Lake Mead

First the short answer from the National Park Service https://www.nps.gov


Drones

Please leave your drones at home. The launching, landing or operating of a drone from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Lake Mead National Recreation Area is currently prohibited.


But wait ... there's more ...

The long answer from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Superintendent’s Compendium Of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.  (May 22, 2023)

(Print out pages 1, 2, 12, and 13.  Highlight the following area on page 12 and 13)

Note:  When I visited the Visitor Center and asked about flying a drone in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA) they gave me a VISITOR GUIDE with its No Drones paragraph.  When I asked them about the Model Aircraft Use Area (and showed them a picture of the sign) they basically gave me the short answer above and said that area was only for RC Airplanes.  Drones were not allowed!  I then showed them a copy of the Superintendent's Compendium (May 22, 2023) and they said they were aware of it and brought out a binder with a 2016 date on the front.  The binder had many tabs and the ranger flipped to the tab for Superintendent's Compendium and they had the 2023 version.  I referred the ranger to page 12 to read the following paragraph.  After reading the paragraph, the ranger admitted that drones ARE permitted to take off and land from that area.  I was able to educate about four or five rangers in the visitor center.  If you run into one of the park rangers that "hasn't gotten the word yet", be courteous, show them the document, and ask them to pass the work to the other park rangers.


(a)(1) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS) USE: 

Definition: 

The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. 

Closure: 

The launching, landing or operating of an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Lake Mead National Recreation Area is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. 

Exemption: 

Since 1992, a historical establishment of the use of model aircrafts (aka Radio Controlled Model Aircrafts (RCMA)) was authorized at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Only the use of RCMA [end of page 12] at the designated area will continue to be allowed. The designated area is signed as “Radio Control Model Aircraft Field” and is located on the Frontage Road approximately .60 miles from Hemenway Drive in the Boulder Beach area. The radio control model aircraft field is approximately .36 square miles. This area is used by hobbyist and recreational users. All flights will be below 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL), and line-of-sight control. Historic use of RCMA has had minimal impact to the general public and park resources and values. The radio-controlled model aircraft is restricted within the designated field. Flying over the adjacent campground, trailer park and lake users is prohibited. 


You should also be aware of this section if you need to retrieve your downed drone.

(If you need a permit you can get an application here.)


II. 36 CFR §1.6 ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required:

§2.12 Audio Disturbances:  (a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas

§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:

(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means

(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft



Radio Controlled Model Aircrafts (RCMA) Use Area

(a.k.a Model Aircraft Use Area)