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Drone Rules for Ouachita National Forest

Hot Springs, Arkansas (AR) • United States
Hot Springs, AR 71902, USA
Lat: 34.7622 • Lng: -93.7029
Ground Not fully verified Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFS Ouachita NF contains Caney Creek and Black Fork Mountain Wilderness Areas where drones are prohibited. The forest spans two states; state drone laws differ between AR and OK.

Drone Rules - Ouachita NF, Arkansas/Oklahoma

Two Wilderness Areas (Caney Creek Wilderness AR, Black Fork Mountain Wilderness OK) ban drones under the Wilderness Act.

Airspace / Site Context

  • 1.8 million acres spanning Arkansas and Oklahoma; Talimena National Scenic Byway runs along the ridgeline
  • Caney Creek Wilderness (14,400 acres) in Arkansas has peregrine falcon activity on Caney Creek bluffs
  • Fort Smith Regional (FSM) Class C is ~40 NM north of Caney Creek; McAlester MCAS MOA overlaps Oklahoma portions

Key Rules

  • Confirm which state (AR/OK) the launch site is in; Oklahoma adds a state drone registration requirement
  • McAlester Army Ammunition Plant airspace: check for R-4501 restricted area activation before flying near Oklahoma portions
  • USFS Special Use Permit required for commercial operations in either state

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