ND0.65 M annual visitors

Can I fly a drone at Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

No. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is under the National Park Service drone ban.

Operating, launching, or landing a drone on or over NPS-managed land is prohibited under 36 CFR § 1.5(f). Penalties: up to 6 months imprisonment and $5,000 fine. Adjacent USFS, BLM, or state land may permit drones — see legal alternatives below.

North Dakota's Badlands national park, with three districts and Theodore Roosevelt's historic Maltese Cross Cabin. NPS drone ban applies across all three districts.

Why drone pilots want to shoot here

The North Dakota Badlands. Bison herds. The Little Missouri River. Wild horse herds.

Where you CAN fly nearby

Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.

  • Little Missouri National Grassland (USFS)

    Adjacent USFS land. Drones allowed with general rules.

  • ND state parks (with permit)

    North Dakota state parks permit drones with permit.

FAQ — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Can I fly drones in Theodore Roosevelt NP?

No. All three districts (North, South, Elkhorn Ranch) are NPS-managed and under the drone ban.

What about the wild horses?

Wild horses inside the park are protected. Drone harassment violates the NPS ban and additional wildlife rules.

Where can I see ND Badlands legally?

Little Missouri National Grassland surrounds the park. Drones permitted with USFS rules.

Other national parks

Found a legal nearby spot? Check the airspace, weather, and TFRs for the exact address.

Run an airspace check

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.