Although there’s no shortage of accessible lodging options in and around Custer State Park (gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/), there’s something to be said for foregoing the creature comforts and spending the night in a a more natural setting. That doesn’t mean you have to rough it though. Quite the contrary, as these wheelchair-accessible camping cabins at Custer State Park offer a number of modern amenities. And you just can’t beat the location — just a few miles north of the West Entrance to Wildlife Loop Drive in the Blue Bell Campground.
Comfortable Camping Cabins
To be honest, the Blue Bell Campground is easy to miss, as it’s hard to see the sign for it when you are heading south on Highway 87. The turn is located just past Blue Bell Lodge on the left– look for the stables. After you turn in, you’ll see the sign pointing to the campground. Just follow the sign to the camping cabins.
Cabins 14 and 15, which are located across from the showerhouse, are the wheelchair-accessible camping cabins. They each have a paved parking area in front, with level access over to the ramped front deck. The one-room cabins boasts a level threshold, a wide door and wood flooring for easy rolling. They are furnished with two 23-inch high bunk beds with room for a wheelchair between them. One lower bunk is a double, while the rest are twins. Linens are not provided so make sure and pack along some sheets or a sleeping bag. Other furnishings include a table and a bench, a storage shelf and a coat hook.
Inside Cabin 15 at the Blue Bell Campground in Custer State Park
As an added bonus each cabin also has two electric outlets. overhead lighting, heating and air conditioning. Plus, there’s an accessible picnic table on the spacious deck, and a raised grill next to each cabin. And the cabins are located in a verdant pine forest, in a quiet campground.
There’s an accessible family shower in the showerhouse. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fixed shower bench. Other access features include a full five-foot turning radius, toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated) and a roll-under sink.
Bathhouse at the Blue Bell Campground in Custer State Park
Located about 1.5 miles from the entrance to Red Canyon along Scenic highway 12, Red Canyon Village (www.redcanyonvillage.com) makes a great home base for a Utah national park road trip. It’s just a 20 minute drive to Bryce Canyon National Park so you don’t have to get a 4 AM start to beat the rush. Plus, you can easily wander over to Red Canyon to enjoy the sunset at the end of the day. And since it’s a small complex with some RV spaces and cabins, Red Canyon village is a peaceful and secluded spot to spend the night. Even better — they also have a nice wheelchair-accessible log cabin.
Red Canyon Village
Although there’s a small step up to the front office in Red Canyon Village, just call (435) 676-2243 and the clerk will gladly bring out your key. Log Cabin 12 — the accessible unit — is located a short walk from the office. And although there aren’t any paved parking spaces in the complex, there’s plenty of room to park parallel next to the accessible cabin.
There’s level access to the cabin, which boasts open beams and a wood interior. Access features include wide doorways, laminate floors, lever handles, a lowered clothing rod and good pathway access. The main room is divided into two areas; with the bedroom and living area on one side and a small kitchenette on the other side.
Living area in Cabin 12 at Red Canyon Village
The living area is furnished with a 26-inch high open-frame king-sized bed, which can be moved to allow wheelchair access on either side. Other furnishings include, a nightstand, a mirror, a luggage rack and a loveseat. The kitchenette is furnished with a table, two chairs, a microwave, a refrigerator and a coffee maker. It has everything you need for a snack, a quick meal, or a morning coffee break.
Kitchenette in Cabin 12 at Red Canyon Village
There’s barrier-free access to the bathroom, which is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a portable shower bench. It also includes a roll-under sink, and a toilet with a grab bar on the left wall (as seated).
Bathroom in Cabin 12 at Red Canyon Village
Top things off with a roomy paved front porch with plenty of room for a wheelchair, and you’re good to go. There’s also a standard picnic table on a cement pad next to the porch, with room for a wheelchair on the end. And if you forget anything, there’s level access to the The Red Canyon Indian Store and Rock Shop next door.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located just outside the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park (www.emerginghorizons.com/yosemite-national-park), Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (tenayalodge.com) has long been a favorite pick for park visitors. And although this luxury property boasts a robust selection of accessible rooms and cabins, the wheelchair-accessible Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge offer guests an upscale glamping experience in a secluded forest location. Add in a custom-built accessible bus for tours of Yosemite Valley, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect national park getaway.
The Explorer Cabin Concept
Located a short drive away from the main lodge, the Explorer Cabins offer a bevy of creature comforts combined with the personalized services and perks of a full-service resort. Nestled in a sugar pine and incense cedar forest, the cabins exude a dual theme of exploration and community. They inspire guests to explore Yosemite’s great outdoor areas, and then invite them to commune with their fellow travelers and share their adventures in the intimate public spaces dotted throughout the Explorer Cabin complex.
The cornerstone of the complex is the 1,800-square foot Explorer Clubhouse, an exclusive communal retreat with an expansive deck that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forest. There’s accessible parking in front, with level access over to the clubhouse, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. Explorer Cabin guests check-in at the clubhouse, and later they can lounge by fire or grab a bottle of water before a hike.
A light breakfast, which is included with the Explorer Cabins, is available in the Explorer Clubhouse each morning. Breakfast offerings include pastries, breakfast burritos, fruit and beverages. And don’t miss the wine reception each evening. And if you’d like to enjoy some s’mores around one of the firepits, then stop by for their S’moregasboard, where you can build your own tasty s’mores kit.
Another exclusive feature of the Explorer Cabins is the onsite Camp Host. This roving ambassador is available to offer sightseeing suggestions, book spa appointments or even offer tips for roasting the perfect marshmallow. Think of the Camp Host as a remote concierge — an ambassador of adventure that’s ready, willing and able to offer personal assistance to create a more memorable Yosemite visit.
Accessible Explorer Cabins
There are five wheelchair-accessible Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge — Cabins 9, 17, 24, 34 and 42. Cabin 9, which is a premium accessible cabin is located a short walk from the Explorer Clubhouse. Accessible parking is located next to the two-bedroom unit, with level access to the front door. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles, lowered environmental controls, good pathway access and plank floors for easy rolling.
The living area is furnished with a 11-inch high sleeper sofa and an easy chair, which are nestled in front of a cozy gas fireplace. The adjacent kitchenette is equipped with a sink, a microwave, and a refrigerator. It also boasts counter seating with two bar stools.
Living Space in Cabin 9
Master Bedroom in Cabin 9
Second Bedroom in Cabin 9
The master bedroom is furnished with a 23-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a chest of drawers and two night stands. There’s level access out to the roomy back deck, which offers a sweeping view of Big Creek, and is furnished with two Adirondack chairs. The second bedroom is a bit smaller, and it’s also furnished with a 23-inch high queen-sized bed. There’s room enough for a manual wheelchair on one side, but this bedroom is really best suited for a slow walker.
The spacious bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower seat. Other access features include a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror, and toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated).
Shower in Cabin 9
Sink in Cabin 9
Toilet in Cabin 9
Cabin 42 is also an accessible premium cabin, and cabins 17, 24 and 34 are accessible deluxe cabins. They all have the exact same access features and furnishings as cabin 9; but the deluxe cabins have a porch instead of a back deck.
Tour Yosemite Valley
Wheelchair-accessible tour bus
Even if you don’t stay in one of the wheelchair-accessible Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge, you’ll still want to book a tour of Yosemite with the lodge. And the good news is, they have a luxurious wheelchair-accessible bus that can accommodate everyone. With a retractable glass roof, visitors get a full 360-degree view of all of Yosemite’s grandeur — even in inclement weather. And if you want to enjoy the wind in your hair, the driver can easily retract the glass roof for that real convertible feel.
The accessible tour bus features lift access and is equipped with wheelchair tie-downs. Wheelchair-users and slow walkers can opt to stay in their own wheelchairs or transfer to one of the comfortable bus seats. The day long Yosemite Valley tour includes stops at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Valley View. And you’ll also have some time to spend in Yosemite Valley to ride the shuttle bus and explore more of the park.
You just can’t beat the convenience of a Tioga Lodge Tour, as you can dodge the traffic and parking woes, and still manage to see all of the major Yosemite Valley sites in one day. It’s the perfect choice if you have limited time in the park. So book a Tenaya Lodge tour on your next Yosemite visit, for a perfectly accessible seamless travel experience.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located in northern Ohio, Maumee Bay State Park is a nature lovers dream; but that doesn’t mean you have to rough it when you overnight there. Quite the contrary, as Maumee Bay Lodge (www.maumeebaylodge.com/) offers a comfortable and accessible alternative. Not only can you spend the night in this wheelchair-accessible Maumee Bay cabin, but you’re also just a stone’s throw away from some great accessible trails.
Spend the Night
Billed as Ohio’s premier resort, this family friendly lakeside property features accessible parking in the lodge lot, with a barrier-free path to the lobby door. Alternatively, there’s a large drop-off area directly outside the lobby entrance. Inside, there’s wheelchair access to all the public areas, including the Water’s Edge Restaurant and the Icebreaker Lounge; and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter to the front desk.
Accessible Cabin 17 is located a short drive away, along a road that overlooks the adjacent marsh. Accessible parking is available in a paved area in front of the cottage, with a wide level walkway up to the front porch. Although there’s a small lip at the transition from the walkway to the porch, it’s doable for most folks with a little assistance. The four-bedroom deluxe cottage features wide doorways and excellent pathway access to all the first-floor rooms, with stairway access to the two upstairs bedrooms.
One downstairs bedroom is furnished with a bunk bed and a twin bed, while the other bedroom has a 24-inch high king-sized bed. Upstairs, one bedroom has a bunk bed and a double bed, and the other bedroom has a double bed. The ground floor bathroom is equipped with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. Other access features include a roll-under sink and toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated). The second-floor bathroom has a low-step shower, but it lacks grab bars or the space to maneuver a wheelchair.
Shower in cabin 17 on the ground floor
Toilet and sink in Cabin 17 on the ground floor
Downstairs you’ll also find a gas fireplace, a washer and dryer, a spacious deck and a standard hot tub. Top it off with a well equipped kitchen and you have everything you need for a family getaway at this wheelchair-accessible Maumee Bay cabin.
Ground floor of cabin 17 at Maumee Bay Lodge
Explore Maumee Bay Lodge
There’s certainly no shortage of recreational activities at Maumee Bay Lodge, many of which are accessible and can be enjoyed by the whole family. There is barrier-free access to the indoor splash area, which includes seven splash features, as well as a waterfall that spills into the pool. There is also an accessible locker room nearby, which is equipped with roll-in showers.
Soft Play Area at Maumee Bay Lodge
If you’d prefer to keep your little ones active but dry, then check out the soft play area for children, which includes pirate-themed climbing features on a cushioned floor. There is level access to this brightly colored indoor play area, and plenty of room to roll around the climbing features.
Outside, there are a number of accessible options, including bicycling or hiking on one of the many bicycle trails throughout the park. Although the trails weren’t specifically designed to be accessible, most of them are level and very doable for wheelers and slow walkers.
If you want to learn a little about the native flora and fauna, head over to the Trautman Nature Center, located next to the lodge. There is barrier-free access to the building, which houses a number of interpretive exhibits detailing the nature and history of the area.
Maumee Bay Lodge boardwalk
Finally, save some time for a first-hand look at the local inhabitants on the two-mile boardwalk, just east of the lodge. There is barrier-free access to this excellent loop trail, and interpretive signs along the way. Best of all, one side of the boardwalk is pleasantly devoid of railings, so wheelers can enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands. It’s the perfect way to top off your wheelchair-accessible Maumee Bay cabin stay.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located near Whitehall, Montana, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns/) is named for the famous explorers, even though the closest the duo ever got to their namesake caves was the Jefferson River, some 1,400 feet below. Although the caverns are a definite highlight of the park, visitors can also enjoy the scenic drive up the mountain, and spend the night in a comfortable camping cabin at the park campground. And although caves can be problematic for people with mobility issues, some wheelchair-users and slow walkers may be able to manage a portion of the tour of this 350 million year-old cavern.
Enjoy the Drive
The best place to begin your visit to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is at the main visitor center, which is located near the park entrance. There’s accessible parking in the large lot and level access to the building. Inside there’s ample room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter through the galleries. Pick up a park map and learn a little bit about the geology, flora and fauna in the park.
From the main visitor center it’s about a three-mile drive to the top of the mountain, where the Cave Visitor Center is located. It’s also the starting point for the cavern tours. Take your time to stop along the way to enjoy the view from the numerous pullouts. And even if you don’t have time to stop, there are some great windshield views, going in both directions.
If you’d like to enjoy lunch al fresco, there are also a few options along the drive. The first picnic area is located close to the bottom. It features accessible parking, an accessible vault toilet, and a do-able pathway to some of the closer picnic tables. Up the road, the next picnic area has a level unstriped parking area, and level access over to several picnic tables. The remainder of the tables are located down some steps and over a bridge. And finally, there’s Vista Point. Although there are steps down to the viewing platform, there’s level access over to two shaded tables near the level parking area.
Explore the Caverns
Up at the top of the mountain, there’s accessible parking in front of the visitor center, with ramp access up to it. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the historic stone building is well preserved, and includes the original fireplace. The walls are lined with vintage photos, and there’s also a movie that’s shown throughout the day about the development of the caverns. There’s a cafe and gift shop across the parking lot, with accessible parking nearby.
Cave tour tickets are available at the kiosk next to the visitor center. Tours are only available from May 1 to September 30. Of the tour offerings, the Paradise Tour is the most accessible choice. The 1.5-hour tour requires about a mile of walking or rolling. Unlike the Classic Tour, which includes 600 stairs and a number of tight spaces, this tour is level, with the exception of about 15 steps at the end. The cavern entrance is about a quarter-mile away from the visitor center on a dirt trail covered in crushed granite.
Once inside, a 538-foot tunnel leads over to the Grand Finale Room, which contains an impressive collection of stalactites, stalagmites and columnar formations. Despite the name it’s not the end of the tour, but it’s the farthest that wheelchair-users can go. From there, several staircases with 3-4 steps each lead over to the Paradise Room, which is the official end of the tour. There are railings on the stairs, but the ground is wet. If you can’t do the stairs, you’ll just have to enjoy the Grand Finale Room while the rest of the group visits the Paradise Room. Still the formations are beautiful in the Grand Finale Room, and you can roll around and get a closer look after the crowd moves on.
Spend the Night
If you’d like to spend the night in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, there are several accessible campground options. At the top of the list are the three accessible camping cabins. There’s parking on a level cement pad next to the Morrison Cabin, with an accessible pathway to the front door. It’s furnished with a 27-inch high double bed, and a bunk bed with a 19-inch high lower bunk. There’s also a table and four chairs, some clothing hooks, a mirror and a night stand. Outside there’s an accessible picnic table on a cement pad, a standard grill and a water spigot. This cabin also has electricity.
There’s level access to the nearby shower house, which includes an accessible toilet stall with grab bars, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, a lowered control and an accessible pay slot. There’s also a small corner seat in the shower and a slatted bench in the dressing area.
The Smith Cabin and the Woodward Cabin are also accessible, but the Smith Cabin lacks a cement parking space, and both cabins are missing picnic table pads. They are also closer to the other campsites, and lack the privacy of the Morrison Cabin.
Accessible campsite E3 includes a cement parking pad, an accessible table, a raised fire ring and a level tent space. There’s a level sidewalk to the shower house, and it’s the only campsite with electricity. Proof of disability — such as a parking placard — is required to occupy this site.
Finally, the Peregrine Tent is ramped and includes four cots and a small table. There’s also a raised fire ring and a standard table on the grass in front of the unit. It’s not close to the restrooms, and not rated as accessible like the cabins, but it may be doable for some folks.
Although there’s no shortage of accessible lodging options in and around Custer State Park (gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/), there’s something to be said for foregoing the creature comforts and spending the night in a a more natural setting. That doesn’t mean you have to rough it though. Quite the contrary, as these wheelchair-accessible camping cabins at Custer State Park offer a number of modern amenities. And you just can’t beat the location — just a few miles north of the West Entrance to Wildlife Loop Drive in the Blue Bell Campground.
