Can I fly a drone at Wind Cave National Park?
South Dakota cave system and Black Hills prairie. Combined with adjacent Custer State Park (SD) for one of the more visited drone-restricted regions in the Plains. NPS drone ban applies.
Why drone pilots want to shoot here
The Black Hills prairie. Bison herd vistas. Adjacent Custer State Park. The cave entrance area.
Where you CAN fly nearby
Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.
Custer State Park (SD, with permit)
Adjacent state park. SD State Parks drone permit available; permits drone use in designated areas.
Black Hills National Forest (SD)
Surrounds Wind Cave NP and Custer SP. Drones allowed in non-Wilderness areas.
FAQ — Wind Cave National Park
Can I fly drones at Wind Cave?
No. NPS drone ban applies.
Is Custer State Park a separate option?
Yes. Custer SP is South Dakota State Parks property. Drone permit program available; drone use permitted in designated areas with permit.
What about Mount Rushmore?
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is NPS-managed and under the drone ban. Same rule.
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.