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Where to look · 4 min read

Where it's legal to collect (US)

Rockhound State Park, New Mexico, where collecting is allowed
Rockhound State Park, New Mexico, where collecting is allowed
The short answer: No collecting in national parks. Small personal amounts are usually fine on BLM land and in most national forests. Everywhere else, check the rules or ask the owner.

  1. Find out who owns the land

    The rules depend on the landowner. Check posted signs, a land-ownership map or the local office before you take anything.

  2. National parks and monuments

    Collecting rocks, minerals and fossils is not allowed.

  3. BLM land

    You can generally collect reasonable amounts of rocks, minerals, and common invertebrate and plant fossils for personal, non-commercial use without a permit. Petrified wood has limits: 25 lb plus one piece a day, 250 lb a year.

  4. National forests

    Small amounts for personal use are usually allowed. Some areas are closed or need a permit, so ask the ranger district.

  5. State parks, beaches and private land

    Many state parks don't allow collecting. Beach rules vary by state. On private land, mines and quarries, collect only with the owner's permission. Fee-dig sites are a great, legal way to collect.

Tips
  • Take only what you'll keep, and fill any holes you dig.
Warnings
  • Vertebrate fossils (bones and teeth, including shark teeth) on federal land need a permit and go to a museum.
  • Arrowheads and artifacts are protected on public land. Don't collect on tribal land without the tribe's permission.
Identify rocks on the spot with Rarestone for iPhone: point your camera at a rock and tap it. Get the app.

Photos: Rockhound by snowpeak, CC BY 2.0. General information only: rules, safety and values vary, so check locally and ask an expert when it matters.