Metal Detecting at Lake Hartwell (USACE)
Anderson/Oconee County · Upstate · USACE lake
Last verified:
The rules
Corps rule 36 CFR 327.14 allows metal detecting only in designated areas or on beaches and previously disturbed ground unless the District Commander prohibits it, and digging up or removing any historic or archaeological resource is banned. Confirm the currently allowed spots with the Hartwell project office before you go.
Permit: Not required, but limited to designated/previously-disturbed areas - confirm with the project office
📞 Call ahead: 706-856-0300 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
Detecting Corps-managed swim beaches and previously disturbed day-use areas after checking with the office; mineralized Piedmont red-clay soil, so ground-balance your machine
More spots nearby: Upstate & the Mountain Lakes · See the full South Carolina metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: 36 CFR 327.14 (USACE Savannah District). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.