Metal Detecting at Ossabaw Island Heritage Preserve
Chatham County · Coast · State Heritage Preserve
Last verified:
The rules
Ossabaw is state-owned land designated a Georgia Heritage Preserve (the state's first, 1978, and its highest land protection), co-managed by GA DNR and the Ossabaw Island Foundation. Metal detecting on state land is unlawful (OCGA 12-3-10(n)), and interior access is by application for research or education only, always accompanied by DNR or Foundation staff.
Permit: Required (DNR/Foundation; research or education only)
📞 Call ahead: 912-344-3900 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
DO NOT detect — access-controlled Heritage Preserve (historic Torrey-West mansion, tabby slave cabins, Native shell middens), Georgia's third-largest barrier island
This spot is off-limits — try one of the allowed Georgia spots instead, then gear up below.
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More spots nearby: Atlantic Coast & Golden Isles · See the full Georgia metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: GA DNR / Ossabaw Island Foundation — Heritage Preserve; OCGA 12-3-10(n). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.