Camping – Is Fun For Everyone

Whether you use a truck camper, an RV, a 5th wheel, a tent, or a van, camping is an activity that everyone can do, even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, physically fit, or have a disability. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature and find peace. Camping will create a bond among family members and memories that will last a lifetime. Each adventure will bring new experiences you cannot obtain while sitting on your couch at home.

National Park Service & Corps of Engineers

Consider the commitment to camping by the National Park Service (NPS) https://www.nps.gov/index.htm and the Corps of Engineers (https://northeast-truckcampers.org/coe-camp-campgrounds (COE) to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to benefit from their facilities, programs, services, and activities, indoors or outdoors. The NPS provides many types of devices to improve mobility for 1 in 4 Americans with disabilities. From walkers, crutches, or braces to traditional manual or power wheelchairs for off-road mobility, wheelchairs, or electric scooters.

Architectural Barriers Act  & Americans with Disabilities Act

Many states are upgrading their campgrounds to comply with the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968, as amended (https://www.access-board.gov/aba/guides/chapter-10-outdoor/), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended in 2008 (https://www.ada.gov/).

The Architectural Barriers Act amended the 2004 guidelines in 2013, adding new provisions for trails, picnic areas, camping facilities, viewing areas, and beach access routes.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes requirements for campgrounds to be “Disabled-Friendly Campgrounds,” including ramps, accessible bathroom stalls, and ADA-compliant parking spaces.

If you or someone you’re traveling with needs assistance related to a disability or has questions about how a park or campground can provide reasonable modifications, don’t hesitate to contact the park you will be traveling to ahead of time.

 Free National Access Pass


To receive a free camping access pass, the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. The Access Pass is free and can be obtained in person at one of the federal recreation sites, through the mail, or ordered online via the US Geological Survey website; the Access Pass offers the same benefits as a regular annual pass and may provide a discount on some amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services.