Metal Detecting at Horry County Unincorporated Beaches (Arcadian Shores / south of Springmaid)
Horry County · Grand Strand · County beach (unincorporated)
Last verified:
The rules
On the unincorporated Horry County oceanfront - the Arcadian Shores / Lake Arrowhead stretch between Myrtle Beach and Briarcliffe Acres, and the sliver south of Springmaid Pier toward the state park - no county ordinance bans metal detecting. Horry County's beach rules prohibit holes deeper than two feet and require them to be filled, and no activity is allowed on the dunes. Follow all posted beach-access rules.
Permit: Not required
📞 Call ahead: 843-915-7953 (Horry County Beach Patrol) (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
Quieter unincorporated access points away from the main strip; wet-sand and towel-line finds with less competition from other detectorists.
Beach detecting here? You want a saltwater-capable machine and a long-handled sand scoop. The Nokta Legend 2 is the best value that handles wet salt sand. See the Nokta Legend 2 →
More spots nearby: Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach) · See the full South Carolina metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: Horry County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 5 (Beaches). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.