The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in San Bernardino (2024)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in San Bernardino, California.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in San Bernardino, California.
If you live in (or are traveling to) San Bernardino, 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.
A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding San Bernardino, CA. Source: VFR Map
San Bernardino Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in San Bernardino (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.
- Recreational drone pilots fall under the FAA’s recreational flyer rules, which are laid out here. Make sure your aircraft is registered and you complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which are both required by the FAA.
- Commercial drone pilots fall under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which require passing a multiple-choice test and becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot. More information on the drone certification process over here.
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 San Bernardino drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in California. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the San Bernardino 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 — American Model Airport Association AMA Field
31985 San Timoteo Canyon Rd, Redlands, CA 92373
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=33.972902&long=-117.107823
The American Model Airport Association AMA Field is located in Redlands, California. The property features a wide-open field next to the mountains and a paved runway. It sits next to the Halo Resorts Fisherman’s Retreat, which features a small lake. Drone pilots will appreciate the diversity of the terrain and scenery. The mountainside field provides ample room to fly a drone and get some great footage.
Source: Google Maps
2 — Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=33.814411&long=-117.448323
Lake Mathews Estelle Mountain Reserve is located within the Temescal Mountains in Corona, California. The main feature of the reserve is Lake Mathews, which has 14 miles of shoreline. The reservoir was created by building a large earth-fill dam and two smaller dams were added in 1961 to increase capacity. It is important to note, the lake itself is not open to the public. However, due to its large size, the lake can be viewed from the Mountain preserve and surrounding areas. Drone pilots will be amazed by the mountainous scenery that surrounds the water.
3 — Mackay Park – Lake Arrowhead
321 Rouse Ranch Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92402
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=34.249000&long=-117.191300
Mackay Park is located on the eastern shores of Lake Arrowhead in San Bernardino, California. It features a viewing deck that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountainous region. Lake Arrowhead is a man-made reservoir; it was created when the dam construction was completed in 1922. It spans 780 acres and is fed by Little Bear Creek, which is a tributary of Deep Creek and Mojave River. The expansive view of the water and the mountains is sure to make any drone footage unforgettable
Source: John Vetterli
4 — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
14651 Cedar Cir, Hesperia, CA 92345
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=34.284767&long=-117.337350
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is a large state park located in Hesperia, California. The Pacific Crest Trail, America’s most scenic trail, runs through the area. Visitors enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, etc. The main attraction at the park is Silverwood Lake, which is a large man-made reservoir. The lake offers breathtaking views of the reservoir and the mountain landscape that surrounds it. Drone pilots will appreciate the wide-open space and endless amounts of filming opportunities this location offers.
Source: Don Graham
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5 — Sugarloaf Mountain
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=34.222852&long=-116.845381
Sugarloaf Mountain is the tallest peak in the San Bernardino Mountain range standing at 9,952 feet. The area features a unique climate offering a mix of the desert, inland valley, and the alpine environment of the mountain. Drone pilots will enjoy the wide-open area and diverse footage available through the various climates. The peak offers unbelievable views of the valley and Big Bear Lake off in the distance. The 10-mile trek to the peak is difficult, but the views it offers make it worth it.
Take a Drone Flight Training Class in San Bernardino
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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino.