Yes, for recreational flying, with limits. Michigan is one of the friendlier states for drones in state parks. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) allows recreational drones in state parks and recreation areas, but its land use orders ban flying within 100 yards of historic or cultural sites, over occupied beaches, campgrounds, equestrian areas and restrooms, and over the Tahquamenon Falls viewing platform. Commercial flights need written DNR permission.
Where you can't fly in a state park
Under the DNR's Land Use Orders of the Director, order 5.1(5) and (6), you may not launch or fly a drone in a state park or recreation area in conflict with Michigan's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (PA 436 of 2016), or:
- Within 100 yards of historic or cultural sites, such as lighthouses, forts and museums inside parks
- Over occupied beaches, so summer afternoons at Holland or Grand Haven are out
- Over campgrounds and equestrian areas
- Over restrooms and shower buildings
- Over the Tahquamenon Falls viewing platform or the platform at Palms Book State Park (Kitch-iti-kipi)
- Over an area subject to an aerial right-of-way
- In a way that interferes with DNR staff, including search and rescue
Rangers can also ask you to land if you're disturbing visitors or wildlife. Commercial use, including paid photography, needs written permission from the DNR.
Parks with separate managers
- Mackinac Island State Park and Michilimackinac are run by the Mackinac State Historic Parks commission, not the DNR. Ask before flying. The City of Mackinac Island separately requires a city council permit to fly a drone over the city (city code Sec. 38-242).
- National lakeshores and parks ban drones: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks and Isle Royale are National Park Service units, even though they sit next to state land.
State forests and game areas
State forests and game areas have their own land use rules, so check with the DNR before flying there. Don't use a drone to locate game or harass wildlife, and stay clear of hunters during hunting seasons.
Popular parks and tips
- Tahquamenon Falls: stay off the viewing platform airspace and away from the crowds at both the Upper and Lower Falls.
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: big views of Lake of the Clouds. Keep away from the overlook crowd.
- Ludington and Silver Lake: dunes and beaches. Fly early, before beaches fill.
- Holland and Grand Haven: the nearby lighthouses are historic structures, so give them a wide berth.
Great Lakes wind is strong near the shore, and cold water chills batteries. Keep a 30% reserve.
FAA rules still apply
- Pass the free TRUST test.
- Register drones of 250 g or more at FAADroneZone.
- Stay at or below 400 ft and in sight.
- Check airspace in B4UFLY or Aloft. Some parks sit near controlled airspace, where you need LAANC.
Michigan's state drone law also preempts local drone ordinances. Read Michigan drone laws for the details, and the DNR's land use orders on michigan.gov/dnr.
For lakeshore sunsets and fall color, the 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro needs no recreational registration and has a 1-inch sensor. Heading north? See drones near the Mackinac Bridge.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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