1) Choose the Right Rig (or Adapt the One You Have)
Floorplan features that help
- Single-level living: Avoid interior steps; keep bed, bath, and galley on one level.
- Wide aisles & open corners: Target 26–30"+ pathways; remove bulky dinettes for a freestanding table and chairs.
- Bed height you can “sit-and-stand” from: ~21–24" with a firm edge (add or remove toppers to tune height).
- Bathroom you can actually use: Room to pivot with a cane/walker; consider wet-bath or roll-in conversions.
Easy interior mods
- Grab bars: Beside the bed, at the bathroom doorway, and in the shower (vertical near the entry, horizontal for balance).
- Non-slip surfaces: Anti-slip strips on steps; thin, grippy rugs with beveled edges; shower mats.
- Lighting: Nightlights on motion sensors; bright task lights over the galley and bath.
- Hardware: Lever-style door handles; D-ring cabinet pulls.
- Seating: Firm, high-arm chairs for transfers; add a swivel to the copilot seat if helpful.
Pro tip: A compact transfer board, swivel seat cushion, or small portable hoist can make bed and seat transfers safer without major renovation.
2) Safer Entry & Exit
- Extra-wide, low-rise steps with dual handrails (add a bolt-on handrail if your rig lacks one).
- Platform step at ground level to reduce step height.
- Portable ramp (if needed): keep slopes gentle (about 1:12–1:8) and add anti-slip tape.
- Auto-leveling or stabilizers to prevent wobble during transfers.
3) Bathroom & Hygiene Upgrades
- Shower chair/bench and a hand-held shower head on a slider bar.
- Raised toilet seat or comfort-height toilet with side grab bars.
- Thermostatic/anti-scald mixer to keep water temps stable.
- Shelves at reachable height; pump bottles instead of twist caps.
4) Kitchen & Daily Living Aids
- Induction cooktop (cooler to touch, precise) + lightweight nonstick pans with big handles.
- Pull-out shelves & lazy Susans to bring items within reach.
- Electric can opener, OXO-style grips, and kettle with auto-off.
- Stool with back for seated prep; silicone trivets for sliding pans.
5) Mobility Gear That Travels Well
- Folding cane or trekking pole for short walks.
- Carbon-frame walker (light, one-hand fold) with a seat.
- Travel scooter or compact power chair; add hitch-mounted carrier or inside tie-downs.
- E-bike (step-through) with a stable kickstand for gentle rides around the park.
- Compression socks, cooling towel, and sun hat for desert climates.
6) Power, Comfort & Health
- CPAP/medical devices: 12V outlet or inverter near the bed; cable routing that won’t trip you.
- Backup power: lithium battery + inverter or a quiet generator for medical uptime.
- Climate control: Reflectix/thermal curtains, vent cushions, and an extra fan reduce heat fatigue.
- Med logistics: 90-day refills, a national pharmacy chain, and a small go-bag for urgent care.
(This guide is practical advice, not medical care—check with your clinician about personal needs.)
7) Picking Accessible Campgrounds (What to Ask Before You Book)
Call or check listings for:
- Paved or concrete pads (level, step-free) and wide sites.
- Proximity to bathhouse/clubhouse (request a near-amenity site).
- Accessible amenities: step-free doors, grab bars, roll-in showers, pool lift, elevator (if multi-level).
- Pathways: smooth, well-lit routes to laundry/office.
- Parking: space for a mobility device ramp beside your rig.
- Noise & terrain: quiet loops, minimal gravel if using a walker/scooter.
Where to look:
- Recreation.gov / state parks pages (often list accessible sites).
- Good Sam / RV LIFE / Campendium filters + recent reviews mentioning accessibility.
- Call the park—recent upgrades aren’t always online yet.
8) Trip Planning for Comfort
- Shorter drive days (2–4 hours). Stop every 90–120 minutes for a leg stretch.
- Accessible attractions: historic theaters, museums with elevators, botanical gardens with smooth paths, accessible lookouts.
- Weather windows: avoid triple-digit afternoons for setup; arrive before dusk for better visibility and energy.
- Arrival routine: park → breathe → stabilize → deploy steps/handrails → clear floor paths → lights on.
9) Quick Setup Checklist (Print & Tape Inside the Door)
- Chock wheels, auto-level/stabilize
- Deploy wide steps + handrails + platform step
- Clear rugs; tape corners; add nightlights
- Place grab-bar suction aid (if used) and shower chair
- Set bed height and add transfer board within reach
- Plug CPAP/charger; route cables out of walkways
- Confirm exterior lighting for evening returns
10) Safety & Peace of Mind
- Medical info card in a visible spot; emergency contacts in your phone’s lock screen.
- Fall-safe habits: no rushing at night, keep a lightweight flashlight or headlamp by the bed.
- Pet management: leash hooks near the door; keep bowls out of walkways.
- Practice transfers when you’re fresh—before you’re tired from the road.
Sample Accessible Day at the Resort
8:00 AM Gentle stretch + coffee at the picnic table (shade)
10:00 AM Clubhouse activity with ramp access
1:00 PM Short scooter ride to the dog park and back
4:00 PM Rest & cool indoors; prep an easy one-pan dinner
7:30 PM Sunset loop on smooth paths; stargaze near your site
Packing List (Mobility-Friendly)
- Transfer board; swivel cushion; compact hoist (if used)
- Grab bars (suction + mounted), raised toilet seat
- Shower chair, handheld shower, anti-slip mats
- Platform step, extra handrail, anti-slip tape
- Folding cane/trekking pole; walker or scooter + charger
- E-bike step-through + helmet
- Extra nightlights, headlamp, long-handle reacher
- Med kit, Rx copies, compression socks
Final Word
Accessible RVing is absolutely doable—and joyful—when you shape your rig and routine around comfort, safety, and ease. Focus on level sites, sturdy handholds, short drive days, and small daily habits. The payoff is big: more independence, more confidence, and more time enjoying the places you came to see.
