Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) Accessibility report focuses on the significance of accessible travel and camping opportunities for all consumers. The study, part of the Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report series, conveys how making accessible camping options builds sustainability and fortifies business.
KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke said, “We know there is an intrinsic benefit to spending time outdoors, and we want to ensure everyone has opportunities to have those experiences. We hope this report inspires the outdoor hospitality industry to take meaningful steps to increase access to the outdoors to all people and ability levels.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that 28.7% of American adults have some type of physical limitation.
The report concluded the following:
Incidence of Disabilities Among Campers
- The report recorded that families camping with children in the household are more likely to include someone who has a physical disability, whereas Gen Z consumers have the highest overall incidence of camping with a person who has an accessibility restraint.
- About half of all camping travel groups include someone who is considered neurodivergent, or people with brain differences affect how their brains work, which is well above the rate observed among other types of leisure travelers.
- 45% of campers view camping as a favorable travel option for those who are neurodivergent, with few (13%) who feel camping is a worse option.
Campgrounds and Accessibility
- Seven out of 10 report participants who have a disability or travel with someone who has one, said that campgrounds and outdoor resorts are accommodating to those with disabilities, with 36% reported they are very welcoming.
- Seven in 10 report respondents said finding campgrounds that can accommodate their needs, is the greatest camping barrier. One in five cited transportation as the greatest barrier.
- Images or pictures of the campground are mentioned most often as solutions to helping those with disabilities choose a campground (57%), while almost half mentioned having a prominent display of disability designation (48%).
- Technological access and Wi-Fi play vital roles for consumers with disabilities–both for personal and work use. More than half of participants (53%) said technology affects their ability to camp more often.
To view the full report, click here.
