National park camping tips for people with disabilities

Choosing campsites that are close to bathhouses and a campground office are common sense. This makes it easier to buy from a camp store, use facilities or summon help. But what do you do if you want to see the mountains or enjoy the vistas of the Grand Canyon?Visiting parks that have multiple overlooks is the answer. These make it easy to enjoy nature because it eliminates the need to get out of the car. Most have paved parking lots at the overlook which makes it easier to get out of the car to enjoy the view. They don't typically have handicapped spaces but are designed to accommodate several vehicles.Overlooks are often within a five minute drive of a national park campground and are often designed to be convenient for campers. Remember, if you have any questions as to accessibility check out the national park online or give them a call before you arrive.Photo copyright by Gayle CrabtreeThe campground in Cades Cove has handicapped accessible campsites. Two of these sites have electricity for medical devices and are available on a first come, first served basis. These sites are next to the campground office and are near the bathhouses. Plus, the campground itself is very close to the Cades Cove Loop Road by car.Because parks preserve natural habitat, it is not possible to make every section fully accessible. One of the most easily accessible areas is Cable Mill. It is located deep within the Cades Cove area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The paved area goes to Cable Mill and provides access to historic buildings, a visitor center, bathrooms and bookstore.The large parking lot in the Cable Mill area (not photographed) has several handicapped accessible parking spaces. These are routinely patrolled by park rangers to ensure that they are available. To use the spaces, a proper parking pass must be obtained from your local government and must be prominently displayed.Photo copyright by Gayle Crabtree View the list »
 The National Park Services offers an Access Pass to U.S. citizens who have a permanent disability. This is a free card and it is a lifetime pass. Over 2,000 national parks honor the Access Card.To qualify, you must be a U.S. Citizen and you must show proof of a permanent disability. Proof can be in the form of a statement from a physician, a document that is issued by a federal agency or a document from a state agency. The card is free from any national park. A $10 processing fee applies for all mail in applications. Use this application form to apply by mail.Entrance fees are waived for passholders and passengers that are in a non-commercial vehicle with the passholder. Discounts usually apply when a per-person fee is charged. Camping, boat launching and other fee based amenities may also be discounted. Other federal land management agencies may accept the Access Pass. 

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People who have a disability don't have to stay indoors. These national park camping tips for people with disabilities can help you make the most of your camping trip. If you live in or near Knoxville, then the chances are that you have (or will) visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its beautiful forest offers a respite from the hectic hustle and bustle of every day life.

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One of the best features of the park is the many campgrounds that are available. You don't have to shy away from camping in the Smoky Mountains if you have a disability. The reality is that national park campgrounds may have more accommodations than commercial campgrounds.

There probably are exceptions but national park campgrounds often go the extra mile. No matter what your challenge, these national park camping tips for people who have a disability will get you outdoors in no time.

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  •  The National Park Services offers an Access Pass to U.S. citizens who have a permanent disability. This is a free card and it is a lifetime pass. Over 2,000 national parks honor the Access Card.To qualify, you must be a U.S. Citizen and you must show proof of a permanent disability. Proof can be in the form of a statement from a physician, a document that is issued by a federal agency or a document from a state agency. The card is free from any national park. A $10 processing fee applies for all mail in applications. Use this application form to apply by mail.Entrance fees are waived for passholders and passengers that are in a non-commercial vehicle with the passholder. Discounts usually apply when a per-person fee is charged. Camping, boat launching and other fee based amenities may also be discounted. Other federal land management agencies may accept the Access Pass. 
  • The campground in Cades Cove has handicapped accessible campsites. Two of these sites have electricity for medical devices and are available on a first come, first served basis. These sites are next to the campground office and are near the bathhouses. Plus, the campground itself is very close to the Cades Cove Loop Road by car.Because parks preserve natural habitat, it is not possible to make every section fully accessible. One of the most easily accessible areas is Cable Mill. It is located deep within the Cades Cove area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The paved area goes to Cable Mill and provides access to historic buildings, a visitor center, bathrooms and bookstore.The large parking lot in the Cable Mill area (not photographed) has several handicapped accessible parking spaces. These are routinely patrolled by park rangers to ensure that they are available. To use the spaces, a proper parking pass must be obtained from your local government and must be prominently displayed.Photo copyright by Gayle Crabtree 
  • Choosing campsites that are close to bathhouses and a campground office are common sense. This makes it easier to buy from a camp store, use facilities or summon help. But what do you do if you want to see the mountains or enjoy the vistas of the Grand Canyon?Visiting parks that have multiple overlooks is the answer. These make it easy to enjoy nature because it eliminates the need to get out of the car. Most have paved parking lots at the overlook which makes it easier to get out of the car to enjoy the view. They don't typically have handicapped spaces but are designed to accommodate several vehicles.Overlooks are often within a five minute drive of a national park campground and are often designed to be convenient for campers. Remember, if you have any questions as to accessibility check out the national park online or give them a call before you arrive.Photo copyright by Gayle Crabtree
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, Nashville Family Travel Examiner

Gayle Crabtree is a wife and mom who constantly seeks out local activities and attractions. An ardent traveler, she specializes in shoestring vacations and has visited 80% of the U.S. Email her at youvebeenreviewed@gmail.com.

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