Metal Detecting at Kings Mountain National Military Park
York/Cherokee County · Upstate · National Park (NPS)
Last verified:
The rules
Possessing or using a metal detector is prohibited on all National Park Service land under 36 CFR 2.1(a)(7), and digging or removing any archaeological or historic resource is a federal crime. This is the preserved 1780 Revolutionary War battlefield where the Patriot militia defeated Major Ferguson, so the entire ground is protected.
Permit: N/A
📞 Call ahead: 864-936-7921 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
DO NOT detect - federally protected Revolutionary War battlefield; metal detecting and relic hunting are criminal offenses here
This spot is off-limits — try one of the allowed South Carolina spots instead, then gear up below.
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More spots nearby: Upstate & the Mountain Lakes · See the full South Carolina metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: 36 CFR 2.1(a)(7) (NPS). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.