8 Barrier-Free Campsites for Wheelchair and Buggy Users to Enjoy

Camping is a highly popular leisure activity that allows people to enjoy the great outdoors. However, for wheelchair users, accessing campsites and enjoying camping can present significant challenges.

On the other hand, by choosing campsites with barrier-free facilities, wheelchair users can easily enjoy camping.

This time, we would like to introduce barrier-free campsites across the country where wheelchair users can enjoy camping with peace of mind.

Additionally, we will share tips on what to be mindful of when going camping with wheelchair users, so please use this as a reference.

1. Can wheelchair users enjoy camping and glamping?

In conclusion, wheelchair users can enjoy camping. However, there are several precautions to ensure safety while camping:

・Is the campsite barrier-free?
・Are there accessible toilets for wheelchair users?
・Is there a space to rest in case of emergencies?

Consider these factors when choosing a campsite to avoid any regrets on the day of your trip. Make sure to check in advance.

2. Eight campsites where you can enjoy camping and glamping with peace of mind, even with disabilities or illnesses!

Here, we introduce eight campsites where wheelchair users can enjoy camping with peace of mind.

The campsites we will introduce are dream locations that cater to the needs of wheelchair users and other individuals with disabilities.

If you were considering giving up on camping because of being a wheelchair user, we hope this article will help fulfill your wishes.

2-1. Campsite where wheelchair users can stay: "PRI-BASE Kawaguchiko"

Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, "PRI-BASE Kawaguchiko" offers facilities that allow wheelchair users to enjoy camping comfortably.

There is a spacious wooden deck accessible by wheelchair and a gentle slope leading to the deck. Additionally, camping equipment is available for free rental, making it beginner-friendly.

The trailer house accommodations include showers and toilets for wheelchair users, as well as air beds to prevent bedsores and comfortable electric beds, accommodating various disabilities.

At night, the trailer house and other areas are illuminated with decorations, creating a beautiful evening atmosphere.

Moreover, within a 10-minute drive, there are large supermarkets, home centers, drugstores, and a general hospital, ensuring peace of mind in case of emergencies.

Reports from those who have stayed there provide valuable insights into the outdoor camping experience. It seems that tents are already set up upon arrival, and the tents are highly rated as follows:

There is a very spacious area where 4 to 5 people can sleep side by side.

Source: A Unique Time at the Foot of Mt. Fuji: Relaxing Camping at PRI-BASE Kawaguchiko｜note

Furthermore, the tents are equipped with handrails and hot carpets, ensuring comfort in any season.

This is truly a campsite that caters to all your needs.

Reference: PRI-BASE Kawaguchiko

2-2. A campsite where the owner's vision is realized through visitor feedback: "Green Farm Otaki Toda Auto Campsite"

Located in Chiba Prefecture, "Green Farm Otaki Toda Auto Campsite" offers a genuine outdoor experience just about 90 minutes by car from the city center.

The entrance to the campsite, surrounded by bamboo groves, is marked by a distinctive bear statue, making it easy to find.

While there is a condition of "available with a reservation of three or more groups per day," you can enjoy natural open-air baths and showers at a reasonable price of 700 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.

Additionally, there are anti-slip ramps and sliding toilet doors, with the toilet interior designed to allow easy wheelchair maneuverability.

These features are the result of the owner's personal efforts to incorporate feedback from users, making the handmade barrier-free facilities a highlight.

BBQ and camping surrounded by nature can be enjoyed by both people with disabilities and those without.

Reviews from those who have stayed highlight the natural environment, making it a recommended campsite for both beginners and advanced campers seeking an authentic camping experience.

・The site was shaded by bamboo groves, allowing us to stay cool!

・The site was enchanting with the sound of rustling bamboo, moonlight, and lantern light.

・Despite the temperature, it didn't feel too hot, possibly due to the bamboo grove site. We even saw fireflies at the site at night.

Source: Green Farm Otaki Toda Auto Campsite｜Nap

Reference: Green Farm Otaki Toda Auto Campsite｜Nap
Reference: Camping with a Wheelchair-Using Family! [Universal Camping Recommendation]｜BE-PAL

2-3. Produced and operated by healthcare professionals! A glamping facility for all families: "Flat Glamping Nagasaki"

Located in Nagasaki Prefecture, "Flat Glamping Nagasaki" is a private facility with only four units, combining universal design and glamping under the theme "Travel experiences for everyone. Making travel more flat."

Opening in December 2023, it features barrier-free facilities and staff with national qualifications in physical therapy, ensuring peace of mind for wheelchair users.

The accommodations are dome tent-style, offering breathtaking views of Omura Bay from every room.

With rental options for bed rails, IV stands, and assistive devices, those requiring medical care can use the facility with confidence.

There is a covered BBQ area for enjoyment even in light rain, and the toilets are ostomate-friendly, reflecting a commitment to social inclusion where no one is left behind.

"Flat Glamping Nagasaki" is a next-generation glamping facility that all families can enjoy, and it's definitely worth a visit.

Reference: Flat Glamping Nagasaki

For more detailed information, please check the following article.

Reference:

2-4. A campsite by a major outdoor brand! "Snow Peak Miyakonojo Campfield"

Snow Peak is a renowned outdoor brand from Japan.

Known for its apparel business, Snow Peak also operates campsites and other facilities nationwide.

Opened in 2024 in Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Snow Peak Miyakonojo Campfield is surrounded by majestic mountains like the Kirishima mountain range and offers a stunning view of Sekinoo Falls and potholes, selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls.

Located about 20 minutes west by car from the city center, it's also recommended as a tourist spot with a newly established observatory near the falls.

With spacious free sites and open riverside spaces, various accommodation experiences can be enjoyed.

The campsite boasts high specifications, including high-standard water facilities, making it popular.

There are mobile houses called "JYUBAKO" for beginners and families with children, as well as family showers and cottages with bathrooms accessible to wheelchair users.

The "No-Equipment CAMP Plan" allows anyone to drop by and enjoy camping easily.

Reference: MIYAKONOJO Campfield

If you want to enjoy the natural scenery more vividly, consider renting binoculars. You can easily enjoy stargazing and bird watching.

Reference: Binocular Rental｜Monocari!

2-5. Enjoy camping with peace of mind even as a beginner: "Dressy Life Asahi Seaside Cottage"

Dressy Life Asahi Seaside Cottage is a rental cottage located about 10 minutes by car from JR Sobu Main Line Iioka Station.

Situated along the coast of Chiba, Kujukuri Beach, Sotobo, and Asahi City, it offers three types of cottages: Sea Cottage, Sky Cottage, and Sun Cottage, each with its own charm.

The Sea Cottage has a wheelchair-accessible toilet, making it safe for wheelchair users.

Additionally, it features an electric bed, making it a barrier-free cottage friendly to caregivers.

The Sky Cottage has a loft bed and can accommodate up to nine people. It offers free rental of children's items and baby beds, making it ideal for families with children.

The Sun Cottage allows pets to stay, enabling you to enjoy camping with your pet.

Known as the Sagrada Familia by the sea, each facility has a handmade feel.

Developed through crowdfunding, the facilities include air-conditioned cottages, open-air baths, pools, and low-temperature tent saunas, ensuring comfort even in bad weather or cold seasons.

Reference: Asahi Seaside Cottage Dressy Life

2-6. Enjoy hot springs, BBQ, and camping even in a wheelchair! "Shinshu Oshiba Kogen Auto Campsite"

Shinshu Oshiba Kogen Auto Campsite is located about 5 minutes from the Chuo Expressway Ina IC.

Surrounded by red pine forests, it is situated within the lush Shinshu Oshiba Park, with the Oizumi River flowing nearby.

All sites have outdoor fireplaces and tables, so there's no need to prepare them separately.

Thanks to the strong commitment of President Hara, the site is designed to be barrier-free with the theme "Enjoyment for everyone." Wheelchair users can visit with confidence.

There is a "Forest Cottage" with a ramp, suitable for those who find it difficult to sleep in a tent.

Known as the only campsite in Nagano Prefecture where you can enjoy natural hot springs, the "Fureai Exchange Center Oshiba no Yu" is just a minute's walk away, offering barrier-free private baths.

The family bath has two bathing wheelchairs and two washing areas. It also features non-slip mats, making it easy to move even with an electric wheelchair.

The private hot springs, with indoor and outdoor baths, can be used for 90 minutes per session, with five slots available per day.

You can enjoy camping while relaxing in a location with breathtaking natural views.

Reference: Shinshu Oshiba Kogen

2-7. A glamping facility with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji: "Fujinokirameki Fuji Gotemba"

Fujinokirameki Fuji Gotemba is a campsite located 5 minutes by car from the Tomei Gotemba IC, highway bus stop, and JR station.

Known for its glamping-style accommodations that offer the unique experience of being in nature while enjoying hotel-like comfort.

Its prime location offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji, a major attraction.

The facility features a variety of cabins, including luxurious cabins with private saunas, dome tent-style cabins, and cabins with dog runs for pet owners.

There are wheelchair-accessible Grand Universal Cabins and Deluxe Universal Cabins, with no steps at the entrances to the approach paths, wooden decks, bedrooms, and living rooms.

Additionally, the shower room doors are removed for wheelchair accessibility, while a door is installed between the living room and shower for privacy.

Wheelchairs and shower chairs can be rented with advance reservations.

While the facility is wheelchair-friendly, some areas have steep slopes, so it's advisable to have a caregiver accompany you.

Reference: Fujinokirameki Fuji Gotemba

2-8. A universal glamping facility where wheelchair users can stay with their dogs: "WHITE LAMP"

Located in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, WHITE LAMP is about 10 minutes by car from the Tohoku Expressway Nasu IC.

With a concept of experiencing the comfort of nature, it offers seven types of rooms with a simple yet stylish Nordic design.

There are four dome tents and large wooden dome cabins with diameters of 8m and 10m, where you can enjoy BBQs and campfires on the deck terrace.

The cuisine is carefully crafted, featuring Nasu Highland Wagyu beef, Gunji pork, and local vegetables, with a course theme of beauty and health.

The Universal Room features a wooden dome cabin design with an expanded bathroom area for universal accessibility.

The independent toilet with a bidet function is spacious and equipped with many handrails. The washbasin is height-adjustable, making it easy to use from a wheelchair.

Despite being a universal room, it features a warm color palette and a focus on interior design.

Additionally, you can stay with your dog, and amenities for dogs are provided.

However, there are restrictions: one medium-sized dog or two small dogs, with a height limit of 40cm, and a companion fee of 1,000 yen per dog per night, so please be aware.

Reference: WHITE LAMP

3. Precautions for wheelchair users enjoying camping and glamping