Metal Detecting Hunts in Virginia
Virginia offers the full spread: the Roanoke Valley Coin and Relic Club's multi-format annual open hunt (35 years running) in June, the Hampton Roads Recovery Society's seeded fall hunt on the sand at Buckroe Beach in September, and the Hanover Metal Detectors Club's Old Dominion Relic Dig in November — a natural hunt on genuine Central Virginia Civil War farmland, now in its 18th year.
Upcoming hunts in Virginia
HRRS Fall Hunt — Buckroe Beach
Sep 19, 2026 — Hampton, VA · Seeded hunt · $50
Annual fall seeded hunt by the Hampton Roads Recovery Society at Buckroe Beach Park, Hampton VA (near the playground area on the beach). Setup at 8 AM with the first hunt starting at 9 AM. $50 per detector.
Old Dominion Relic Dig (18th Annual)
Nov 7, 2026 — Hanover, VA · Seeded hunt · $135
The Hanover Metal Detectors Club's 18th Annual Old Dominion Relic Dig — Saturday November 7, 2026, on genuine Central Virginia Civil War farmland within about 30 minutes of Carmel Church, VA (the Caroline/Hanover county line; the exact parcel is disclosed to registrants roughly two weeks out and moves year to year).
Gone Diggin' Plowed Fields and Pits
Nov 9–11, 2026 — Eastern Shore, VA · Natural hunt · $325
Gone Diggin's flagship community dig — three days, November 9th, 10th and 11th 2026, at Long's Grain and Seed on Virginia's Eastern Shore: over 500 acres of huntable permission farmland with multiple home sites and confirmed 1800s habitation. Hosted by Gone Diggin' (Matt Howell).
Recent hunts
- Roanoke Valley Coin & Relic Club 35th Annual Open Hunt — Jun 6, 2026, Shawsville, VA · Seeded hunt · hosted by Roanoke Valley Coin and Relic Club. 35th annual seeded open hunt at Camp Alta Mons, 2842 Crockett Springs Rd, Shawsville VA. Multi-format day: two regular hunts plus Silver Hunt, Mystery Hunt, and Dig for Cash.
Recurring hunts to watch
All three Virginia hunts are annual institutions: Roanoke Valley's open hunt each June, the HRRS Buckroe Beach hunt each fall, and the Old Dominion Relic Dig each November. Club websites carry next year's registration once dates firm up.
Detecting in Virginia: 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: North Carolina, Tennessee. Listings come from the DigRallies directory — dates and fees are checked against the hosts' own announcements, but always confirm with the host before traveling.