Metal Detecting Hunts in New Jersey
New Jersey punches far above its size, thanks to two long-established clubs. The East Coast Research & Discovery Association (founded 1983, the Northeast's largest treasure-hunting club) runs a spring fundraiser relic hunt, its flagship two-day anniversary open hunt at Pequannock Valley Park, and a members-only fall club hunt. The Deep Search Metal Detecting Club (est. 1982) adds its annual barbeque hunt in Edison and a two-day seeded Treasure Hunt Weekend — now in its 35th year — on the beach at Sea Bright.
Upcoming hunts in New Jersey
Deep Search MDC 13th Annual Club Barbeque
Jul 25, 2026 — Edison, NJ · Seeded hunt · From $60
The 13th annual club barbeque and seeded hunt hosted by the Deep Search Metal Detecting Club (DSMDC, est. 1982) at Picnic Grove 2, Roosevelt Park, Edison NJ. Two seeded hunts with silver prizes in both — 10 AM first hunt, 1 PM… Hosted by Deep Search Metal Detecting Club (DSMDC).
ECRDA Annual Club Hunt (Members Only)
Sep 19, 2026 — Pompton Plains, NJ · Seeded hunt · $75
ECRDA's annual members-only club hunt at Pequannock Valley Park, Pompton Plains NJ — Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM. $75 per detector. Hosted by East Coast Research & Discovery Association.
Deep Search MDC 35th Annual Treasure Hunt Weekend
Sep 26, 2026 — Sea Bright, NJ · Seeded hunt · $250 / $150 day
Deep Search Metal Detecting Club's 35th Annual Treasure Hunt Weekend — a two-day seeded hunt at a NEW location, Sea Bright Public Beach & Boardwalk, 1099 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright NJ. Rain or shine. Hosted by Deep Search Metal Detecting Club (DSMDC).
Recent hunts
- ECRDA Fundraiser Hunt — Rebecca's Homestead — Apr 18, 2026, Wantage, NJ · Natural/relic hunt · hosted by East Coast Research & Discovery Association. Fundraiser relic hunt hosted by the Northeast's largest treasure-hunting club (founded 1983). 100% of registration goes into the hunt.
- ECRDA 43rd Anniversary Open Hunt — May 2, 2026, Pompton Plains, NJ · Seeded + natural · hosted by East Coast Research & Discovery Association. ECRDA's flagship two-day open hunt at Pequannock Valley Park (Marvin Road, Pompton Plains, NJ).
Recurring hunts to watch
ECRDA's anniversary open hunt (early May) and fall club hunt, and Deep Search's barbeque hunt (July) and Treasure Hunt Weekend (September, 35 years running) all recur annually. Both clubs post next year's dates on their own sites — ecrda.org and deepsearchmdc.com.
Detecting in New Jersey: 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: New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut. Listings come from the DigRallies directory — dates and fees are checked against the hosts' own announcements, but always confirm with the host before traveling.