I couldn't believe it when I ran across this. I was looking for someplace in SD to for us to go wilderness camping. Apparently the Black Hills National Forest allows metal detecting.
"Rock Collecting and Gold Panning
Rock collecting in small amounts for personal use is allowed on the Forest. Make sure you surface collect only, with no digging or excavating.
Recreational gold panning is allowed in some locations. Contact the closest Forest Service office for more information on locations and rules.
Metal detectors are allowed, as long as you don't dig holes. Federal law prohibits the collection of fossils."
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/recreation/rec_activites.shtml
They also allow "dispersed camping", which is camping outside of designated campgrounds. YAY!
"Rock Collecting and Gold Panning
Rock collecting in small amounts for personal use is allowed on the Forest. Make sure you surface collect only, with no digging or excavating.
Recreational gold panning is allowed in some locations. Contact the closest Forest Service office for more information on locations and rules.
Metal detectors are allowed, as long as you don't dig holes. Federal law prohibits the collection of fossils."
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/recreation/rec_activites.shtml
They also allow "dispersed camping", which is camping outside of designated campgrounds. YAY!