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Drone Rules for Mark Twain National Forest

Rolla, Missouri (MO) • United States
401 Fairgrounds Rd, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
Lat: 37.6913 • Lng: -91.0802
Ground Not fully verified Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFS Mark Twain NF contains the Irish Wilderness and Paddy Creek Wilderness. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways (NPS) are adjacent; both agencies restrict UAS.

Drone Rules - Mark Twain NF, Missouri

Irish Wilderness (16,500 acres) and Paddy Creek Wilderness (6,900 acres) ban drones under the Wilderness Act.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways (Current River/Jacks Fork) borders the eastern edge of the forest -- NPS no-fly applies in the river corridors
  • Spring cave-restoration zones (gray bat maternity caves) restrict ground and air access April-September
  • Poplar Bluff (POF) Class G; Springfield Branson National (SGF) Class C is ~80 NM north

Key Rules

  • Gray bat maternity caves are mapped by Missouri Department of Conservation; obtain list before flying near cave mouths
  • No commercial UAS without USFS Special Use Permit
  • Confirm position before launching near Jacks Fork -- NPS boundary is within 0.25 miles of several forest roads

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