Best Fossil Dig Sites in South Carolina, USA
Discover South Carolina’s top fossil hunting destinations for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists, featuring shark teeth, mammoth fossils, and more.
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Edisto Beach State Park
Location: Edisto Island, Colleton County, SC 29438
GPS Coordinates: 32.5050, -80.2947
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Megalodon)
- Mammoth, mastodon teeth
- Sloth, armadillo bones
- Whale, porpoise fragments
Geological Period: Miocene-Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Wando Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: $8/adult, $5/child
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Edisto Island
Contact Information: Edisto Beach State Park, 843-869-2156, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Mammoth molars
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Folly Beach
Location: Folly Beach, Charleston County, SC 29439
GPS Coordinates: 32.6557, -79.9403
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Megalodon, Carcharodon)
- Whale bones
- Shells
Geological Period: Oligocene-Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Ashley Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: Free (parking fees may apply)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Folly Beach
Contact Information: Folly Beach Tourism, 843-588-2426, No email
Famous Discoveries: Megalodon teeth
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (300 reviews, Google Maps) -
Ashley River
Location: Charleston, Charleston County, SC 29407
GPS Coordinates: 32.7625, -79.9292
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Carcharodon, Procarcharodon)
- Turtle remains (Chrysemys)
- Crocodile bones (Gavialosuchus)
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Hawthorn Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (submerged areas)
Permit Requirements: SCIAA hobby license ($25/year)
Entry Fee: Free (license cost)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours (e.g., Charleston Fossil Adventures)
Tool Use Policy: Sifters, snorkels; tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Charleston
Contact Information: Charleston Fossil Adventures, 843-296-6966, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Miocene crocodile fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (120 reviews, Charleston Fossil Adventures) -
Martin-Marietta Quarry
Location: Cross, Berkeley County, SC 29436
GPS Coordinates: 33.3698, -80.1157
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Ray teeth
- Whale bones
- Crab fragments
- Echinoids
Geological Period: Eocene-Pliocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Santee, Cooper, Duplin Formations
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission from quarry management
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Moncks Corner
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: Basilosaurus whale fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (30 reviews, estimated) -
Hunting Island State Park
Location: Beaufort, Beaufort County, SC 29907
GPS Coordinates: 32.3580, -80.4442
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Shells
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Wando Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: $8/adult, $4/child
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Beaufort
Contact Information: Hunting Island State Park, 843-838-2011, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (250 reviews, Google Maps) -
Myrtle Beach
Location: Myrtle Beach, Horry County, SC 29577
GPS Coordinates: 33.6889, -78.8869
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Shells (Rangia, Busycon)
- Corals (Astrangia)
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Canepatch Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: Free (parking fees may apply)
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Myrtle Beach
Contact Information: Myrtle Beach Tourism, 843-626-7444, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (400 reviews, Google Maps) -
Harleyville Lafarge Quarry
Location: Harleyville, Dorchester County, SC 29448
GPS Coordinates: 33.2135, -80.4482
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Ray teeth
- Whale bones (Basilosaurus, Zygorhiza)
- Turtle remains
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Harleyville, Cross Formations
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission from quarry management; limited access
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided (quarterly trips)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in St. George
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: Dorudon whale skeletons
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (40 reviews, estimated) -
Dorchester Creek
Location: Summerville, Dorchester County, SC 29485
GPS Coordinates: 32.9561, -80.1719
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Carcharodon)
- Ray teeth
Geological Period: Oligocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Chandler Bridge Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (submerged areas)
Permit Requirements: SCIAA hobby license ($25/year); low-tide collecting
Entry Fee: Free (license cost)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours (e.g., Charleston Fossil Adventures)
Tool Use Policy: Sifters, snorkels; tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Summerville
Contact Information: Charleston Fossil Adventures, 843-296-6966, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Oligocene shark fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (80 reviews, Charleston Fossil Adventures) -
Younges Island
Location: Charleston, Charleston County, SC 29412
GPS Coordinates: 32.6938, -80.2314
Fossil Types Found:- Corals (Astrangia)
- Bivalves (Noetia, Rangia)
- Gastropods (Busycon, Polinices)
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Canepatch Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (mud flats)
Permit Requirements: No permit; low-tide collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Charleston
Contact Information: Charleston County Parks, 843-795-4386, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Pawleys Island
Location: Pawleys Island, Georgetown County, SC 29585
GPS Coordinates: 33.3994, -79.1391
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Shells
Geological Period: Miocene-Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Waccamaw Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: Free (parking fees may apply)
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Pawleys Island
Contact Information: Pawleys Island Tourism, 843-237-1698, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Litchfield Beach
Location: Georgetown, Georgetown County, SC 29440
GPS Coordinates: 33.4667, -79.0970
Fossil Types Found:- Shells
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Waccamaw Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: Free (parking fees may apply)
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Georgetown
Contact Information: Georgetown Tourism, 843-546-8436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (150 reviews, Google Maps) -
North Myrtle Beach
Location: North Myrtle Beach, Horry County, SC 29582
GPS Coordinates: 33.7887, -78.7725
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Cucullaea, Exogyra)
- Ammonites (Placenticeras)
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: PeeDee Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: Free (parking fees may apply)
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in North Myrtle Beach
Contact Information: North Myrtle Beach Tourism, 843-281-2662, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (250 reviews, Google Maps) -
Jeremy Inlet
Location: Edisto Island, Colleton County, SC 29438
GPS Coordinates: 32.5177, -80.2780
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Mammoth, mastodon remains
- Sloth, armadillo bones
Geological Period: Miocene-Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Wando Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Edisto Island
Contact Information: Edisto Beach State Park, 843-869-2156, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (100 reviews, Google Maps) -
Shell Island
Location: Edisto Island, Colleton County, SC 29438
GPS Coordinates: 32.5350, -80.2492
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Mammoth, mastodon remains
- Whale, porpoise bone fragments
Geological Period: Miocene-Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Wando Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (requires boat access)
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: Free (transportation costs apply)
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Edisto Island
Contact Information: Edisto Beach State Park, 843-869-2156, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (60 reviews, estimated) -
Waccamaw River
Location: Georgetown, Georgetown County, SC 29440
GPS Coordinates: 33.3583, -79.2569
Fossil Types Found:- Marine invertebrates
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: PeeDee Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (submerged areas)
Permit Requirements: SCIAA hobby license ($25/year)
Entry Fee: Free (license cost)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours (e.g., local outfitters)
Tool Use Policy: Sifters, snorkels; tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Georgetown
Contact Information: Georgetown Tourism, 843-546-8436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Morgan River
Location: Beaufort, Beaufort County, SC 29907
GPS Coordinates: 32.4766, -80.5135
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Carcharocles)
Geological Period: Oligocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Chandler Bridge Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (submerged areas)
Permit Requirements: SCIAA hobby license ($25/year)
Entry Fee: Free (license cost)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours (e.g., local outfitters)
Tool Use Policy: Sifters, snorkels; tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Beaufort
Contact Information: Beaufort Tourism, 843-525-8500, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Goose Creek
Location: Goose Creek, Berkeley County, SC 29445
GPS Coordinates: 32.9750, -80.0348
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Ray teeth (Dasyatis, Raja)
- Shells
Geological Period: Oligocene-Pliocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Chandler Bridge, Waccamaw Formations
Public or Private Access: Public (submerged areas)
Permit Requirements: SCIAA hobby license ($25/year)
Entry Fee: Free (license cost)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours (e.g., Charleston Fossil Adventures)
Tool Use Policy: Sifters, snorkels; tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Goose Creek
Contact Information: Charleston Fossil Adventures, 843-296-6966, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (70 reviews, estimated) -
Middendorf
Location: Middendorf, Chesterfield County, SC 29709
GPS Coordinates: 34.5382, -80.1534
Fossil Types Found:- Plant leaves (41 species)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Middendorf Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Hartsville
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Cretaceous plant impressions
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Perkins Bluff
Location: Georgetown, Williamsburg County, SC 29440
GPS Coordinates: 33.5238, -79.4370
Fossil Types Found:- Nautiloids (Eutrephoceras)
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Black Mingo Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Georgetown
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Tindall’s Mill
Location: Manning, Clarendon County, SC 29102
GPS Coordinates: 33.7245, -80.3111
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Ostrea, Venericardia)
- Gastropods (Turritella, Natica)
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Black Mingo Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Manning
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Mayesville
Location: Mayesville, Sumter County, SC 29104
GPS Coordinates: 34.0164, -80.1543
Fossil Types Found:- Mollusks (250 species)
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Duplin Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Sumter
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: Diverse mollusk assemblage
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (25 reviews, estimated) -
Givhans Bridge
Location: Ridgeville, Dorchester County, SC 29472
GPS Coordinates: 33.0375, -80.3878
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Amusium, Arca, Ostrea)
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Cooper Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for surface collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (surface collecting)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Summerville
Contact Information: Dorchester County Tourism, 843-832-0047, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Port Royal Island
Location: Beaufort, Beaufort County, SC 29907
GPS Coordinates: 32.3788, -80.6891
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Wando Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for beach collecting
Entry Fee: Free (parking fees may apply)
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Winter
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Beaufort
Contact Information: Beaufort Tourism, 843-525-8500, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (150 reviews, Google Maps) -
St. Helena Island
Location: Beaufort, Beaufort County, SC 29920
GPS Coordinates: 32.4171, -80.5134
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Wando Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (submerged areas)
Permit Requirements: SCIAA hobby license ($25/year)
Entry Fee: Free (license cost)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours (e.g., local outfitters)
Tool Use Policy: Sifters, snorkels; tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Beaufort
Contact Information: Beaufort Tourism, 843-525-8500, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Raysor Bridge
Location: St. George, Colleton County, SC 29477
GPS Coordinates: 33.1000, -80.6658
Fossil Types Found:- Corals (Paracyathus)
- Bivalves (Arca, Ostrea)
- Gastropods (Turritella)
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Raysor Marl
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for surface collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (surface collecting)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in St. George
Contact Information: South Carolina Tourism, 803-734-1700, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (40 reviews, estimated)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in South Carolina
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edisto Beach State Park | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Mammoth, Sloth, Whale | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Folly Beach | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Whale bones, Shells | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Ashley River | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Turtle, Crocodile | Guided | 4.7/5 |
| Martin-Marietta Quarry | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Ray teeth, Whale bones | Permit-only | 4.0/5 |
| Hunting Island State Park | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Shells | Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Myrtle Beach | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Shells, Corals | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Harleyville Lafarge Quarry | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Whale bones, Turtle | Permit-only | 4.2/5 |
| Dorchester Creek | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Ray teeth | Guided | 4.6/5 |
| Younges Island | South Carolina | Corals, Bivalves, Gastropods | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Pawleys Island | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Shells | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Litchfield Beach | South Carolina | Shells, Shark teeth | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| North Myrtle Beach | South Carolina | Bivalves, Ammonites, Shark teeth | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Jeremy Inlet | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Mammoth, Sloth | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Shell Island | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Mammoth, Whale | Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Waccamaw River | South Carolina | Marine invertebrates, Shark teeth | Guided | 4.0/5 |
| Morgan River | South Carolina | Shark teeth | Guided | 4.0/5 |
| Goose Creek | South Carolina | Shark teeth, Ray teeth, Shells | Guided | 4.5/5 |
| Middendorf | South Carolina | Plant leaves | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Perkins Bluff | South Carolina | Nautiloids | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| Tindall’s Mill | South Carolina | Bivalves, Gastropods | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Mayesville | South Carolina | Mollusks (250 species) | Permit-only | 3.9/5 |
| Givhans Bridge | South Carolina | Bivalves, Bryozoans | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Port Royal Island | South Carolina | Shark teeth | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| St. Helena Island | South Carolina | Shark teeth | Guided | 4.0/5 |
| Raysor Bridge | South Carolina | Corals, Bivalves, Gastropods | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in South Carolina
South Carolina is a fossil hunter’s paradise, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in South Carolina for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. Coastal havens like Edisto Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach are ideal for family fossil hunting trips in South Carolina, where self-guided fossil digs in South Carolina yield Miocene-Pleistocene shark teeth, including massive Megalodon finds, in formations like the Waccamaw and Canepatch. Charleston’s Ashley and Dorchester Creek are hotspots for low-cost paleontology tours in South Carolina, with guided dinosaur dig vacations in South Carolina via outfitters like Charleston Fossil Adventures uncovering Miocene turtle and crocodile fossils, requiring a $25 SCIAA hobby license. Private quarries like Harleyville Lafarge and Martin-Marietta in Cross are top rockhounding destinations in South Carolina, offering Eocene whale fossils like Basilosaurus with limited access. Beaches such as Pawleys Island and Litchfield provide free, permit-free fossil hunting in South Carolina, with nearby lodging and high ratings (4.0–4.7/5 on Google Maps). Fall and winter are optimal for beachcombing, while spring and summer suit river dives. For those wondering where to find fossils in South Carolina, joining clubs like the Aiken Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Society unlocks private sites like Mayesville’s Miocene mollusks. Though Jurassic fossil parks in South Carolina are absent, the common fossils in South Carolina—shark teeth, shells, and Ice Age mammals—fuel thrilling paleontology field adventures in South Carolina. From Middendorf’s Cretaceous plants to Perkins Bluff’s Eocene nautiloids, South Carolina’s prehistoric site tours in South Carolina connect adventurers to millions of years of history, making it a must-visit for fossil enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in South Carolina?
No, collecting fossils in National Parks like Congaree is prohibited under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). Take photos and report finds to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in South Carolina?
Beach: Long pants, shoes, bucket, sifter. River: Snorkel, sifter, gloves, water shoes. Guided tours provide tools; check rules for private sites.
Are there guided fossil digs in South Carolina?
Yes, outfitters like Charleston Fossil Adventures offer guided river tours. Public digs are rare but hosted by Charleston Museum occasionally.
What are the best seasons for fossil hunting in South Carolina?
Fall/winter for beaches (low tides); spring/summer for rivers (clear water, low flow).
Can I keep fossils I find in South Carolina?
Yes, on public beaches and with a SCIAA hobby license for submerged state lands. Private sites require permission; National Parks prohibit collecting.
Are there educational programs for fossil hunting in South Carolina?
Charleston Museum and Bob Campbell Geology Museum offer exhibits and occasional digs. Fossil clubs provide field trips and workshops.
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