Being on the east coast, "open" free areas are hard to come by.  GPAA does have some leases on private property throughout the southeast.  They will be listed in the guide when you get it if you haven't already.  Try the contact info for the chapters in the area, and also try Brian Herbstreet here on the forum.  He has a prospecting store in your area, and might be a closer source of information.

In any case, welcome.