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Drones

Where, when and how you can fly at the campground.

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A small camera drone hovering against a blue sky
Fly smart and give neighbors and wildlife room

Our Drone Philosophy

Drones can capture incredible views of Lookout Mountain, the bluffs, and the forest canopy, but they also introduce noise, privacy concerns, and potential risks to wildlife and trees. To keep DeSoto Bluffs peaceful and safe, all drone pilots must follow these rules whenever they launch, fly, or land on campground property.

These guidelines are designed to protect your safety, respect other guests, avoid disturbing birds and other flying creatures, and prevent damage to trails, trees, and natural features.

Reminder: All pilots are responsible for knowing and following current federal, state, and local drone regulations in addition to these campground rules.

General Drone Rules

  • Only small recreational drones may be flown; commercial operations require prior written approval from campground management.
  • Fly only during daylight hours and in good weather with clear visibility.
  • Keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times.
  • Do not fly directly over other people, campsites, vehicles, or buildings.
  • Stay below 400 feet above ground level and yield to any manned aircraft.
  • Follow any posted “No Drone” zones and comply immediately with staff instructions about when and where you may fly.

Respecting Other Campers

Many guests come to DeSoto Bluffs for quiet, privacy, and a natural atmosphere. Drone noise and cameras can feel intrusive if used too close to other people.

  • Do not film or photograph other campers, their campsites, or inside RVs without their clear, prior consent.
  • Avoid flying over or near occupied sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and gathering areas whenever possible.
  • Choose launch and landing areas away from other guests and keep flights short to minimize noise.
  • If someone expresses discomfort with your drone nearby, land as soon as it is safe and relocate or end the flight.
  • Keep controller volume and any audio alerts low so they do not disturb neighbors.

Protecting Wildlife and Nests

Birds, bats, and other wildlife can be highly sensitive to drones. Sudden noise, close approaches, or flights near nests and roosts can cause stress, abandonment of young, or injury.

  • Never fly directly at wildlife or hover over animals, birds, or active nests.
  • Stay well away from cliff faces, tree canopies, and ledges that may contain nests or roosts.
  • Launch and land at a generous distance from visible wildlife; if animals react to your drone, you are too close — back off immediately.
  • Do not chase birds in flight, follow wildlife, or use drones to locate, herd, or harass animals.
  • Skip flights during sensitive seasons when many birds are nesting or migrating, especially at dawn and dusk when activity is highest.

Protecting Trails, Trees, and the Land

Takeoffs, landings, and pilot movements can damage vegetation and compact soil if done in fragile areas. Props and impacts can also injure trees or break branches.

  • Use durable surfaces (gravel pads, roads, or mowed areas) as launch and landing sites whenever possible.
  • Do not clear vegetation, break branches, or cut new paths just to get a better signal or line of sight.
  • Avoid flying low through tree canopies, between trunks, or along narrow trails where a crash could damage branches or bark.
  • Do not fly close to power lines, water lines, buildings, or campground infrastructure.
  • Immediately retrieve any crashed drone parts, props, or batteries and pack out all pieces.

Safe Flight Practices

Responsible flying keeps you, your drone, and everyone around you safe while reducing the chance of conflicts or accidents.

  • Perform a quick pre-flight check: props, batteries, GPS, and controls in good condition.
  • Check for nearby obstacles like trees, power lines, and steep bluffs before takeoff.
  • Keep extra distance on windy days or in gusty conditions near the bluffs to avoid loss of control.
  • Plan your flight path in advance and avoid sudden changes in speed, height, or direction, especially near wildlife or people.
  • Land immediately if you lose visual line of sight, experience control issues, or see people or birds unexpectedly enter your flight path.

When Not to Fly

There are times when choosing not to launch is the safest and most respectful option.

  • Do not fly during quiet hours posted by the campground.
  • Do not fly over organized events, group gatherings, or near the pond when anglers or paddlers are present.
  • Do not fly if you have consumed alcohol or anything that could impair judgment or reaction time.
  • Do not fly in restricted airspace or in any area where laws or posted signs prohibit drones.

Thank You for Being a Responsible Pilot

By following these rules, you help keep DeSoto Bluffs Campground quiet, safe, and welcoming for everyone while protecting the birds, bats, and other wildlife that share the skies above the bluffs. Thoughtful flying means you leave no trace in the air, on the ground, or in your neighbors’ experience.

If you have any questions about where and when you may fly, please speak with campground staff before launching your drone.

Nearby public lands have their own rules. Drones are generally prohibited in National Park Service areas, including Little River Canyon National Preserve, and state parks may require permission. Check before you fly.