 miles southeast of Surfside Beach, Texas.
You can take a picturesque journey down State Highways 288 and 332 to get to Surfside Beach from the airport, which will take you to this lovely coastal location on the Gulf of Mexico.
Things You Can Find In Surfside Beach
- Civil War Relics
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Tokens
3. Rockport Beach
Rockport Beach is located close to Rockport, a tiny coastal city. This lovely beach features a calm ocean surface and limitless sandy coastlines.
The beach is an artificial environment, therefore the beach’s waters are quite tranquil, allowing different sports including fishing, surfing, and swimming.
The municipal governments who manage the beach permit the use of metal detectors for fun in addition to these activities.
With many activities going on the beach, there are many chances for you to find valuable goods on the beach.
The towel line, shallow water, and shaded locations are good places to look for items.
I got the chance to metal detect in Rockport beach thanks to an annual event organized by a metal detecting club in Texas.
I was an active member of that club during I was metal detecting in Texas.
Location
Texas’s Rockport Beach is a well-known destination. It is located in the Gulf of Mexico coastal community of Rockport, Texas.
How to Get to The Rockport Beach
Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP), located about 40 miles southwest of Rockport Beach, is the closest big airport if you need directions from there.
Take US-181 North and TX-35 North from the airport to go to Rockport Beach.
Things You Can Find In Rockport Beach
- Civil War Relics
- Jewelry
- Antique Coins
- Fishing Equipments
4. Mustang Island Park Beach
Mustang Island Park Beach is an ideal location for Metal Detecting.
This enormous marine ecosystem contains a beach that spans more than 4,000 acres, as well as adjacent coastal and maritime habitats like rocky coasts, salt marshes, and sand dunes.
Metal detecting is one of the activities that are permitted on the beach. People go to the beach all year round because of its serene, natural atmosphere.
You need a specific permit from the park to engage in metal detecting activities, and the permit has restrictions and guidelines that you must follow.
Location
On Mustang Island, which is a part of the Texas Gulf Coast, you can find Mustang Island State Park Beach.
It is located on the eastern side of the island, just south of Port Aransas, Texas, to be more precise.
How to Get to The Mustang Island Park Beach
Texas’s Corpus Christi International Airport is located around 38 miles southeast of Mustang Island State Park Beach.
From the airport, take State Highway 44 East, then take TX-358 East (Padre Island Drive) south into the Mustang Island region to go to the beach.
Things You Can Find In Mustang Island Park Beach
- Civil War Relics
- Jewelry
- Antique Coins
- Tools and Equipment
5. Jakes Colony
Jakes Colony town was established by former slaves. It originally housed 70 black kids in a one-room school with one instructor in 1904.
Along the road, there are a few dispersed residences. Additionally, there is a lengthy building with an open hallway on the right side that may have formerly been a home of bad repute.
They welcome anyone who is interested in metal detecting to visit them and inquire about additional information and support.
Location
Jakes Colony is in County Road 419, also known as Jakes County Road, is located in southern Guadalupe County, nine miles south of Seguin and two miles west of what is now State Highway 123.
Things You Can Find In Jakes Colony
- Civil War Relics
- Jewelry
- Antique Coins
- Lost Personal Items
6. Sherwood
The stunning Texas ghost town of Sherwood. In the 1870s, this town was rather magnificent. People started slowly moving into this city along the banks of Spring Creek starting in 1881.
Sherwood was bypassed by a train in 1911, and subsequently, it became a state route. People started leaving this village as soon as the railroad was built.
The courthouse and a few other structures that were once occupied by citizens are still there, along with a few current residents.
With the residents’ consent, the area is accessible for metal detecting.
There are no concrete records of what might be found here. But you may still check it out, it’s a great spot.
Location
Texas’s Irion County is home to the abandoned town of Sherwood. It is one of the many Texas ghost towns and is located in the state’s west-central region.
How to Get to The Sherwood
The distance from the San Angelo Regional Airport (Mathis Field) to Sherwood Ghost Town in Irion County, Texas, is around 25 miles.
You can go to this old ghost town in west-central Texas from the airport by taking US-67 W and Ranch to Market Road 853 to its secluded location.
Things You Can Find In Sherwood
- Civil War Relics
- Jewelry
- Antique Coins
- Lost Personal Items
7. Glenrio
As a railroad town, Glenrio was established in 1901. Farmers of cattle and wheat made their home in this town, where a little neighborhood developed.
As Route 66 passed through this town, it was a well-liked rest area for travelers.
At this location, hotels, restaurants, and cafes cater to travelers. The village became stagnant and dried up once the railroad depot shut down in 1955.
There is currently only one full-time inhabitant there, along with a few abandoned buildings and an operational motel.
The location is accessible for metal detection with the consent of the local authorities.
Location
An abandoned town called Glenrio, which is split between Texas and New Mexico, is situated on the border between the two states.
It is located on the original Route 66. Glenrio is located roughly 12 miles west of Adrian, Texas, and 42 miles east of Tucumcari, New Mexico, to be more precise.
How to Get to The Glenrio
Located along historic Route 66 on the Texas-New Mexico border, Glenrio Ghost Town is about 160 miles east of the Amarillo International Airport in Texas.
You can drive I-40 West from the airport to get to Glenrio, which is an abandoned but historically significant ghost town that was once a thriving station along the famous Route 66.
Things You Can Find In Glenrio
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Fishing Equipments
- Civil War Relics
8. San Andres
In the first half of the 1850s, the town formed. In this town, a church was built by the locals in 1884.
The 1921 flood destroyed the church building. There is no trace of any occupants whatsoever, and the cemetery is still there on the edge of the town.
Southwest Milam County is where the town is situated. The property is currently without a known owner.
In this location, a few metal detectorists have uncovered buckles, coin jars, and metal pieces from doors and windows.
All of them were given to the museum, which is now welcoming visitors to view them.
I heard about San Andreas from a thread that was published on a Texas metal-detecting forum. Forums are great for engaging with online expert detectorists in specific locations.
Location
The southwestern region of Texas, in Terrell County, is where the ghost town of San Andres is situated. It is located close to the Mexican border, roughly 20 miles northeast of Dryden and 60 miles southeast of Marathon.
How to Get to The San Andres
The Midland International Air and Space Port, located about 200 miles to the northwest of the abandoned town, is the closest airport to San Andres.
To get to San Andres by car, you would have to drive for roughly 4 hours south on US-385 and then east on US-90.
Things You Can Find In San Andres
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Lost Personal Items
- Civil War Relics
9. Lost Maples State Natural Park
The Park gets great reviews for its stunning natural vegetation and features.
One of my favorite Texas state parks is this one. Even after a lengthy metal detecting session, you won’t feel tired because of the location’s serene and calm scenery.
This is one of the parks that is closely guarded. You must therefore have both authorization to enter and permission to metal detect.
Metal detecting is occasionally only permitted for missing objects, but you can start it and continue it for a while if you get the authorities’ approval.
Location
Texas, in the USA, is home to Lost Maples State Natural Area. It is located in the Texas Hill Country, about 87 miles west of San Antonio and 5 miles north of Vanderpool, Texas.
How to Get to The Lost Maples State Natural Park
About 100 miles west of San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is where you’ll find Lost Maples State Natural Area.
You can take a picturesque drive along US-90 West and Ranch Road 187 to get to Lost Maples from the airport, which will take you to this lovely natural park in the Texas Hill Country.
Things You Can Find In Lost Maples State Natural Park
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Lost Watches and Personal Items
10. Goliad State Park
The Goliad area of Texas is where Goliad State Park is located. Early archeological structures and historical items from the Spanish colonial era are abundant in this area.
Permission is needed in order to bring a metal detector into the park because it is full of historical structures. Additionally, you will be checked as you leave the park.
Old coins, military memorials, buttons, bullet fragments, and other objects from the era can all be found in the park.
Make sure to take an authorized metal detecting permit from teh government before visiting Goliad State Park.
However, given these are well-preserved historical treasures, they will be recognized as yours if you file a claim of ownership with the state government, which is rare.
Location
The southernmost city in Texas, Goliad, is where Goliad State Park is situated. The park is located roughly 90 miles southeast of San Antonio and 85 miles northeast of Corpus Christi.
How to Get to The Goliad State Park
About 95 miles to the southeast of San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is where you’ll find Goliad State Park. From the airport, take US-281 South, which will take you to the town of Goliad, where Goliad State Park is located.
Things You Can Find In Goliad State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Jewelry
- Civil War Relics
- Lost Watches and Personal Items
11. Big Bend Ranch State Park
The Rio Grande runs right alongside Big Bend Ranch State Park. As implied by the name, this state park has a ranch-like appearance.
The area has a mountainous environment that frequently contains canyons.
One of the top camping spots for visitors to and from outside the state is this. Even though it is located in the lonely Texas countryside, a lot of people still go there frequently.
In the past, mining operations have taken place in and around this region.
Therefore, this is a popular location for all metal detector enthusiasts who enjoy exploring former mine caverns.
It is necessary to get a valid permit before starting the metal detecting operations because the state rules control the state park.
Location
West Texas in the United States is home to Big Bend Ranch State Park. It is a component of the broader Big Bend region and is located alongside the Rio Grande River in the Chihuahuan Desert.
To be more precise, it is situated about 5 miles southwest of the town of Presidio, Texas, and extends over a sizable portion of the Mexican border.
How to Get to The Big Bend Ranch State Park
The Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) is about 270 miles southwest of Big Bend Ranch State Park, which is situated in West Texas.
You would normally take I-20 West to TX-349 South, which eventually links to US-67 South, to get to the park from the airport.
Things You Can Find In Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Jewelry
- Colonial Coins
- Civil War Relics
- Lost Watches and Personal Items
12. San Angelo State Park
San Angelo State Park is located on the O.C. Fisher Reservoir’s borders.
The park, which is open for regular uses like camping, fishing, and other activities, is managed by the state legislators.
The camp is accessible for the metal-detecting activities. Since this is a camping location, there are numerous things here that campers should see.
When going into the park to go metal detecting, you must have permission, and that authorization will specify what you can do.
You can find items from the area, such as huts, camping pegs, scams, jewelry, tin cans, and aluminum foil.
Due to the enormous volume of people that frequent the park every day for camping, fishing, and natural splendor, of all the locations indicated, this is the state park where I had the greatest success.
Location
San Angelo State Park is close to San Angelo, which is a city in West Texas, the United States. The park is located about 5 miles south of San Angelo’s city center.
How to Get to The San Angelo State Park
About 10 miles to the southwest of San Angelo Regional Airport (Mathis Field) in Texas is San Angelo State Park.
You can take US-277 South from the airport to get to the park, and then turn right onto Knickerbocker Road to get to the park’s entrance.
Things You Can Find In San Angelo State Park
- Colonial Coins
- Jewelry
- Civil War Relics
- Lost Personal Items
13. Colorado River
Many people like exploring the Texas Colorado River’s beaches for outdoor activities, including metal detecting, because of how picturesque it is.
Using a metal detector to look for buried metal artifacts is a common hobby known as metal detecting.
It’s important to take into account some important considerations when metal detecting in the Colorado River region of Texas.
- Permission – If you intend to metal detect on private property, always get permission beforehand. Before you begin, confirm that the landowner is on board.
- Public Land – You might be able to metal detect along the Colorado River in public parks and recreational areas. To find out if metal detecting is permitted, consult the park’s rules or the local government.
- Safety Tip – When metal detecting near water and riverbanks, be aware of your surroundings and attentive. The uneven terrain could cause dangers.
Location
A significant river that flows through Texas is the Colorado River. Beginning in New Mexico, it travels across Texas to the area of Lubbock before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
How to Get to The Colorado River
Take TX-71 West to get to the Colorado River in Texas, Austin from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
There are numerous parks and recreation sites in Austin, which is traversed by the Colorado River.
Things You Can Find In Colorado River
- Colonial Coins
- Jewelry
- Civil War Relics
- Native American Artifacts
14. Concho River
The Concho River and its surroundings provide a variety of recreational options, including fishing, kayaking, picnicking, metal detecting, and hiking.
Using a metal detector to look for buried metal artifacts is a common hobby.
Here are some things to think about when metal detecting along the Concho River in Texas,
- Permission – If you intend to metal detect on a private property, always get permission beforehand. Before you begin, confirm that the landowner is on board.
- Public Land – You might be able to metal detect along the Concho River in public parks and recreational areas. To find out if metal detecting is permitted, consult the rules of the park or the local government.
- Safety Tip – When metal detecting near water and riverbanks, be aware of your surroundings and attentive. The uneven terrain could cause dangers.
Location
The Concho River is a prominent river in Texas and traverses a number of different regions. It originates in the Texas Hill Country and eventually flows into central Texas where it merges with the Colorado River.
How to Get to The Concho River
San Angelo, Texas, the San Angelo Regional Airport (Mathis Field) is not far from the Concho River.
The Concho River runs through San Angelo, and the airport is located to the east of the city.
From the airport, you can travel north on Knickerbocker Road, which will take you to several access spots along the river in the city.
Things You Can Find In Concho River
- Colonial Coins
- Jewelry
- Civil War Relics
- Native American
15. Devils River
Outdoor enthusiasts frequently travel to Devils River in Texas because of its pure and secluded natural beauty.
Due to its isolation and ecological sensitivity, metal detecting in the area is normally regulated and subject to specific limits, even though it provides chances for a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and camping.
It is important to look into any local rules and regulations regarding metal detecting and to abide by them because they may differ depending on the precise area along the Devils River.
Here are some important things to remember,
- Private Property – A large portion of the area next to Devils River is privately owned. Before examining any area, ask the landowners’ permission if you intend to metal detect there.
- Public Access – State parks or wildlife management areas may provide access to some sections of the Devils River. Metal detecting could be governed by particular laws and licenses in certain places. It’s important to confirm the most recent information with the managing authorities.
- Safety Tip – When metal detecting near water and riverbanks, be aware of your surroundings and attentive. The uneven terrain could cause dangers.
Location
In the southwest of Texas, there lies a stunning and pristine river called Devils River. The Devils River flows through Val Verde County and is a tributary of the Rio Grande.
How to Get to The Devils River
San Antonio International Airport (SAT), which is between 160 and 200 miles to the east depending on your location along the river, is often the closest major airport to Devils River.
You would normally travel a combination of highways, such as I-10 West, and then various state and county roads depending on your goal along the river to get to Devils River from San Antonio International Airport.
Things You Can Find In Devils River
- Colonial Coins
- Jewelry
- Civil War Relics
- Native American
Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Texas
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Texas with the treasures you can find from each location.
Now let me share with you some tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in Texas which helped be to find cool treasures and get permission to visit locations without any issues.
Some of the below tips were collected from local expert detectorists whom I met during my metal detecting events in Texas.
So, just keep reading!
Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in Texas
- Always obtain permission where required, especially on private lands or state parks.
- Familiarize yourself with the Antiquities Code of Texas to avoid legal issues.
- Check local regulations for metal detecting as they can vary by city or county.
- Join local metal detecting clubs for insights and access to group events.
- Practice with your metal detector in a familiar area to fine-tune your skills.
- Bring appropriate gear for Texas weather and terrain, including sunscreen and a hat.
- Be prepared to practice “catch and release” detecting where you only locate items but do not remove them.
- Respect the land by filling in any holes and disposing of any trash you uncover.
- Consider a waterproof detector for searching in and around Texas rivers and beaches.
- Stay updated on any changes in metal detecting laws or guidelines.
Metal Detecting Laws in Texas
The regulations governing metal detecting in Texas differ depending on where you are.
Furthermore, it may be illegal to dig or otherwise disrupt the environment, and any lucrative discoveries must be reported to the appropriate authorities in accordance with the law.
Metal detecting in Texas requires observing local laws, respecting the environment, and securing any required permits or permissions.
Let’s look into specific places if Metal Detecting is allowed.
Is it Legal to Metal Detect on Texas Beaches?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed on Texas beaches, but you must abide by specific rules and restrictions to avoid breaking the law.
Metal detecting is not expressly prohibited on Texas beaches by state law, although certain communities may have their guidelines.
Before you start metal detecting, it is a good idea to check with local authorities or beach management.
Filling in any holes you dig and not harming protected areas or cultural heritage sites are other ways to show respect for the environment and other beachgoers.
Always pack out any rubbish or artifacts you find, and be mindful of any licensing requirements that could be necessary for artifact recovery.
Is it Legal to Metal Detect on Texas State Parks?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed in Texas State Parks, only if it is authorized by a permit.
Texas has laws and regulations protecting the protection of nature and human life from metal detecting operations, similar to many other states in the United States of America.
Like every other state, Texas has laws requiring permission or licensure before engaging in metal detecting in state parks.
The state government owns the majority of these state parks. This means that you need to obtain permission from the state government in order to metal detect in state parks.
Most of these parks have designated areas for metal detecting even though you have authorization to use them.
Therefore, be sure to be aware of the locations that are permitted for metal detecting and to respect and obey the law by metal detecting only in these permitted regions.
Is it Legal to Metal Detect on Texas Ghost Towns?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed in Texas Ghost Towns, but that depends on landowner ownership and authorization.
If the ghost town is located on private land, you must acquire permission from the owner before engaging in any metal detecting operations.
If the ghost town is on public or state-owned land, such as those controlled by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or other governmental agencies, it’s advisable to contact the appropriate agency.
They may provide information on any metal detecting regulations or prohibitions.
It is important to respect the historical and cultural significance of ghost towns, as well as to ensure that any relics discovered are not disturbed or removed without permission.
Is it Legal to Metal Detect on Texas Rivers?
Yes, Metal detecting is allowed on the Texas River, however, it’s important to be aware of some guidelines and limitations.
Since riverbank property and use might vary, it’s important to ascertain the precise legal status of the region you intend to visit.
On public lands and waterways, metal detecting is permitted, but in privately held locations, you could need permission or a permit.
A pleasurable and responsible metal-detecting adventure on Texas rivers will be more likely if you respect the environment and follow any rules that may be in effect.
A member of the Texas Association of Metal Detecting Clubs found over 400,000 coins through metal detecting over a period of 42 years.
texashighways.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What are some historical sites for metal detecting in Texas?
Ghost towns like Lobo and Glenrio, and historical areas around the Frio River and Bandera City Park are rich sites for historical metal detecting.
Do you need a permit to metal detect in Texas?
For state parks, national forests, and certain other public lands, you do need a permit to metal detect in Texas.
Where is gold prospecting popular in Texas?
Around Llano and in East Texas, north of Longview, gold prospecting is a popular activity, albeit mostly on private lands.
What kind of metal detector is recommended for Texas soil?
Multi-purpose detectors like the Fisher F22 or Minelab Equinox 800 are recommended due to Texas’s diverse soil types.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Texas
In this article, I deeply explored the best place to metal detect in Texas with their maps and metal detecting techniques you need to follow in each place to find cool things.
The best places to metal detect in Texas include popular beaches like Crystal Beach, historical ghost towns such as Terlingua, and rivers like the Rio Grande. Always check local laws and obtain necessary permits before your treasure hunt.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you learned everything you wanted to know about the best place to metal detect in Texas including experts’ tips and tricks!
Now select your nearest area in Texas from the given list, do some research, and start treasure hunting. Happy treasure hunting in adventures Texas!
