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The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone Near Newark (2024)

A list of the best places to fly your drone near Newark, New Jersey.

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone near Newark, New Jersey. 

If you live in (or are traveling to) Newark, 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 Newark

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Newark, NJ. Source: VFR Map

Newark Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Newark (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 Newark drone laws?

Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in New Jersey. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Newark. 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 Newark

Some of the locations listed below are Essex County Parks, which require a permit for drone operations. Please contact the park for more information on obtaining a permit. Please do not operate your drone at any of these locations without obtaining a permit.

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Newark 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 — Branch Brook Park (Permit Required)

Lake St & Park Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104

Branch Brook Park was the nation’s first county park and is located in Newark, New Jersey. It is a famous property due to having the largest collection of Cherry Blossom trees anywhere in the United States. With 360 acres of land, this location is ideal for drone pilots who are looking for ample flight room. Branch Brooke Lake adds another element to the park’s natural beauty that would look great from an aerial perspective.

fly drone Branch Brook Park

Source: Joshua Siniscal

2 — Eagle Rock Reservation (Permit Required)

1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052

Eagle Rock Reservation spans over 400 acres along the Watchung Mountains ridge and is located in West Orange, New Jersey. The park is home to a 9/11 memorial and an unparalleled view of the New York City skyline. Drone pilots will also enjoy the landscape which includes rocky cliffs and mature trees which really add to the unique experience that this location provides. The bronze statues, engraved granite walls, and a 7,400-pound steel support beam from the World Trade Center Foundation serve to remind us of those who lost everything in some of the darkest hours of humanity.

fly drone Eagle Rock Reservation

Source: Jim.henderson

3 — Lincoln Park

Jersey City, NJ 07304

Lincoln Park sits along the Hackensack River in Jersey City, New Jersey. The property consists of over 270 acres with numerous bodies of water, monuments, and athletic fields that would be great for flying a drone. The most prominent monument is the Lincoln Park Fountain, which is 53 feet tall, It features 27 frog-shaped spouts and is lit with 160 lights, the stunning design is sure to be a hit with drone pilots who are looking for a point-of-interest subject for their footage.

Lincoln Park, New Jersey DJI Mavic pro video 4K

4 — Old Bridge Waterfront Park

1729 NJ-35, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879

Old Bridge Waterfront Park is located right on the Raritan Bay in Laurence Harbor, New Jersey. The bay provides a great backdrop against the sandy beaches and wooden boardwalks that truly create a picturesque setting. The nearby canal and marina area also great for drone pilots who are looking to add some dynamic footage into their demo reel.

Old Bridge Waterfront Park in New Jersey 4K Mavic Air Drone Cinematic Video Footage

5 — Van Buskirk Island County Park

Elm Street Oradell, New Jersey 07649

Van Buskirk Island County Park is located just outside of Newark in Oradell, New Jersey. The property is an 11-acre man-made island that is home to the historic defunct Hackensack Water Treatment Plant. It was closed in 1990 and was donated to the county to be used as a park. The Romanesque Revival styled structure is stunning featuring red brick construction and a contrasting slate-tiled roof. Drone pilots will enjoy the two steam stacks that provide a great point-of-interest for any aerial footage. The surrounding river, remaining structures, and an abundance of mature foliage make this an ideal location for those who are looking for an adventure.

Abandoned Hackensack Waterworks - Drone

Take a Drone Flight Training Class Near Newark

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 Newark 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 near Newark.