It is generally prohibited to remove any rocks or natural specimens from U.S. National Park Service lands​. This means places like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, etc., are off-limits for collecting. (One rare exception is limited gold panning in a designated area of Whiskeytown NRA, but no other rocks may be taken. When in doubt, assume no collecting is allowed in National Parks.

Most state parks also forbid removing rocks to protect natural and cultural resources​. However, California does have an official “rockhounding” policy for some state recreation areas. If rockhounding is permitted, it’s limited to 15 pounds per person per day and only from certain areas like beaches or stream beds​. Also, no tools (other than gold pans) are allowed on state park lands, so collecting is restricted to loose material on the surface. Always check posted signs or park websites – areas open to rockhounding will be clearly designated​.

Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or U.S. Forest Service generally allow casual rock collecting for personal use. BLM regulations permit collecting “reasonable amounts” of rocks and minerals for non-commercial purposes​. In practical terms, this is defined as up to about 25 pounds per day (max 250 pounds per year) for hobby collecting​. No permit is needed for small-scale, hand-tool collection, as long as you’re not causing significant ground disturbance.

Note: Collecting is not allowed on active mining claims or certain special sites, so do research or contact the local BLM/Forest Service office if unsure.

Never collect rocks from private land without the owner’s permission. Trespassing to take rocks is illegal. Always seek permission, and if granted, stick to any conditions the landowner sets​. If you have friends or neighbors with unused rock piles or land with interesting stones, they might be happy to let you haul some away – but always ask first. On your own property, of course, you’re free to use what you find.

Be mindful of local laws too. City or county parks, preserves, and protected natural areas often have rules against removing any natural material. For example, removing beach pebbles in some coastal towns is prohibited to prevent erosion. When in doubt on city/county land, check signage or ask park officials.

For most casual collecting, you won’t need a permit. But if you plan to use heavy equipment, collect large quantities beyond “hobby” amounts, or enter certain controlled lands, permits may be required​. For instance, a National Forest might require a free-use permit to collect over a certain weight, and some areas have seasonal closures. Always research the specific area you plan to visit – a little homework ensures you stay within the law​.