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

A list of the best places to fly your drone in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Raleigh, NC. Source: VFR Map

Raleigh Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

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

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

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Raleigh 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 — The Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park

2105 Umstead Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603

The Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park is designated as a legal drone operation area. At 308 acres, it is the largest Raleigh city park. The field offers non-exclusive use for drone pilots, meaning other citizens can share the open space. If the field is rented for an event, drone operations are prohibited. The diverse landscape includes various mature trees and flowers. The extraordinary view of the city skyline creates the perfect backdrop for any aerial footage.

Raleigh NC's Dorothea Dix Park at Sunset

2 — Historic Yates Mill County Park

4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

The Historic Yates Mill County Park is a wildlife refuge & agricultural-historical site that is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It consists of 174 acres of open fields, mature trees, and the Yates Mill Pond. The east side of the pond is home to the only operational gristmill in Wake County, where water still cascades down the stone wall causing the wheel to spin as it has for over 200 years. The park also features a nature trail and a boardwalk that extends across the water. The surrounding farm fields offer a rural setting that would look stunning in any drone footage. Please follow the park rules and do not fly over/near the mill, woods, or over the pond. Flying is only permitted above the outdoor amphitheater when no people are present.

fly drone Historic Yates Mill County Park

Source: Mark Turner

3 — Multipurpose Field at Spring Forest Road Park

4203 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616

The Multipurpose Field at Spring Forest Road Park is designated as a legal drone operation area. The field offers non-exclusive use for drone pilots, meaning other citizens can share the open space. If the field is rented for an event, drone operations are prohibited. This location is ideal for drone pilots who are looking for a wide-open space to practice with their drone.

fly drone Spring Forest Road Park

Source: Google Maps

4 — Fred G. Bond Metro Park

801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513

Fred G. Bond Metro Park is located in Cary, North Carolina and is one of the largest municipal parks in Wake County at 310 acres. It features an open field on the north shore of Bond Lake and a walking trail that wraps around the lake. Drone pilots will enjoy the diverse landscape and scenic views.

fly drone Fred G. Bond Metro Park

Source: bobistraveling

5 — Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park

Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs, NC 27540

Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park was previously a large farm consisting of over 100 acres that were purchased in 2012. There is a smaller field adjacent to the larger field that is designated for drone operations. In addition, the park features various structures including the old farmhouse and horse stable. The remaining pastures, mature woods, and the view of the lake create a picturesque setting that any drone pilot would enjoy.

fly drone Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park

Source: Hieu

Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Raleigh

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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh.