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Drone Rules for Congaree National Park

Gadsden, South Carolina (sc) • United States
South Carolina, USA
Lat: 33.7919 • Lng: -80.749
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Congaree National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US and hosts spectacular synchronous firefly displays.

Drone Rules - Congaree National Park

All UAS operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation and synchronous firefly events make light and noise disturbance a management priority.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE) Class C lies ~20 miles north
  • McEntire Joint National Guard Base lies ~10 miles east; A-10 operations nearby
  • Park elevation ~100-120 ft MSL; dense forest canopy makes drone operation risky
  • Flood cycles regularly inundate the forest floor to depths of several feet

Key Rules

  • No drone operations within park boundaries
  • Synchronous firefly season (late May) has expanded ranger patrols
  • Red-cockaded Woodpecker (ESA endangered) nests in longleaf pine on park borders
  • South Carolina law prohibits UAS over state and national parks

Source

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Rule sources
  • https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/unmanned-aircraft.htm — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Congaree National Park boundaries. No exceptions without written superintendent approval.
  • https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/uas.htm — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Congaree National Park boundaries. No exceptions without written superintendent approval.
  • https://www.nps.gov/cong — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Congaree National Park boundaries. No exceptions without written superintendent approval.
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