Can I fly drones in national forests?

Yes, you can fly drones in a national forest and national grassland. The U.S. Forest Service does not prohibit flying drones over much of its lands. There are a handful of exceptions which we have outlined below. But for the most part, you can fly drones in any national forest and grassland.



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Interestingly, though, US national parks themselves are not averse to drones. In many parks, drones are used for administrative purposes when appropriate and approved by the director of the region in which the park is located.

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Flying a drone for leisure or non-commercial reasons on private land within the National Park is allowed. This is providing you have the landowner's permission and adhere to the Civil Aviation Authority's drone code. Note: even if you take off from private land you may not fly over public land without permission.

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Drones on the Forest Drones must stay below 400 feet altitude. Drones must weigh less than 55 pounds including cargo. Drones are not permitted in areas with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). The Forest Service regularly uses low altitude aircraft in its work.

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Individuals and organizations that fly UAS on National Forest System lands must follow FAA guidance – FAA guidance stipulates that UAS not interfere with manned aircraft, be flown within sight of the operator and be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes.

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You can not fly with any UAS in a national park unless you got your P. 107/Drone Pilot license, a permit and a waiver from the FAA. Other than that, without the waiver and permit you can NOT fly in a national park at all.

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National parks focus on protecting natural and historic resources unimpaired for future generations. Park rangers work for the National Park Service (NPS) under the Department of Interior. National forests, on the other hand, emphasize not only resource preservation, but other kinds of use as well.

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The FAA defines the airspace where drones are allowed to fly and generally, as long as they are not within 5 miles of an airport, they can be flown up to 400 feet above the ground and even up to 400 feet above a structure. So if you're not next to an airport, the FAA allows flying next to a skyscraper.

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No drones in Yellowstone National Park. This means that area visitors are prohibited from using drones once they enter the park gate. The U.S. Forest Service prohibits drone use in wilderness areas, but allows drone use on general forest lands.

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Use of remote-controlled equipment (including but not limited to helicopters, drones, and other aircraft-based equipment) within Bryce Canyon National Park is prohibited by law.

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Unmanned Aircraft, Including Drones Unmanned aircraft are not allowed in these parks.

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