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The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Baltimore (2024)

A list of the best places to fly your drone in Baltimore, Maryland.

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Baltimore, Maryland.

If you live in (or are traveling to) Baltimore, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.

fly drone Baltimore

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Baltimore, MD. Source: VFR Map

Baltimore Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Baltimore (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.

Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.

When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.

Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .

Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.

So those are the federal rules.

But what about local Baltimore drone laws?

Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Maryland. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Baltimore. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.

Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]horizonap[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.

Where to Fly a Drone in Baltimore

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Baltimore area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.

1 — Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse

Pier 5, Baltimore, MD 21202

The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is located at the end of Pier 5, in Baltimore, Maryland. It originally sat on Seven Foot Knoll in the Chesapeake Bay. It was replaced with a modern navigation aid and was moved to its current location on the pier. The unique screw-pile is different compared to typical lighthouses, and it’s the oldest one in Maryland. Drone pilots will appreciate the rich history of this location and stunning views of the bay.

fly drone seven point lighthouse

Source: Davidwells75

2 — Druid Hill Park

900 Druid Park Lake Dr, Baltimore, MD 21217

Druid Hill Park is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and it consists of 745 acres. It offers two beautiful lakes that are surrounded by monuments, wooded areas, and wide-open green areas. The Maryland Zoo is located in the center of the park offering various activities and attractions. The park is home of the historic Mansion House, which was the family home of Colonel Nicholas Rogers. Drone pilots will appreciate the scenic views of this park and its rich history.

Source: Bruce Emmerling

3 — Patterson Park

2601 E Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21224

Patterson Park is located within close proximity to downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It is 137 acres and it was built in 1927. The park has open fields, a small lake, and historic battle sites. There are four main attractions at the park; Boat Lake, the Marble Fountain, the Pulaski monument, and the Pagoda. The Pagoda is the most popular attraction and it was originally known as the Observatory. However, it later became known as the Pagoda due to its oriental architectural design. The wide-open areas, incredible downtown views, and various attractions make this an ideal location for stunning drone footage.

Patterson Park Pagoda Sunrise Drone Flight

4 — Southwest Area Park Air Flying Field (AMA)

3939 Park Dr, Brooklyn, MD 21225

The Southwest Area Park Model Air Flying Field is located just outside of Baltimore, Maryland, in Brooklyn, Maryland. The airfield is run and operated by the Southwest Area Park RC Modelers. It features a 200-foot paved runway and wide-open green areas, making it great for drones. The surrounding landscape has mature trees and the Patapsco River runs through the property.

fly drone southwest Ama field

Source: Google Maps

5 — Leakin Park

4921 Windsor Mill Rd, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207

Leakin Park is located within close proximity to downtown Baltimore, Maryland, in Gwynn Oak. It is the largest park in the city at 1,216 acres. It is joined together with Gwynn Falls and is often called “Gwynn Falls Leakin Park.” The park is covered with mature trees and over 14 miles of hiking trails. It is home to the Orianda Mansion, which was owned by Thomas Winans. The Gwynn Falls Stream flows throughout the property. Drone pilots will appreciate the natural scenery this location offers.

fly drone leakin park

Source: Cindy Sims Parr

Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Baltimore

If you’re new to drones or looking to take your flight skills to the next level, we offer hands-on drone flight training in the Baltimore area. Our classes start at 2-hours long, and our expert instructors walk you through what to do before, during and after your flight—you’ll practice intelligent flight modes and learn how to stay safe but also how to get the shots or data you need. During the class, you’ll also get a chance to ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, checklists and more.

Sign up for a hands-on drone flight training class in Baltimore.