Flying a drone in a park sounds simple—wide open spaces, scenic views, minimal obstacles. But for U.S. drone pilots, parks are one of the most legally confusing places to fly.
Between FAA rules, federal land policies, state regulations, and city ordinances, it’s easy to accidentally break the law even when the airspace looks clear.
This guide breaks it down clearly and practically for both hobbyist/recreational or commercial/Part 107 drone pilots.
The FAA vs Everyone Else — Who Actually Controls the Airspace?
The FAA controls all U.S. airspace, but that doesn’t mean you automatically have permission to fly anywhere.
Here’s the key distinction:
- FAA: Controls the airspace
- Parks & cities: Control the land where you take off and land
Most park restrictions don’t ban “airspace”—they ban launching, landing, or operating from park property. That’s how many drone bans are legally enforced.
So even if AutoPylot shows “Clear to Fly,” you may still be prohibited from launching there.
National Parks — Almost Always a Hard No
Why Drones Are Banned in National Parks
The National Park Service (NPS) has a near-blanket ban on drones across all national parks. The policy exists to protect:
- Wildlife
- Visitor experience
- Natural soundscapes
This applies to all recreational and most commercial pilots.
Note: This ban also applies to designated Wilderness Areas within National Forests.
Even launching from just outside the boundary and flying over is strongly discouraged and could result in confiscation.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes—but they’re extremely rare and usually limited to:
- Scientific research
- Search and rescue
- Government or emergency operations
- Major film productions with permits
For hobbyist/recreational or commercial/Part 107 pilots, the answer is effectively no.
Penalties for Flying in a National Park
Flying a drone in a national park can result in:
- Federal citations
- Fines
- Confiscation of equipment
- Permanent bans from the park
State Parks — It Depends (A Lot)
State parks operate under state authority, meaning rules vary widely.
Some states:
- Allow drone flying with restrictions
- Require permits or written permission
- Ban drones entirely from park property
Most restrictions still focus on takeoff and landing, not the airspace itself.
How to Check a State Park’s Drone Policy
The best sources are:
- The official state park website
- Park-specific pages (not just state-wide summaries)
- Calling the park office directly
Never assume rules are the same across states—or even within the same state.
City & County Parks — The Biggest Gray Area
City and county parks are where most drone pilots get tripped up.
Cities often restrict drones through:
- Municipal codes
- Parks department rules
- Noise or safety ordinances
Common City Park Drone Rules
- No launching or landing in parks
- Permits required
- Time-of-day restrictions
- “Special use” permissions for commercial pilots
Can You Fly Near a City Park?
Sometimes, yes.
If you:
- Launch from legal public land outside park boundaries
- Remain in uncontrolled airspace
- Avoid flying over people or restricted areas
…you may be able to fly over a park without launching from it. This is a legal gray area, so caution is critical.
Recreational vs Part 107 — Does It Matter?
Not as much as people think.
- Recreational pilots must follow TRUST and FAA safety rules
- Part 107 pilots must follow FAA commercial regulations
But neither automatically overrides park restrictions.
A Part 107 certificate does not grant permission to ignore park or city rules.
How to Check Before You Fly (Step-by-Step)
Before flying near any park:
- Check FAA airspace using AutoPylot or LAANC
- Identify who owns the land
- Search city or state drone ordinances
- Call the park office if unclear
- Save emails or permits if granted
This 5-minute process can save you thousands in fines.
Safer Alternatives to Flying in Parks
- Public land outside park boundaries
- Private property with written permission
- Open rural areas with low population
Often, flying just outside a park still gives you great footage—without the legal risk.
Key Takeaways for U.S. Drone Pilots
- National parks: No
- State parks: Maybe
- City parks: Depends
- Clear airspace does not equal permission to launch
When in doubt, don’t fly—or move your launch point.
Until next flight, stay safe and fly often!
Jason Gilmor
www.PatriotDrones.ORG
#DroneLife #DronePilot #USDronePilots #Part107 #RecreationalDrone #CommercialDrone #DroneSafety #FlyLegal #DroneRules #AerialPhotography #UAS#PatriotDrones
