Can I fly a drone at Channel Islands National Park?
Five islands off the Southern California coast — relatively undeveloped Pacific landscapes that look like California 200 years ago. NPS drone ban applies on all five islands and surrounding park waters.
Why drone pilots want to shoot here
Anacapa sea cliffs. Santa Cruz Island terrain. The kelp forests offshore.
Where you CAN fly nearby
Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.
Mainland Ventura and Santa Barbara coast
Outside park boundary. Class G or LAANC-permitting cells along the coast.
Los Padres National Forest (CA)
Adjacent USFS land on the mainland. Drones allowed in non-Wilderness areas.
FAQ — Channel Islands National Park
Can I fly drones on Anacapa or Santa Cruz?
No. All five islands of Channel Islands NP are under the NPS drone ban.
What about the boats that visit?
Drone use from a boat over park waters is also covered by the NPS ban. Flights must remain entirely outside park boundaries.
Is San Miguel Island accessible at all?
Yes by boat — but it's part of the park and 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.