TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

outdoor activities

Campers and Accessibility: Bridging the Gap in Outdoor Experiences

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A landmark study by Kampgrounds of America (KOA) identifies the needs of campers with disabilities

Campgrounds offer an idyllic landscape to adventurous travelers: sun-kissed trees, the scent of pine in the air, and families and friends sharing stories around the campfire. But the beautiful scene isn’t attainable for everyone as a recent study by Kampgrounds of America (KOA) revealed. KOA surveyed a percentage of campers at its 500+ campgrounds in the US and Canada and found some eye-opening statistics about the needs of campers with disabilities. 

 1. The Disability Divide:

  • 27% of U.S. residents report having a disability. These are our neighbors, colleagues, and friends—individuals navigating life with unique challenges.
  • Now, consider the campers. 38% of them also identify as having a disability. Campers are 41% more likely to have a disability than the average U.S. resident.
Slide showing statistics from the study: Campers report more factors impacting accessibility than the general public does with disability at the top of the list of factors; camping is considered about as accessible as other types of leisure travel by both groups; individuals who report more barriers to accessibility of campgrounds spend more nights and more money camping but travel shorter distances than those reporting no barriers.

2. Beyond the Surface: Factors Impacting Accessibility:

  • Visual Impairment:
    • Among U.S. residents, 12% grapple with visual impairments. The world appears through a different lens for them.
    • Campers, too, face this reality. 16% of them navigate trails, campfires, and sunsets with altered vision. Yet, they persist, guided by determination and perhaps the rustle of leaves underfoot.
  • Cognition:
    • Cognitive disabilities—including neurodiversity and autism spectrum disorder affect 13% of U.S. residents, Within the camping community, this percentage more than doubles as 27% of campers wrestle with cognitive challenges. 
  • Hearing
    • For 6% of U.S. residents, hearing impairment shapes their world. Yet, they find solace in nature’s symphony. Among campers, 11% navigate the same trails, attuned to vibrations, sign language, and the silent beauty of dawn breaking over the horizon.

3. The Call for Inclusivity:

  • Campgrounds, take note: ramps, accessible facilities, and thoughtful design matter. Let’s bridge the gap between adventure and accessibility.
  • Because when campers—regardless of ability—sit by the fire, they share not only s’mores but also stories of resilience, laughter, and the wild beauty that binds us all.

Following the lead of more and more state and national parks, Kampgrounds of America, are joining the movement to improve and increase access to beautiful, natural, and often remote outdoor spaces. 

Senior executives from Kampgrounds of America will be participating in panels at the  Travelability EMS Summit in San Francisco, November 13-15 about their plans to implement  more accessibility features along with staff and franchisee training to be more welcoming for everyone.

Accessibility Champion: Alison Brooks

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Vice President, Destination Experience & Advocacy, Visit Mesa

Q: When did you begin focusing on accessibility in your destination and what was the impetus for wanting to make your destination more accessible?

A: Mesa became the first-ever Autism Certified City (IBCCES) in 2019. The response was so very positive, that we soon realized that inclusion through accessibility was a community shared value and we knew that we wanted to further expand accessibility through technologies, programs and education that would make a better experience for our visitors and residents alike.

Q: What are your main responsibilities and tasks in your organization?

A: I oversee our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility efforts, our partnership program and assist our CEO with governmental affairs.

Q: Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers that you face regarding the advancement of accessibility in your destination?

A: In a city so large (over 500K population), along with over 4 million visitors, the most challenging thing is bringing awareness to the many offerings we have in Mesa. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, Aira, Wheel the World partnership, autism certification, and Threshold 360 virtual tours from the accessibility perspective, are all fantastic ways that help people prepare for and enjoy their experience while in Mesa.  We do advertise these programs regularly through many platforms, as well as share them on our website and social media, but it still can be difficult to get the word out!

Q: What initiatives have you undertaken to improve accessibility in your destination, and which are you most proud of?

Quote: Drip learning will be a huge focus for us in 2024.

A: The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, Threshold 360 virtual tours, Aira, Wheel the World and Able Vu partnerships, and autism certification are all programs we’ve put into place for our destination. It’s hard to choose one that I’m most proud of, but I would say that I’m proud that Visit Mesa was the first to partner with many of these programs and work side-by-side to help implement their product into a destination. Becoming the first Verified Destination through Wheel the World was definitely icing on the cake.

Q: Who do you follow? Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration.

A: Visit Tampa Bay does an amazing job with their accessibility and storytelling of inclusion overall! Of course, I have to give a “shout-out” to Travelability, as Jake Steinman and his team continue to make a profound impact on destinations becoming more accessible.

Q: What are your plans around accessibility in 2024?

A: We will continue to measure engagement with the programs we have in place now. Additionally, drip- learning will be a huge focus for us, as I strongly feel that education creates confidence for our partners to better serve guests with disabilities. I cannot share yet, but I can say we are working on something that could positively impact a lot of visitors and residents in the very near future.

What Does an Adaptive Bike Fest Look Like?

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A woman on a golf course strapped into an electric bike/wheelchair at a bike fest testing event

Sponsors Alpine Electric Bikes and Capital Bike teamed up with RAD to put on the free Adaptive Bike Fest in September, which featured everything from hand cycles to guided bike rides to bike and wheelchair tune-ups.

Organizers said the event was aimed at showing how accessible getting outside and having fun can be, even for those with limited mobility, and providing an opportunity to try out the often hard-to-find accessible equipment without cost. Read more.

TravelAbility Takeaway: Great idea for an event that celebrates new mobile options and emphasizes the fun side of being outdoors on a set of wheels.

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