State parks are local attractions that bring in throngs of visitors each and every year. It’s for that reason that the National Park Service has such strict regulations.
Bearing that in mind, can you fly a drone in a state park?
You often cannot fly a drone in a state park, as the National Park Service prohibits it. However, the laws vary by state, so always contact the state park you wish to visit if the rules are unclear.
This guide will take you state by state and detail whether you can operate a drone in its state parks. Don’t miss it!
Can you fly a drone in Alabama state park?
Alabama has no state drone laws, and thus, using a drone in a state park shouldn’t be outlawed. However, we strongly caution you to reach out to the park in question about its drone policy before you arrive with your UAV in tow.
Alaska
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources prohibits drone usage in Chugach State Park besides aircraft entering or exiting Bold Airport in Anchorage.
You might be able to operate in other state parks, but contact first and ask.
Arizona
Commercial pilots must have a permit to use a drone in an Arizona state park; permits are only issued for news, publicity, or promotions. You’ll also need insurance.
All commercial operations that don’t fit the above and all recreational operations are banned.
Arkansas
According to 2018’s Arkansas State Parks – State Park Regulation, a pilot must obtain written permission before using a drone in a state park. Drones cannot be used voyeuristically or to conduct surveillance.
California
PO 925-19-32, a state drone law enacted in 2019, restricts drone use in the Orange Coast District. You cannot use your drone in Bolsa Chica State Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach, San Clemente State Beach, Huntington State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, San Onofre State Beach, or Doheny State Beach.
Further, the Cal. Code Regs. Title 14, §4351 through the California Department of Parks & Regulations bans “motorized equipment (including UASs)” from wilderness areas, cultural preserves, and natural preserves. Don’t expect to be able to use a drone in a state park, either.
Colorado
The Colorado State Parks Regulation #100-c.24 prohibits drone use in state parks throughout Colorado save for designated areas. This law went into effect in 2018.
Connecticut
Since 2017, DEEP §23-4-1 through Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has prohibited drones in “Connecticut State Parks, State Forests, and other lands under the control of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.”
Delaware
According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, you must have a special use permit to operate a drone over the lands or waters that comprise Delaware’s state parks.
That department has a Division of Parks and Recreation through which you can request a permit.
Florida
The Florida Administrative Code 40C-9.320, passed in 2004, outlaws “all-terrain, off-road, or other motorized vehicles” from Florida District Lands, including state parks. The only exception is if you hold a Special Use Authorization.
Georgia
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Park Rules & Regulations dictate that drones cannot operate in any historic sites or state parks throughout the Peach State.
The only exception is for commercial drone operation that “may generate revenue or in other ways help promote the sites.” Commercial drone use of any other type and recreational drone use is prohibited.
Hawaii
The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Division of State Parks prohibit drone use in state parks.
Idaho
IDAPA 13.01.03, a state law through the Fisheries and Wildlife Bureaus and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, prohibits drones from operation on those lands outside of public airstrips, per the rules in Section 100. Public Use Restrictions.
You would need authorization from a Regional Supervisor, Director, or Commission to use a drone in an Idaho state park.
Illinois
Illinois has no state or local law that mentions drone use specifically in a state park. However, that doesn’t mean you can necessarily fly your drone in a state park, so please contact the park you wish to visit and ask about its policy.
Indiana
IAC 312 8-2-8 (i) permits the Indiana Department of Natural Resources the right to ban drones from state parks. Commercial pilots might be able to operate, but the division has the right to refuse any commercial drone use request.
Iowa
Iowa has no state or local laws banning drones from flying in state parks, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s allowed. Contact the state park and question its staff about whether you can bring a drone into a state park.
Kansas
The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks states that “UAS use is only permitted within specific UAS operating located at some state parks. The use of a UAS is not permitted outside of these areas unless authorized by the KDWPT Secretary…Within the operating areas, flying over people, structures, campgrounds, or beaches is prohibited.”
Kentucky
You must have a permit to operate a drone in a Kentucky state park, and commercial pilots will need an additional photography permit if using their UAVs for photography purposes.
Louisiana
You can operate a drone in a Louisiana state park, but with one caveat: “Due to the nature of historic sites, we ask that you contact the site in advance of your visit to determine that drone usage will not interfere with any activities or special programs at the time of your visit.
Further, you cannot disrupt historic sites or park visitors when using your drone.”
Maine
The Maine State Park Policy from the Bureau of Parks and Lands states that “The general use of drones (UAS) is prohibited in Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, or DACF Boat Launches without direct oversight and guidance of an approved law enforcement agency or by the issue of a Special Activity Permit.”
Maryland
Maryland State Parks – Commercial Photography Policy through the Maryland Park Service and the Department of Natural Resources requires a permit if commercial pilots wish to use a drone in a state park.
Section 1. General, B. goes into more detail: “Commercial users or film production entities (User) will be required to obtain a permit or, in some cases, sign a standard right-of-entry agreement or other applicable license or lease document, as well as pay any applicable service charges.”
Commercial pilots must only use their drones in public areas of the park.
Massachusetts
302 CMR 12.00: Parks and Recreation Rules, passed in 2016 by the Massachusetts Departments of Conservation and Recreation, require a special use permit for drones to operate in a state park.
The permit acts as “a written agreement that authorizes a person to engage in uses of or activities on DCR property on a specific date and time, which uses exceed in any way the common use of DCR property, or that are otherwise prohibited, regulated or restricted.”
Michigan
Order 5.1 State Parks and Recreation Areas prevents drones from operating in a state park in the following ways per Section 4.4.
- “In a manner that knowingly and intentionally interferes with department employees and their designees performing official duties.
- In a manner that interferes with department staff when conducting search and rescues.
- Within 100 yards of a cultural or historical site or structure.
- Over an occupied beach area.
- Over an equestrian facility.
- Over a restroom or open-air changing court.
- Over an area subject to an aerial right-of-way.
- For a commercial purpose without first obtaining written permission from an authorized representative of the department.”
Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources prohibits drones in state parks, writing, “The division discourages use of unmanned aircraft in state parks, state recreation areas, and state waysides because of the impracticality of their operation under existing rule.
…it is unlawful to land any aircraft on lands or water totally within the boundaries of any state park, state recreation area, or state wayside.”
Mississippi
Mississippi state laws do not specifically mention prohibiting drone use at state parks. However, you should get in touch with the park you wish to visit and ask about its drone use policy before assuming you can fly your UAV.
Missouri
You can operate a drone in a Missouri state park, but please respect these rules: “we do ask that you keep it to the main, open day-use areas and be respectful of other visitors in the park. If you will be taking photos for professional use or sale, there would be a process to go through to gain approval for that.”
Montana
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board created the Montana State Parks Public Use Rules.
In 12.8.816, Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Model Aircraft, (1), drones cannot operate in state parks unless “use occurs within an area specifically designated for such use by the park manager,” the pilot has a special use permit, or the area is designated for commercial operation.
Nebraska
In 2018, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outlawed drones from state parks, state historical areas, and state recreation areas to maintain the privacy and public safety of park visitors.
Nevada
Drones cannot operate in state parks in Nevada unless pilots receive a special use permit or operate in an area the park supervisor designates for drones.
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire State Parks Drone Policy prohibits drone use in all state parks.
New Jersey
The New Jersey State Parks Service Policy, passed in 2015, bars drones from state parks unless the Assistant Director of State Park Service approves it. Drones must then operate under the guidelines of N.J.A.C. 7:2-1.4(b).
New Mexico
Drones cannot fly in most New Mexico state parks, but not necessarily all. For further clarification, contact the park you want to visit and inquire about its drone usage rules.
New York
OPR-PCD-018 – New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Regulating Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy states that pilots must have “prior written approval by the agency” and a permit before using a drone in a state park and historic site.
Further, commercial pilots must have a videography and photography permit.
North Carolina
NCAC 13.B 1204 through the North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation prohibits drone use in state parks. If you wish to use a drone at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and have a permit, that’s the only time it’s permissible.
North Dakota
North Dakota has no specific state or local laws barring drones from state parks. That said, you should still contact the park and ask before visiting.
Ohio
No laws in Ohio mention drones in state parks. However, you can only operate your drone in a state park if you have a permit or are in an area specifically designated for the activity.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma allows pilots to operate drones in state parks.
Oregon
Legislation from Oregon Parks and Recreation prohibits drone usage in all state parks.
Pennsylvania
The Bureau of State Parks and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources allows drone usage in Beltzville State Park, Benjamin Rush State Park, Hillman State Park, Lackawanna State Park, Prompton State Park, and Tuscarora State Park only.
Drones cannot operate in any other state parks in Pennsylvania.
The policy adds, “Drone and UAS operators need to contact the park office of the flying site they plan to visit to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations.
Please be advised that the entire park at each of these locations is not open to UAS or drone usage. Only the designated flying site within each park is open to UAS use.”
Rhode Island
Title 250 – Park and Management Area Rules and Regulations prohibit drone operations across state parks without a special use permit. You can obtain a permit from the Parks and Recreation Department.
However, the department issues permits only to professional filming companies and news organizations.
South Carolina
South Carolina has no laws preventing pilots from accessing state parks with their drones.
South Dakota
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks permits drones in state parks, but pilots cannot:
- “fly in a manner which interferes with the management of the area or the authorized use of the area by others.
- fly in a manner that causes serious public inconveniences, annoyance, or alarm to any other person, makes unreasonable noise; disturbs any lawful assembly or meeting of persons, or obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- hunt, kill, take, concentrate, drive, rally, stir up, spot or locate” local game birds and animals.
Tennessee
Drones cannot operate in Tennessee state parks unless a Park Manager grants permission or the pilot has a permit.
Texas
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Policy, in the section Technology, permits drones in San Angelo and Martin Dies, Jr. State Parks. You must request a filming permit if you wish to use a drone commercially in other state parks.
Utah
You can operate a drone in Jordanelle State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Fred Hayes State Park, and Sand Hollow State Park but only recreationally.
Dead Horse Point State Park permits drones only between November and February, but you must have a permit, fly in designated areas, and pay a $10 operational fee.
Great Salt Lake State Park allows drones if pilots have a permit.
Vermont
Vermont has no state or local laws prohibiting drone use in state parks. As always, we suggest contacting the park and confirming its rules.
Virginia
Code of Virginia 4VAC5-30-400 bans drones in state park. The full policy reads: “No person shall voluntarily land or unlawfully operate within or upon any park, any airplane, remote control model aircraft, helicopter, unmanned aerial system, drone, balloon, parachute, or other apparatus for aviation.
‘Voluntarily’ in this connection shall mean anything other than a forced landing. Rescue and evacuation aircraft are exempt from emergencies and approved training exercises.”
Washington
WAC 352-32-130, Section (1) outlaws drones in state parks except for search and rescue mission operations, medical emergencies, law enforcement activities, emergency evacuations, and firefighting.
If a commercial pilot has a director or designee’s permission who is “associated with the operational or administrative needs of the agency or state,” they can use a drone in a state park.
West Virginia
Under HB 4607, Article 5. Park and Recreation, §20-5-2. Powers of the director with respect to the section of parks and recreation., 16, State Park Superintendents can grant pilots permission to operate a drone in a state park.
Pilots must register at the superintendent’s office.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources prohibits drone use in state parks.
Wyoming
You can operate a drone in a Wyoming state park.
State parks are an enjoyable part of American culture, as they give us memorable travel experiences, even if the parks are in our backyards.
Now that you know where you can and cannot operate a drone across US state parks, you can fly with confidence!
