Rockhounding in the United States
We map 12,024 rockhounding locations across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Click a state for an interactive map with GPS coordinates, reported specimens, land access details, and the collecting rules that apply there.
12,024 SITES · 50 STATES + DC · MOST IN CALIFORNIA (1,768)
Data: USGS Mineral Resources Data System · Paleobiology Database · Oregon DOGAMI MILO · community submissions — updated August 2026
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Rockhounding Laws on Federal Land
Before heading out, know the rules. Federal collecting regulations vary by land type:
- BLM Land — Casual collecting allowed. Limit: 25 lbs per day plus one specimen, up to 250 lbs per year. No commercial collecting without a permit.
- National Forests — Casual mineral and rock collecting generally allowed for personal, non-commercial use. Some forests have specific restrictions.
- National Parks & Monuments — Collecting is prohibited. Do not remove any natural materials.
- State Parks — Regulations vary by state. Check each state page for specific rules.
Always verify current regulations before visiting. Rules can change, and some areas have additional restrictions for endangered species, cultural resources, or watershed protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the most rockhounding sites?
California leads our database with 1,768 mapped sites, followed by Nevada (1,106), Oregon (682), and Montana (659). What is "best" depends on what you want to find, so open a state map and filter by specimen.
How many rockhounding locations are mapped?
We map 12,024 rockhounding locations across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. — documented mineral occurrences, fossil sites, paid dig sites, and community submissions, each with GPS coordinates and reported specimens. Canada has its own section with maps for all 13 provinces and territories.
Can I go rockhounding on public land?
Yes. BLM and National Forest land generally allow casual collecting for personal use. The standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen, up to 250 lbs per year. National parks and monuments prohibit collecting entirely, and active mining claims make the minerals someone else’s property.
Do I need a permit to go rockhounding?
Not for casual collecting on most BLM and National Forest land. Some sites require permits, and state parks vary by state. Always check the specific regulations for your destination before collecting.
What is the most common mineral found while rockhounding?
Quartz varieties (clear quartz, smoky quartz, amethyst, rose quartz) are the most commonly reported finds across our database, followed by agate, jasper, and pyrite.
How do I find rockhounding spots near me?
Use our interactive map on the main maps page to find locations closest to you. You can also browse by state on this page, filter by mineral type on our specimen maps, or search for specific rocks and minerals.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.