Metal Detecting Hunts in Arkansas
Arkansas gets two solid seeded hunts a year, both in the Russellville–Dardanelle stretch of the Arkansas River Valley. The Ozarks Metal Detecting Club runs its fall hunt at River Front Park in Dardanelle, and the Ozark Silver Hoard Hunt buries 100% of its entry fees as silver at Buckaroo Ranch near Russellville each spring. If you're within a few hours of the Ozarks, this is a spring-and-fall tradition worth planning around.
Upcoming hunts in Arkansas
No Arkansas hunts are on the calendar right now. Hunts are usually announced a few months out — check the recurring hunts below, or browse every upcoming US hunt.
Recent hunts
- Ozarks 9 Fall Treasure Hunt — Oct 3, 2026, Dardanelle, AR · Seeded hunt · hosted by Ozarks Metal Detecting Club. The Ozarks Metal Detecting Club's 9th fall treasure hunt — Saturday October 3, 2026 at River Front Park in Dardanelle AR.
- Ozark Silver Hoard Hunt 2 — May 2–3, 2026, Russellville, AR · Seeded hunt · hosted by Ozarks Metal Detecting Club. Weekend seeded hunt at Buckaroo Ranch in the Russellville/Dardanelle area, 2.8 miles north of I-40.
Recurring hunts to watch
Both listed hunts are annual: the Ozark Silver Hoard Hunt each spring (entries capped at 200) and the Ozarks club's fall hunt in early October, with Friday-evening early registration. Watch the clubs' Facebook groups for dates, usually announced months ahead.
Detecting in Arkansas: the short version
Organized hunts are the easy way in — the host has already secured land permission, and that's most of what your entry fee buys. Outside events, get landowner permission on private ground and check state and local rules for parks and beaches before digging. Seeded hunts are the friendliest start for beginners and kids; natural hunts reward experience. New to organized hunts? Start with the guide to metal detecting hunts and the FAQ.
Nearby states with listed hunts: Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi. Listings come from the DigRallies directory — dates and fees are checked against the hosts' own announcements, but always confirm with the host before traveling.