Can you fly a drone at a national wildlife refuge in Maryland?
National Wildlife Refuges
Launching, landing or disturbing wildlife with a drone is prohibited on every national wildlife refuge, including Blackwater, Eastern Neck and Patuxent Research Refuge. Commercial photography with a drone on or from refuge land needs a federal permit. Drone apps may not show refuge boundaries, so check the refuge map or ask the refuge manager.
50 CFR 27.34 and 27.51 · U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, fws.gov, verified 10/14/2026
Related rules
- National Park Service sites FEDERAL
- Fort Meade (Anne Arundel Co.) RESTRICTED
Rules change. Always confirm with the source above before you fly, and check airspace in the FAA's B4UFLY app. Pins and circles on the map are approximate.
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