Custer State Park Drones: Navigating the Rules and Guidelines for Recreational Drone Use

Custer State Park in South Dakota is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of recreational activities. As drone technology has become more accessible, many visitors are eager to capture aerial footage of the park’s breathtaking scenery. However, it’s important to understand the specific rules and guidelines for flying drones in Custer State Park to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Drone Regulations in Custer State Park

Custer State Park allows recreational drone use, but there are several regulations that drone operators must follow:

1. Registration: All drones must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
2. Visual Line of Sight: Drones must be flown within the operator’s visual line of sight at all times.
3. Altitude: Drones must be flown below 400 feet in altitude.
4. Daylight Hours: Drone flights are only permitted during daylight hours.
5. Privacy: Drones cannot be used to eavesdrop or engage in surveillance in private places.
6. Public Inconvenience: Drones cannot cause serious public inconvenience, disturb lawful assemblies, or obstruct traffic.
7. Wildlife: Drones cannot be used to hunt, kill, take, concentrate, drive, rally, stir up, spot, or locate game birds or animals.
8. Commercial Use: Permits are required for any commercial drone use, such as filming or photography.

Guidelines for Safe and Courteous Drone Operation

In addition to the regulations, Custer State Park has also established guidelines for safe and courteous drone operation to ensure the enjoyment of the park for all visitors:

1. Respect Privacy: Avoid flying over people or groups of people, such as campgrounds, beaches, or playgrounds.
2. Careless or Reckless Flying: Refrain from flying in a careless or reckless manner.
3. Other Aircraft: Steer clear of other aircraft, including helicopters and airplanes.
4. Moving Vehicles: Do not fly your drone if you are in a moving vehicle.
5. Influence of Substances: Avoid flying your drone if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. Emergencies: Refrain from flying near emergencies, such as accidents, fires, or weather-related incidents.
7. Wildlife Harassment: Do not fly your drone in a way that harasses bison or other wildlife.

Additional Information

It’s important to note that while recreational drone use is allowed in Custer State Park, permits are required for any commercial use, such as filming or photography. Additionally, South Dakota has a state law prohibiting the use of drones to hunt, kill, take, concentrate, drive, rally, stir up, spot, or locate game birds or animals, except for locating or spotting predators or varmints on private land with permission.

For more information on Custer State Park, including camping reservations and park activities, you can visit their website at https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/ or call 1.888.875.0001.

References

1. Camping Regulations – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
2. Drones can be flown in South Dakota state parks, but with some restrictions
3. Tatanka – Custer State Park