Should we be using drones on campsites?

Has this question ever crossed your mind before, when you’ve been sat there next to your motorhome, looking up at the skies, and suddenly noticed something hovering in the air above you? It might also be that you’ve just heard one in the distance - with its high-pitched, buzzing noise, and whilst you’re grateful it’s not a huge mosquito or hornet preparing to attack, it might have made you feel a bit uneasy, wondering if you are being watched…

The use of drones has sky-rocketed in recent years (see what we did there?) with everyone from kids to professional photographers using them to get aerial pictures from the sky, for dramatic, sweeping shots of the landscape taken from above. The footage might be used for online content - for YouTube or other social media platforms where drone footage can sometimes add a ‘wow’ factor - for company use, or for private reasons such as it being a hobby.

Some people use drones to scout out hiking trails and plot routes before setting off on foot. Another reason people might be flying a drone could simply be for entertainment (it’s essentially the modern-day version of flying a kite, perhaps!) and for many owners, a campsite could seem like the perfect open, outdoor space to try it out, perhaps getting wide-angle shots of all the family in the process.

As you might expect, there are many occasions when you are not allowed to use a drone. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has a Code that must be followed, including the height drones can be flown at, how close to people they can get, the weight they must be to fly in certain location, and much more, including information on bylaws. You can find out more from the CAA here, including whether you need to have a Flyer ID/Operator ID to fly a drone. 

Indeed, talking about circumstances when they are not allowed, the Caravan and Motorhome Club actually does not permit drones to be used on their campsites, citing the following:

Drones are not permitted to be used by guests on our campsites. However, the Club may occasionally commission trained, insured and licensed professionals to take footage and/or photos of our campsites for promotional and/or marketing purposes. In those instances, the campsite(s) involved will be made aware that the drone operator will be visiting so that guests can be informed.

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s policies also don’t permit the use of drones, either. 

However, it does sometimes happen, and the drone may be being operated from outside the campsite, from some distance away, so it may be a tricky one to police! The CAA’s rules say that you must have permission from the owner if flying from private property, however, which one would hope people would adhere to.

Getting to use a drone, and grabbing some amazing footage might be all well and good for the drone user, but what about the other people and creatures in the vicinity, on the campsite? Lets have a look at what some of the issues might be for them…

Noise disturbance

One of the reasons drones are discouraged or not allowed on campsites is the noise that they generate. It makes sense - campers often choose the outdoors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to enjoy some peace and quiet. The constant buzzing of a drone overhead could quickly spoil the calm atmosphere, disturbing people who are simply soaking up the sounds of nature.

Privacy concerns

Another issue with drones is the way they can make people feel a bit worried or exposed. Even if the operator has no intention of filming other people, the mere presence of a camera-equipped drone can leave others feeling uneasy. Most people don’t want to be photographed or recorded without their consent, and drones create a sense that privacy is being invaded, in what should be a personal and relaxing environment.

Wildlife disruption

Campsites are often surrounded by natural habitats, and drones can cause some serious disruption to wildlife. Birds, in particular, can be alarmed or even attacked by drones, while mammals may alter their behaviour to avoid the unfamiliar sound of the drone. This can interfere with any feeding and nesting, and in sensitive environments, it can do lasting harm to local ecosystems.

Safety risks

Even skilled drone operators can’t always prevent an accident occurring. Drones can lose signal or malfunction, or be caught by a sudden gust of wind. A crash into a tent, a parked vehicle - or worse, a person - could cause significant injury or damage. With many campsites filled with children, and with pets running around, the potential for harm is much greater than in many other locations.

Fire hazard

In dry areas or during hot weather, drones also pose a lesser-known but very real fire risk, as a crash landing could generate sparks or heat if the battery is damaged. With tents, gas stoves and potentially dry grass nearby, a small incident could escalate into a serious danger.

Restricted airspace

It’s also important to note that location matters… Campsites could be situated near military training areas, or even certain airports. These are usually designated no-fly zones for drones, meaning using one could put you in breach of the law - and have an impact on the campsite operator. In some cases, flying in restricted airspace can result in large fines or a prison sentence being given.

Respect for others

At the heart of it, avoiding drone use on campsites comes down to respect, and abiding by both the law and any local rules. People are often travelling by motorhome to relax, recharge and disconnect from their busy everyday lives. A drone buzzing overhead might feel intrusive, and undermine the very reason most people go camping in the first place. 

So, to sum up, often it won’t be allowed to take place anyway, but if it is, let’s hope those people flying drones will heed the rules, and be aware of how others in the same location might feel, as not everyone wants modern technology intruding on their experience!

Have you experienced drone use when on a campsite, in either a positive or a negative way? Let us know in the comments!