Just because you or a loved one is living with a disability doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some of the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes!
Living with a disability has many challenges. Getting around a campground in a wheelchair requires special accommodations.
While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) hasn’t set forth any specific standards for campsites, many national parks have either updated or renovated current ones. Most have allotted a few sites for those using wheelchairs, walkers or scooters.
Camping is a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and spend some quality time in nature. Many people who are disabled love camping and do it quite frequently. What’s their trick? Doing loads of research to find the campsites with the best facilities for those in wheelchairs.
If you want to plan your summer camping trip, and you or someone in your family is in a wheelchair, you will definitely want to take a look at this list of top rated campgrounds in California:
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees National State Park is located in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra’s. The park is located four miles northeast of Arnold, California. Campgrounds offer picnic sites, trails and four incredible sites perfectly handicap accessible. Handicap accessible bathrooms, parking lots and campfires make it a great spot for those in wheelchairs.
The visitor and event center also has fun gatherings and interesting historical information.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is located in along the Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. With 3.2 miles of pristine beaches and 2,400 acres of undeveloped wild land, which are popular for hiking and horseback riding, Crystal Cove has something for everyone.
Crystal Cove Beach has historical cottages. Eighteen are available for overnight stays and two are wheelchair accessible. Crystal Cove also has a campsite called Moro Campground with six wheelchair accessible sites.
Beach wheelchairs are available for loan. Call (949) 494-3539.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Located along the beautiful Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park features some of the most massive trees in the world. The park has many handicapped accessible campgrounds with restrooms and showers.
Picnic areas, trails and a historical visitor center have a lot to offer both those with disabilities and the entire family.
Pismo State Beach
Located in Central California, Pismo State Beach offers six miles of sandy beach, fishing areas, swimming, hiking and fun for the entire family.
Located inside the park is a butterfly grove. This area is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and has wheelchair accessible parking for its visitors seeking to view the gorgeous Monarch butterflies in the wintertime.
The park and beach areas have something for everyone. A 300-foot nature trail features a garden and lagoon, perfect for fishermen. A nature center, featuring handicap accessible parking, offers exhibits on the local climate.
Campgrounds are fully ADA compliant.
For more wheelchair-friendly campgrounds in California, be sure to stay tuned for Part 2.
Are you planning your next trip and need a full-sized or mini wheelchair van?
Classic Vans offers Northern California’s largest selection of new and pre-owned handicap accessible vehicles. Call us today at (866) 370- 8222 or go online and browse our inventory of full-size and mini wheelchair vans for sale.
Let our van experts help you find the wheelchair van of your dreams! Don’t live in California? Ask about low-cost nationwide van delivery.