Metal Detectors

Metal Detecting in Onondaga County Parks

Metal detectors are welcome in Onondaga County Parks. A permit is required at all applicable parks and are available free of charge.

Metal detecting is only allowed in public areas and may be prohibited in areas such as reserved shelters, sport fields, etc. The permit/park will have more details.

Removal of detected objects must be confined to small items such as coins or jewelry which can be removed with the point of a small hand trowel, knife or similar tool.  Any holes that are dug must be refilled, regardless of size or location.

Permits must be carried at all times when using device on park property.  Permit holder should be prepared to show his/her permit when requested by park rangers or park employees.

Metal Detecting is permitted at the following parks:
Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery
Highland Forest
Jamesville Beach Park
Oneida Shores Park
Onondaga Lake Park (includes Long Branch Park)
Otisco Lake Park
Pratt’s Falls Park

Click here to download a permit. All applicants are required to go to a park office to show their ID to validate this permit. For Pratt’s Falls Park, Otisco Lake Park & during the non-beach season at Jamesville Beach, go to Highland Forest. For Oneida Shores Park during the winter months go to Onondaga Lake Park.

Metal detecting is NOT permitted at Beaver Lake Nature Center, Hopkins Road Park, NBT Bank Stadium, Rosamond Gifford Zoo or at the Cemeteries.

Coin Photo: ©MetalDetector.com

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

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