Permission needed to fly drones in Wyoming State Parks

Hot Springs State Park Supervisor Kevin Skates provided information regarding members of the public flying drones in the park properties.

Skates said, “We have a park rule that is state-wide. Drones at this point are prohibited in state parks, including Boysen and Hot Springs State Park. However, people can get permission by contacting our office at 864-2176.”

Skates added, “Generally, we will give permission for educational, research or tourism advertising videos. We have seen and heard on social media that people are buying more drones and they want to film the buffalo having calves, for example. We want to make sure we don’t have problems.”

Disturbing the wildlife is not the only problem, Skates said, “Privacy is also an issue. The swimming pools have commented that they don’t appreciate people flying drones over those going swimming. The swimmers are nervous about that. A lot of people come to our park to relax, rest and have lunch, going for a walk, they don’t appreciate a drone zipping by over their heads. Drone flyers can contact us if they have questions.”