Can You Fly a Drone in National Parks? 2026 Complete Rules Guide

I get it—you bought a shiny new drone, planned a trip to Yellowstone, and imagined capturing sweeping footage of Old Faithful. Then you Googled "can I fly my drone in Yellowstone" and your dreams crashed harder than a Phantom in a geyser. Let's talk about what you actually can and can't do.

Why Are Drones Banned in National Parks?

In June 2014, the National Park Service issued Policy Memorandum 14-05, banning the launching, landing, or operating of unmanned aircraft in all 428 NPS units. The reasoning:

• Wildlife disturbance: Drones stress wildlife, disrupt nesting, and can cause stampedes
• Visitor experience: Buzzing drones ruin the peace people come to parks to enjoy
• Safety: Drones near cliffs, crowds, and helicopter rescue operations create hazards
• Resource protection: Crashes can start fires and damage sensitive ecosystems

The ban covers the aircraft themselves, not just flight. You can't launch from a park, land in a park, or fly over a park even if you launched from adjacent land.

What Happens If You Fly Anyway?

Rangers actively enforce the drone ban. If caught, you face:

In 2023, a YouTuber was fined $3,000 and banned from Zion National Park for 5 years after posting drone footage. The video evidence made prosecution trivially easy. Don't be that person.

Exceptions: When Drones ARE Allowed

The ban has limited exceptions:

Search and Rescue Operations

Emergency services can use drones for SAR operations with superintendent approval. This doesn't apply to recreational pilots.

Scientific Research Permits

Researchers can apply for Special Use Permits for drone operations. The process takes months, requires detailed justification, and is typically granted only to academic institutions or government agencies.

NPS Administrative Use

Park staff can use drones for resource management, wildlife monitoring, and infrastructure inspection.

Commercial Film Permits (Extremely Rare)

Major film productions occasionally receive permits, but approval is rare, expensive, and requires extensive mitigation plans.

Legal Alternatives: Where You CAN Fly

Here's the good news: many national parks are surrounded by land where drones ARE legal.

National Forest Land

Most National Forests allow recreational drone use under FAA rules. Many stunning landscapes exist on Forest Service land adjacent to parks:

• Inyo National Forest (near Yosemite)
• Bridger-Teton National Forest (near Yellowstone/Grand Teton)
• Coconino National Forest (near Grand Canyon)
• San Juan National Forest (near Mesa Verde)

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land

BLM manages vast swaths of the American West, and most allows drone use. Some spectacular areas:

• Valley of Fire (near Death Valley NP)
• Red Rock Canyon (near Zion NP)
• Various wilderness study areas

State Parks

Policies vary by state, but many state parks allow drones. Check individual park rules.

Private Property with Permission

Some ranches and lodges near parks offer drone-friendly access with owner permission.

Popular Parks: Nearby Flying Alternatives

Tips for Flying Near (Not In) National Parks

• Use the B4UFLY app: Check airspace restrictions before any flight. Some areas near parks have TFRs or special restrictions.
• Verify land ownership: Use apps like OnX or Gaia GPS to confirm you're on legal land.
• Don't fly into park airspace: Even from legal land, flying over park boundaries violates the ban.
• Respect wildlife buffer zones: Even on legal land, don't harass wildlife.
• Arrive early: The best light and fewest people are at dawn anyway.

Will the Rules Ever Change?

Probably not significantly. The NPS has shown no indication of relaxing the ban, and multiple proposals to create "drone zones" in parks have been rejected. The wildlife protection and visitor experience concerns remain valid.

Some parks are experimenting with licensed commercial operators for specific events, but recreational use is unlikely to be permitted in the foreseeable future.

The Bottom Line

Yes, it's frustrating. National Parks offer some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, and capturing them from above would be incredible. But the rules exist for good reasons, enforcement is real, and the penalties are steep.

The good news: America has hundreds of millions of acres of public land where drones ARE welcome. Focus your energy on finding those spots rather than risking fines in places where you're not wanted.

For more on where you can and can't fly, see our complete guide to drone no-fly zones and our Remote ID compliance guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a drone in any National Park?

No. All 428 National Park Service units—including national parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas—prohibit drone operations. This is a federal regulation, not a park-by-park decision.

What if I launch my drone outside the park and fly over it?

Still illegal. The NPS policy prohibits operating drones within park boundaries regardless of where you launched. Flying over a park from adjacent land violates the ban.

How much is the fine for flying a drone in a National Park?

Fines typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on circumstances. Repeat offenders, wildlife harassment, or dangerous behavior can result in higher penalties and criminal charges.

Can I get a permit to fly in a National Park?

Special Use Permits exist for scientific research and film productions, but are extremely difficult to obtain and not available for recreational pilots. The application process takes months and requires institutional backing.

Are there any exceptions for small drones under 250g?

No. The NPS ban applies to all unmanned aircraft regardless of size or weight. DJI Mini series and similar sub-250g drones are equally prohibited in national parks.