Top Nine Wheelchair Accessible Campgrounds and Parks
Whether you’re ready to go hiking, fishing, or make s’mores by the fire, accessible campgrounds offer a space for people with disabilities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. If you’re ready to plan your next camping trip, consider one or more of these nine accessible campgrounds.
Why Choose Wheelchair Accessible Campgrounds and Parks
Hiking trails and RVs may not come to mind when you think of wheelchair accessibility, but that shouldn’t keep you from exploring the great outdoors. In fact, there are several wheelchair accessible campgrounds across the U.S. When choosing a campground, you’ll want to consider the differences between traditional campgrounds and accessible campgrounds. Accessible campgrounds typically have the following:
- All terrain wheelchair rental
- Wheelchair accessible bathrooms
- Accessible hiking trails
- Accessible activities including but not limited to biking, boating, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and ziplining
Additionally, when choosing an accessible campground, look for features like ramps for easy access to buildings, wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, designated service animal relief areas, and clear signage to guide visitors with disabilities around the site.
Campground and Park Amenities for Wheelchair Users
When planning a camping trip, it's essential to find a campground that offers amenities designed to meet the needs of wheelchair users. Consider the following before choosing a campground to visit:
- All terrain wheelchair rental: Availability of all-terrain wheelchairs will depend on location. It’s recommended to call ahead to ensure your chosen campsite has all-terrain wheelchairs, as you may need to reserve one for your trip.
- Accessible restrooms: All accessible campgrounds should have an accessible restroom. Accessible restrooms typically include grab bars, a roll-in shower, and a wheelchair-friendly sink to roll underneath.
- Accessible lodging: Consider the lodging option best suited to your needs: tent, wheelchair accessible RV, or cabin. Many campsites have wheelchair accessible cabins, which should include a step-free entry and exit, ample space to maneuver using a mobility aid, and an accessible bathroom.
Top Nine Wheelchair Accessible Campgrounds and Parks in the U.S.
Here are nine wheelchair accessible campgrounds to consider for your next camping trip:
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park touches regions in three states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Most hiking trails and fishing sites are accessible, apart from some older trails. For those, you can pick up an audio guided tour if you’d like. Yellowstone offers the option to rent a wheelchair at the lodge, before heading to the park's main attraction: Old Faithful, a geyser known to erupt 20 times a day.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park has wheelchairs available upon request. If you rent a wheelchair from the park, you’ll also get an accessibility guide, which includes the location of wheelchair accessible shuttles around the park. If you want the full Grand Canyon experience, pick up a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit. This permit offers guests with mobility disabilities access to some trails that are closed to the public for traffic-free sightseeing.
3. Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains
Formerly known as River Run RV Resort, this private RV resort and campground is a great spot for those who like both resort amenities and outdoor activities. You can stay in your RV here or choose one of the accessible lodging options. With views of the Rocky Mountains, guests can enjoy resort amenities including a pool, bowling alley, and miniature golf course. Not far from the resort, you’ll find activities like rock climbing, skiing, hiking, and kayaking.
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Sand and wheelchairs might not sound like they go together, but did you know Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado is wheelchair accessible? That is, if you rent one of the park's sand dune-friendly wheelchairs. The park's beach wheelchairs require someone to help push. They come in both adult and child sizes. The park also has a wheelchair accessible viewing platform, plus access mats so wheelchair users can get from the parking lot to the dunes.
5. Custer State Park
Located in South Dakota, visitors of Custer State Park can see Sylvan Lake and the Wildlife Loop Road, which offers a chance to see animals like bison, elk, deer, and prairie dogs, as well as Mount Coolidge Lookout, an observation deck that provides views of Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Multiple campgrounds and lodging facilities are accessible within the park. Hiking trails are relatively flat, and Sylvan Lake has accessible fishing piers, picnic areas, and restrooms.
6. Acadia National Park
Maine's waterside Acadia National Park includes beaches, wild gardens, hiking trails, and a wheelchair accessible carriage ride. The park also offers accessible transportation and beach wheelchair rentals for visitors with disabilities.
7. Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort
Another campsite with views of the Rocky Mountains, Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort has 146 RV sites for guests and a few cabins. Outside of being close to Rocky Mountain National Park and all its activities, the RV resort is also one mile from the Village of Estes Park. A free shuttle takes guests to Estes Park, which has restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, and recreational activities.
8. Harris Beach State Park
Located in Brookings, Oregon, this state park is a great place for those who enjoy the beach. It has 65 RV sites, 59 tents, and even an accessible yurt. Harris Beach State Park is also home to Bird Island, a national wildlife sanctuary for rare species of birds. From many points in the park, visitors can see birds and marine life.
9. Glacier National Park
Want to see a mountain goat or grizzly bear? Consider visiting Glacier National Park in Montana. The park has multiple accessible campgrounds including Fish Creek Campground, Apgar Campground, and St. Mary Campground. The park's free shuttles are wheelchair friendly, and wheelchair users can also check out McDonald Falls, as well as guided tours and ranger-led programs.
Tips for Planning a Wheelchair Accessible Camping Trip
Planning a wheelchair accessible camping trip requires careful consideration. Here are some tips to help you plan your camping trip:
- Choosing the right campground based on individual needs: When selecting a campground, consider your wants and needs. Consider access to restrooms and other necessary amenities, but also consider what you plan to do. For example, if you want to spend most of your time hiking, choose a location with multiple accessible hiking trails.
- Accessible transportation options for reaching the campground: You can find accessible RVs at your local Winnebago dealer. These RVs can provide accessible transportation to and from your campsite. You can learn more about what to look for in an accessible RV in our article on getting the most out of your accessible RV.
- Preparing necessary equipment and supplies: Before heading out on your camping trip, ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies to meet your needs. This may include medications, a first aid kit, wheelchair chargers, your health insurance card, and any other necessary supplies you may need.
How Do You Camp in a Wheelchair?
Camping in a wheelchair is possible with thoughtful preparation. Consider your transportation to the campsite, access to medications and facilities, and desired activities to determine which location is best for you. If you’ve found your campsite, all that’s left to do is pack. Luckily, we’ve created a camping gear checklist for wheelchair users to help you get started. With everything in place, you’re on your way to becoming a ‘happy camper.’
