Fossils near Memphis, TN
5 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Memphis report fossil. The closest is Memphis, about 26 miles out (32 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Map of 5 fossil collecting spots within 150 miles of Memphis, Tennessee
Closest fossils spots to Memphis
- MemphisTipton County, Tennessee26 mi · 32 min driveLake Superior Agate, Agatized Fossils
- Mississippi RiverTunica County, Mississippi33 mi · 42 min driveAgate, Fossils
- Twentymile CreekPrentiss County, Mississippi89 mi · 1 hr 52 min driveFossils, Petrified Wood
- Tombigbee RiverItawamba County, Mississippi114 mi · 2 hr 22 min driveShark Teeth
- Wayne CountyWayne County, Tennessee130 mi · 2 hr 42 min driveChert, Agatized Fossils, Flint
Types of fossils reported near Memphis
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Agatized Fossils2
- Fossils2
- Shark Teeth1
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Memphis
Sorted by distance from Memphis. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MemphisTN 59 | Tipton County |
| 35.5114, -89.9334 | Public |
| Mississippi River | Tunica County | 34.7981, -90.4558 | Public | |
| Twentymile CreekCounty Road 7450 | Prentiss County | 34.5854, -88.6307 | Public | |
| Tombigbee RiverBeans Ferry Road | Itawamba County |
| 34.2120, -88.4071 | Public |
| Wayne CountySouth High Street | Wayne County | 35.3196, -87.7635 | Public |
Fossils near Memphis FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Memphis?+
5 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Memphis report fossil. The closest is Memphis in Tipton County County, roughly 26 miles away (32 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Memphis?+
5 of the 5 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Memphis do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 26 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 130 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Memphis
Fossils near other cities
Hunt fossils around Memphis with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
