Camping with Disabilities: Yes, You Can Enjoy the Great Outdoors
- Alethea Johnekins
- May 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 3

Exploring nature can be anything from calm and peaceful to bold and exhilarating. Whether you’re roughing it with a tent, enjoying the comforts of glamping, or hitting the road in an RV packed with modern luxuries, spending time outdoors is an incredible and affordable way to connect with yourself and the world around you. And yes—this includes people with disabilities.
It’s natural to wonder if camping is accessible or realistic when you have a disability. The truth? It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you enjoy being in nature, the effort to plan and prepare can absolutely be worth it. With a few thoughtful steps, camping can be a rewarding adventure for individuals, couples, families—and yes, solo travelers too.
Here are some tips for making the most of your camping trip when navigating with a disability:
1. Do Your Research—Then Do Some More
Planning ahead is your superpower. Start by learning everything you can about the campground and its facilities. Is the campsite level? How close is it to restrooms or water? Are the trails paved or sandy? YouTube is a great resource—many creators share full campground walkthroughs, and some even show individual campsites.
Also research the areas you'll be exploring. For example, on a recent trip to Jekyll Island, I learned (the hard way) that using the standard beach entrance meant navigating deep sand and steep stairs—not ideal. If I had taken the handicap-accessible path, I would have saved myself a lot of pain and effort. Lesson learned: accessibility can make or break your experience, so plan accordingly.
2. Pack What You Need to Stay Safe and Comfortable
This may sound obvious, but it's easy to overlook essentials you rely on every day—until you don’t have them. Think about the things you use at home without even realizing it.
Power: Not all campsites have electricity. On one trip, our air mattress deflated, and since I rely on a raised mattress to help me get up, it turned into a big issue. We ended up using the car to reinflate it, but an extension cord would’ve saved us a lot of stress.
Bathrooms: Some locations have great restroom facilities, while others don’t. I’ve found that bringing a raised toilet seat that fits on a bucket or portable toilet makes a huge difference.
Make a checklist of your day-to-day needs and build your packing list from there.
3. Don’t Forget Medications and First Aid
Outdoor adventures often mean more physical exertion than usual. If you have a condition that flares up—like mine—pack accordingly. Bring medications and supplies that help you feel better on bad days. A small, customized first-aid kit can go a long way toward peace of mind.
4. Schedule Time to Rest
You don't have to do everything. Seriously. Make a list of must-do vs. nice-to-do activities. Nature is best enjoyed when you're not exhausted or in pain. Plan for a slower pace, and build in time for breaks so you can enjoy each moment instead of pushing through discomfort.
Nature Is for Everyone
Disability doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors—it just means you might have to plan a little differently. Whether you’re chasing adventure or looking for serenity, pack your gear, bring your joy, and embrace the experience.
Nature is calling. You’ve got this.
留言