Laws & Policies

Firearms in National Parks

Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided they comply with federal, state, and local laws.

The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting. For more information about Massachusetts gun laws please visit their website

Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

No Digging or Metal Detecting on Park Grounds

Taking artifacts is Illegal. Federal laws protects archeological sites and artifacts on federal lands. You may not dig, collect artifacts, use metal detectors, or deface rock images in national park units.Violations may result in jail time or fines, as well as confiscation of equipment.

See the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) at 16 USC 470 – aa-mm and the associated regulations at 43 CFR7.