While camping with a disability might require a few extra precautions, there is no reason why your disability should hold you back from the joys of camping.
In fact, being a disabled camper actually affords you some unique benefits while visiting National Parks and camping as you will see below.
While there are no campgrounds that offer free camping to disabled campers, a disabled camper can obtain an Access Pass from the National Park Service, which allows free access to National Parks as well as all other federally managed lands as well as discounts on camping. Also, there are many places throughout the US such as BLM land and national forests that offer free camping to everyone. Just remember that these federal lands that offer free camping are often just raw pieces of undeveloped land that usually offer no amenities or accessible campsites for the disabled.
For a list of specific deals and discounts for disabled campers keep reading.
Free Deals and Discounts for Disabled Campers
- Access Pass – The Access Pass which was formerly known as the Golden Access Passport is perhaps one of the best free deals or discounts available to disabled campers. As this lifetime pass provides free access to over 2,000 federal lands including National Parks, National Forests, and Grasslands. The Access Pass will also sometimes provide discounts on additional park amenities such as camping, guided tours, and boat launching. (For more information on the Access Pass see below.)
- Califonia Disabled Discount Pass – The lifetime California Disabled Discount Pass which costs $3.50 provides a 50% discount to all persons with permanent disabilities on family camping, vehicle use fees, and boat use fees at all California State Parks.
- Florida Overnight Accommodation Discount – This discount is only available to Florida residents but the Florida Overnight Accommodation Discount provides a 50% discount on camping fees at all Florida State Parks.
- Washington Disability Pass – As with the Florida Overnight Accommodation Discount the Washington Disability Pass does require you to be a resident of the state but it provides a 50% discount on nightly camping/moorage as well as free boat launching, trailer dump, and day-use fees.
- State and Local Camping Disability Discounts – Many states offer disability discounts to their residents. So before planning any camping trip always make sure to check your state’s website to see if there are any disabilities discounts for state or local camping in your area.
Access Pass
As mentioned above the Access Pass is perhaps one of the best discounts available for disabled campers as it allows them free access to some of the most beautiful and spectacular lands in the US at all National Park and National Forests locations, as well as sometimes providing discounts on fees you might incur while in the park such as camping.
Below are some of the most important things to know about the Access Pass.
- The Access Pass provides free access to all federal lands operated by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Services, and Bureau of Reclamation.
- The Pass is a Lifetime Pass
- Admits pass owners as well as passengers in a non-commercial vehicle for free.
- Where a per person fee is charged the pass admits the pass owner as well as up to three adults for free.
- If you forget your Access Pass at home you can obtain another pass at the location with proper documentation.
- If lost or stolen a new pass must be obtained, as the original cannot be replaced.
How to Get an Access Pass?
There are three main ways to obtain an Access Pass including in person at one of these designated sites, by mail by following the instructions on the National Park Services website, or online at the US Geological Survey Website for a fee of $10.00. Please note that the Access Pass is free if you choose to obtain your pass either in person or by mail.
How to Qualify for the Access Pass
In order to qualify for the Access Pass, you must have a permanent disability but do not have to be 100% disabled to qualify for the pass.
Also, you must provide documentation proving your disability by providing either a statement by a licensed physician, documentation provided by Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or a document issued by a state agency.
Top 5 Parks and Campgrounds for Disabled Campers
While these parks and campgrounds may not be completely free to disabled campers, many do offer free entry as well as discounts for camping and they all receive high marks for handicap accessibility and accessible campsites.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is perhaps one of the most well-known National Parks in the country thanks to its amazing natural wonders such as alpine rivers, dense forests, mountain ranges, and famous geysers including its most famous geyser Old Faithful which erupts about 20 times a day.
The great news for disabled campers and outdoor lovers also is that Yellowstone has been making major improvements in the past few years to open the park up for everyone’s enjoyment regardless of disability or physical limitation.
Some of these improvements include enhanced or improved accessibility throughout the park with such features as wheelchair-accessible walkways and self-guided trails, as well as offering wheelchair rentals at the lodge. They have also added audio tours, assistive listening devices, captioning for many of their films, and large print and braille throughout the park.
In addition, while you can’t camp at Yellowstone National Park for free if your disabled, the great news is that all of their campgrounds inside the park have accessible campsites available with the exception of Lewis Lake and Tower Fall.
So no matter your disability or limitation you are sure to enjoy your visit or camping trip to Yellowstone National Park.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is another wildly popular National Park that also provides a good level of accessibility for the disabled.
The main attraction at the Grand Canyon is without a doubt the breathtaking views of the canyon and just because you’re in a wheelchair or have a physical limitation doesn’t mean you have to miss out on those amazing views. As the South Rim has several wheel-chair accessible trails with amazing views of the canyon.
Also, all park shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible and there is even a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit that allows visitors with mobility issues access to areas closed to public traffic.
For even more information on the accessibility of the Grand Canyon be sure to check out their Accessibility Guide put out by the National Park Service.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
If your wheelchair-bound you might assume any National Park with the words sand dunes in it would be out of reach. In actuality, though thanks to what the National Park calls their sand wheelchair you have complete access to the Great Sand Dunes National Park which is located in southern Colorado.
These rentable sand wheelchairs which must be pushed by another visitor, come in both adult and child sizes and allow for full access to the Sand Dunes plus the creek and beach that are available seasonally during the rainy season.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list as the National Park has some of the most amazing vistas and views in all of the US.
Also, if you are camping with a disability the Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to camp as they have three campgrounds including Timber Creek Campground, Moraine Park Campground, and Glacier Basin Campground that have accessible sites for those with disabilities.
It is also possible to rent wheelchairs at the Estes Park Quota Club
Yosemite National Park
Another amazing place to camp for the disabled is Yosemite National Park which is located in California.
As with all the other National Parks on this list, Yosemite National Park has some of the most amazing nature and scenery to take in while visiting the park including breathtaking mountains, large waterfalls, and expansive valleys that seem to go on forever.
It’s easy to get around the park as well when disabled thanks to the free accessible shuttle busses that run throughout the park with wheelchair lifts and tie-downs.
In addition, there are three campgrounds that offer accessible sites including Lower Pines, Upper Pines, and North Pines. Also, certain campsites have accessible fire rings and picnic tables with extended tops for wheelchairs.
Finally, wheelchairs and electric scooters are rentable at the bike stands at Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village if needed. It is, however, recommended that you make reservations by calling 209-372-8319 before your visit.
What is an Accessible Campsite?
Thanks to the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act many state and federal parks now have accessible campsites, which are campsites that can accommodate a wheelchair and include features such as a level paved ground as well as bathrooms that meet accessibility standards to make camping easier for the disabled.
However, keep in mind that not all campgrounds or state and federal parks have accessible campsites so it’s always best to check ahead.