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
Dig it Dude 3 — The Gathering
Nov 6–8, 2026 — Central New Jersey, NJ · Seeded + natural · $125
The third annual Dig it Dude 'The Gathering' — a three-day metal-detecting event in Central New Jersey, November 6–8, 2026, and a fundraiser for the Veteran Farmers of NJ. Friday Nov 6 is a meet-and-greet; Saturday Nov 7 is the Natural and Seeded Hunt on a historic farm; the gathering continues Sunday Nov 8. Hosted by Jersey History Hunters (Dig it Dude).
Recent hunts
- SJMDC Fall Hunt — Sep 27, 2026, Shamong, NJ · Seeded hunt · hosted by South Jersey Metal Detecting Club. The South Jersey Metal Detecting Club's Fall Hunt — Sunday, September 27, 2026 at the Atsion Lake Pavilion, 744 US-206, Shamong NJ 08088 (the Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton…
- Deep Search MDC 35th Annual Treasure Hunt Weekend — Sep 26–27, 2026, Sea Bright, NJ · Seeded hunt · hosted by Deep Search Metal Detecting Club (DSMDC). 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.
- ECRDA Annual Club Hunt (Members Only) — Sep 19, 2026, Pompton Plains, NJ · Seeded hunt · hosted by East Coast Research & Discovery Association. 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.
- Deep Search MDC 13th Annual Club Barbeque — Jul 25, 2026, Edison, NJ · Seeded hunt · hosted by Deep Search Metal Detecting Club (DSMDC). 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.
- ECRDA 43rd Anniversary Open Hunt — May 2–3, 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).
- ECRDA Fundraiser Hunt — Rebecca's Homestead — Apr 18–19, 2026, Wantage, NJ · Natural 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.
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.