Can I fly a drone at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
Underground national park famous for its limestone caves and the sunset bat flight. NPS drone ban applies above ground; the caves themselves are obviously off-limits.
Why drone pilots want to shoot here
The Big Room. Bat flight at sunset (above the cave entrance). Surface views over the Guadalupe Mountains.
Where you CAN fly nearby
Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.
Lincoln National Forest (NM)
Adjacent USFS land. Drones allowed in non-Wilderness areas. Similar Guadalupe Mountains terrain.
BLM holdings in Eddy County (NM)
Drones allowed with rules.
FAQ — Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Can I fly above Carlsbad Caverns?
No. The surface land is part of Carlsbad Caverns NP and the NPS drone ban applies.
What about the bat flight?
The bat flight occurs at the cave entrance (NPS land). Drone use is prohibited at any distance that would disturb the bats.
Where can I shoot Guadalupe Mountains scenery?
Lincoln National Forest non-Wilderness areas, BLM land, or driving down to the Texas side and Guadalupe Mountains NP (also drone-banned).
Other national parks
Park boundaries can be irregular. Verify the boundary of any alternative location before flying — adjacent USFS / BLM Wilderness areas have their own drone ban under different statute. Altoa is not the FAA or NPS.