8 Barrier-Free Campgrounds for Wheelchair and Buggy Users to Enjoy!

Camping is a very popular leisure activity that allows you to enjoy activities in nature. However, for wheelchair users, it's true that there are many obstacles to accessing campsites and enjoying camping itself.

On the other hand, if you use campsites with barrier-free measures, wheelchair users can easily enjoy camping.

In this article, we would like to introduce barrier-free campsites nationwide where wheelchair users can enjoy camping with peace of mind.

We will also introduce some precautions to keep in mind when going camping with wheelchair users, so please refer to them.

1. Can wheelchair users enjoy camping and glamping?

In conclusion, wheelchair users can enjoy camping. However, for wheelchair users to safely enjoy camping, there are some precautions to consider:

・Whether the campsite is barrier-free
・Whether there are toilets accessible to wheelchair users
・Whether there is a space to rest in case of emergency

It is necessary to choose a campsite while considering various factors like the above. Be sure to check in advance to avoid regretting that it was "not what you expected" on the day.

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 introduce here are dream-like places that cater to wheelchair users and other disabilities and various needs.

If you were about to give up camping because you are a wheelchair user, we hope this article helps make your wish come true.

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

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

There is a wide wooden deck accessible by wheelchair and a gentle slope leading up to the deck. Additionally, camping gear is available for free rental, making it safe even for camping beginners.

The trailer house, which serves as accommodation, includes showers and toilets accessible to wheelchair users, as well as air beds to prevent bedsores and comfortable electric beds, catering to various disabilities.

At night, the trailer houses are illuminated with decorations, allowing you to enjoy a wonderful evening.

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

Reports from those who have stayed reveal detailed camping conditions, which are very informative. It seems that the tents are already set up upon arrival, and the inside of the tent was evaluated as follows:

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

Source: A Non-Daily Moment at the Foot of Mt. Fuji. - Relaxing Camp at PRI-BASE Kawaguchiko｜note

Furthermore, the tent is equipped with handrails and hot carpets, allowing for a comfortable stay in any season.

It truly is a campsite that caters to every need.

Reference: PRI-BASE Kawaguchiko

2-2. Owner realizes visitors' voices one by one: "Green Farm Otaki Toda Auto Campsite"

Located in Chiba Prefecture, "Green Farm Otaki Toda Auto Campsite" is a campground where you can experience authentic outdoor activities 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.

Although there is a condition of "available with applications from three or more groups per day," you can use the natural open-air bath and shower at a reasonable price of 700 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.

Additionally, there are slip-resistant ramps and sliding toilet doors, and the toilet is spacious enough for wheelchair users to turn around easily.

These features were improved based on feedback from the owner himself, making the handmade barrier-free facilities full of ideas a charm.

BBQ and camping surrounded by nature can undoubtedly be enjoyed by both disabled and non-disabled people.

Checking reviews from those who have stayed, the natural environment is highly rated, making it a recommended campsite not only for beginners but also for those seeking a full-fledged camping experience.

・The site had a lot of shade from the bamboo grove, so it was cool!

・The sound of the bamboo grove swaying, the moonlight, and the lantern light created a magical site.

・Despite the temperature, it didn't feel that hot, possibly because of the bamboo grove site. Fireflies could also be seen at the site at night.

Source: Green Farm Otaki Toda Auto Campsite｜Nap

Reference: Green Farm Otaki Toda Auto Campsite｜Nap
Reference: I went camping with a family of friends in wheelchairs! [Universal Camp Recommendation]｜BE-PAL

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

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

Opening in December 2023, it features barrier-free facilities and staff with national qualifications as physical therapists, allowing wheelchair users to use it with peace of mind.

The accommodation is dome tent-shaped, and all rooms offer a spectacular view of Omura Bay.

Bed rails, IV stands, and welfare equipment are available for rent, so those requiring medical care can use it with peace of mind.

There is a covered BBQ space that can be enjoyed even in light rain, and toilets that accommodate ostomates, embodying a social inclusion philosophy that leaves no one behind.

"Flat Glamping Nagasaki," where all families can enjoy, is undoubtedly one of the next-generation glamping facilities to visit at least once.

Reference: Flat Glamping Nagasaki

For more detailed information, please refer to the article below.

Reference:

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

Snow Peak is a well-known outdoor brand that Japan is proud of.

While Snow Peak is known for its apparel business, it also operates campsites and other facilities nationwide.

Snow Peak Miyakonojo Campfield, which opened in 2024 in Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture, is surrounded by majestic mountains such as the Kirishima mountain range and offers a superb location overlooking the Sekinoo Falls and potholes, which are also selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls.

It is about a 20-minute drive west from the center of Miyakonojo City, and a new observation deck is also being set up near the falls, making it a recommended tourist spot.

With a large open free site and a spacious riverside area, you can enjoy various accommodation experiences.

The campsite's specifications are naturally high, and the high-standard water facilities and other features make it a popular campfield.

There is a mobile house "JYUBAKO" where camping beginners and families with children can stay with peace of mind, and there are family showers and cottages with bathrooms that wheelchair users can also use.

The "No-Hassle CAMP Plan" allows you to enjoy camping without bringing anything, making it attractive for anyone to drop by and use it easily.

Reference: MIYAKONOJO Campfield

If you want to enjoy the natural scenery more with the naked eye, you might consider renting binoculars. You can easily enjoy observing the starry sky and wild birds.

Reference: Binocular Rental｜Monocari!

2-5. Enjoy camping with peace of mind even for beginners: "Dressy Life Asahi Seaside Cottage"

Dressy Life Asahi Seaside Cottage is a rental cottage located about a 10-minute drive from JR Sobu Main Line Iioka Station.

Located 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 that is friendly to caregivers.

The Sky Cottage includes a loft bed and can accommodate up to nine people inside. Free rental of children's goods and baby beds is available, making it recommended for families with children.

The Sun Cottage allows pets to stay, so you can 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 a red pine forest, it is located within the lush green Shinshu Oshiba Park. The Oizumi River flows alongside it.

All sections have outdoor stoves and tables, so there is no need to prepare separately.

Due to the strong commitment of President Hara, it is barrier-free with the theme of "enjoyment for everyone." Wheelchair users can visit with peace of mind.

There is a "Forest Cottage" with a ramp, making it accessible for those who find it difficult to sleep in tents.

Additionally, it is known as the only campsite in Nagano Prefecture where you can enjoy natural hot springs, with the natural hot spring facility "Fureai Exchange Center Oshiba no Yu" located a 1-minute walk away, offering a barrier-free private bath.

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.

You can use the private hot spring with an indoor and outdoor bath for 90 minutes per session, up to five slots per day.

You can enjoy camping while healing your fatigue in a location where you can admire the great outdoors.

Reference: Shinshu Oshiba Kogen

2-7. A glamping facility with a superb location overlooking 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 as a glamping-style accommodation facility where you can enjoy the unique sense of unity with nature that only tents can offer, along with the comfort of a hotel.

Its location, offering a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji, is a major attraction.

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

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

Additionally, the shower room doors have been removed to make them easier to use for wheelchair users, while a door is installed between the living room and the shower room to ensure privacy.

Wheelchairs and shower chairs can be rented if reserved in advance.

While it is wheelchair-friendly, some areas have steep slopes, so it is recommended to use it with a caregiver.

Reference: Fujinokirameki Fuji Gotemba

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

Located in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, WHITE LAMP is about a 10-minute drive from the Tohoku Expressway Nasu IC.

With the concept of feeling the comfort of nature, it offers seven types of 15 guest rooms with a simple yet stylish Scandinavian design.

There are also four dome-shaped tents and large wooden dome cabins with diameters of 8m and 10m, where you can enjoy BBQ and bonfires on the deck terrace.

The cuisine is also carefully crafted, with a dinner featuring Nasu Kogen Wagyu beef, GUNJI pork, and local vegetables, themed around beauty and health.

The universal room is a wooden dome-shaped cabin design with a wider bathroom area.

The independent toilet with auxiliary functions and a warm water washing function is spacious with many handrails. The washbasin is height-adjustable, making it easy to use while in a wheelchair.

Despite being a universal room, it features a warm color scheme and an interior design with attention to detail.

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

However, there are restrictions, such as one medium-sized dog or two small dogs, and the dog's height must be 40cm or less, with an accompanying fee of 1,000 yen per dog per night, so please be aware.

Reference: WHITE LAMP

3. Precautions for wheelchair users to enjoy camping and glamping