How to Plan a Wheelchair Accessible Camping Trip

Being in a wheelchair doesn't have to deter you from enjoying the great outdoors. With a little planning and preparation, you can participate in almost all camping activities. What each campground considers "accessible" varies, so you will need to call before your trip so you can properly prepare.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Search the Internet or request information from your state's tourism department or Chamber of Commerce. Request information from private parks and campgrounds as well. You might find private parks offer more services and have more things to do.

2. Once you have found the perfect campground, call or write a letter asking them to detail their accessibility options. Some parks will have accessible rest room facilities, meaning there are no steps and they are equipped with handicapped rails—but if you need assistance moving from the wheelchair and back again, you will need to ensure the facilities have at least one wide stall.

3. Inquire about shower stalls. Have the park explain how close the accessible camping sites are to the shower house and make sure you and your assistant (if you need one) will be able to move around inside the stall.

4. Inquire about swimming areas. Some parks have accessible swimming pools with a hydraulic lift that can lower you in and raise you out of the pool.

5. Many parks offer surfaced trails on which a wheelchair can easily move. See if the park you are interested in has surfaced trails for long strolls in the evening. Also, be sure to inquire if the playground area is accessible if you are bringing a handicapped child.

6. Find out if the docks are accessible if you are planning on boating. If you are planning on a lake tour, ensure the tour boat has ramps onto the boat and throughout so you are able to enjoy the view from any deck.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using an electric wheelchair, ensure the accessible site will be equipped with electricity so you can charge your chair in the evening/night.
• Plan for bad weather: bring a cover for your electric wheel chair, should a storm arise.
• Bring a manual wheelchair for the shower and bathhouse.
• Bring hand sanitizer and baby wipes for easy cleanup and less runs to the bathhouse.
• Find out if the park delivers wood to campsites. In many states you are not allowed to bring wood from home into the campground.
• Purchase a wheelchair backpack for all your bathing needs, this way your hands are free to maneuver around the bathhouse.
• Bring bottled water as some fountains may not be push-enabled.

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