No, not without special permission. Since 2014 the National Park Service has prohibited launching, landing or operating drones in every unit of the National Park System, under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR 1.5. That includes Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Zion, and also national monuments, seashores and battlefields run by the NPS. There's no recreational permit, and the rule applies to drones of every size.
What the ban covers
- Launching a drone from inside the park
- Landing inside the park
- Operating it from inside the park, including from a car, a viewpoint or a campground
- Every drone, whatever it weighs. A 135 g Neo counts the same as a Mavic.
It also isn't limited to "national parks" by name. The NPS manages national monuments, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas and parkways too. If the NPS manages it, assume drones are banned unless the park says otherwise.
Penalties
Violating the ban is a federal misdemeanor. The maximum is six months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Rangers can also cite you for disturbing wildlife (36 CFR 2.2) or for disorderly conduct from reckless noise or hazards (36 CFR 2.34), and can seize the drone.
What about flying in from outside?
The NPS says its jurisdiction ends at the park boundary and that the ban covers launching, landing and operating on park lands and waters. A flight that starts outside isn't covered by the NPS ban as written, but FAA rules still apply, and you can still be cited for disturbing wildlife or visitors if the drone causes trouble. The FAA also asks pilots to avoid low flight over national parks and other noise-sensitive areas. Our advice: stay outside the boundary and don't fly over the park.
Are there any permits?
Rarely. The NPS itself flies drones for search and rescue, fire operations, science and aerial photography when a superintendent approves. For everyone else:
- Recreational flying: generally not allowed. The NPS says to check the park's website first. If it isn't allowed, you can ask the superintendent about a designated area or a special use permit.
- Commercial filming: goes through the park's permit process, and drone use is decided case by case.
If you have a real project, contact the specific park's permit office well in advance. Expect the answer to be no for most requests.
Where you can fly instead
Many national parks border land with different rules:
| Land | Drones? | Main limits |
|---|---|---|
| National forest | Generally yes | No takeoff or landing in wilderness; no fire TFRs. Rules |
| BLM land | Generally yes | Wilderness and wilderness study areas are limited |
| State parks | Depends on the state | State park rules |
| Private land | With the owner's permission | State and local laws apply |
| Gateway towns | Often | Local rules, airport airspace, private property |
For example, Yellowstone and Grand Teton are surrounded by national forests, and many Utah parks sit next to BLM land.
Before you fly near a park
- Find the boundary. Park maps and many mapping apps show it. Stay well outside.
- Check airspace. Use B4UFLY or Aloft for TFRs and controlled airspace. Summer wildfire TFRs are common in the West. See drone no-fly zones.
- Check the neighboring land's rules. Wilderness, closures and fire restrictions apply.
- Follow FAA rules. Pass the TRUST test, register drones of 250 g or more, stay at or below 400 ft and keep the drone in sight.
Park-specific guides
Quick answers
Can I fly a drone in a national park with a permit? Only with a special permit from the park, and those are rare outside research, rescue and some filming.
Does the ban apply to a Mini under 250 g? Yes. Weight doesn't matter.
Can I fly in a national park parking lot? No. Parking lots, roads and campgrounds inside the boundary are part of the park.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See the NPS page on uncrewed aircraft in the national parks.
Planning a trip around park country? A small drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro packs easily for flights on neighboring forest and BLM land.
Related guides
- Can you fly a drone in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park?
- Can you fly a drone in Glacier National Park?
- Can you fly a drone in Grand Teton National Park?
- Can you fly a drone in Zion National Park?
- Can you fly a drone in a national forest?
- Can you fly a drone in a public park or other public places?
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