Metal Detecting at Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
Chatham County · Coast · National Wildlife Refuge
Last verified:
The rules
On national wildlife refuge land, searching for buried treasure, coins or other valued objects is prohibited without a federal permit (50 CFR 27.63), and disturbing the ground is barred — so metal detecting is not an allowed use. Wassaw is an undeveloped, boat-access barrier island.
Permit: N/A
📞 Call ahead: 843-784-2468 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
DO NOT detect — pristine boat-access barrier island with wide beaches and sea-turtle nesting, federally protected
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: 50 CFR 27.63 (USFWS) — Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex. Verify against the managing authority before detecting.