Three Accessible Forest Getaways in British Columbia

By Access BC

The leaves are budding, and the sun is coming out – it’s time to go camping! Here are three gorgeous locations in BC that offer mobility-accessible options.

Dougherty Creek Recreation Area, Prince George

Launched in 2012, this tranquil location embraces the principles of Universal Design to provide accessible and inclusive camping experiences. Dougherty Creek Recreation Area includes camping spaces with several unique amenities, including custom-built grills and firepits. These firepits have a thick outer wall to prevent burns and an adjustable grill rack to accommodate campers that need to cook from a seated position. Paths of travel connect the campsites to pit toilets, picnic tables, and a picnic shelter. At the trailhead is a wide parking lot and information board.

The adjoining Great West Life Mobility Trail is a 450 meter-long compacted trail with a gentle grade. Visitors can meander through the majestic Douglas pine forest and admire the massive cottonwood trees. Benches and level-entry gazebos are provided along the trail. Watch for the garden gnomes and fairy houses hidden throughout the site!

Dougherty Creek Recreation Area is located 23 kilometers south of Prince George, BC. To get there, take Highway 97 North to Buckhorn Road and turn left. Follow Buckhorn Road to Scott Road and make a left turn. Continue on until the pavement turns to gravel and turn right into the main parking lot. For longer adventures, the campground connects to an extensive trail network, including a 154 km trail that leads to Wells.

Tsawaak RV Resort, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

Tsawaak RV Resort is nestled in the forest along Mackenzie Beach, a 6-minute drive from downtown Tofino. It is proudly owned and operated by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and offers designated accessible washrooms and showers. The surface for the RV sites is firmly compacted. The Visitor Centre doubles as the lobby and the gift shop. Be sure to check out the work of local Indigenous artists featured there!

For a uniquely authentic experience, consider staying in one of the resort’s miniature Longhouse cabins! Built with cedar planks and designed to mirror traditional Longhouse structures, they are ideal for travellers that are eco-conscious and curious about Tla-o-qui-aht culture. Check out the Tsawaak website for more accessibility information.

To get to the resort from Tofino, take Pacific Rim Highway (BC-4 E) for 1 kilometer, then turn left on Hellesen Drive.

Riverside Resort Whistler

One of the most difficult aspects of searching for an accessible campsite is finding one with accessible pathways (you can’t use the accessible facilities if you can’t get to them!). Riverside Resort offers paved pathways between campsites, which they maintain and keep clear of debris, leaves, and snow. The site offers a designated accessible shower room and laundry facilities. The cozy guest cabin is complete with a lowered bed.

Riverside Resort is located in the lush Whistler Valley, a stone’s throw away from Fitzsimmons Creek and a 30 minute walk to Green Lake. The paved Valley Trail connects to the property, with over 40 kilometers of nature to explore. If you need something to keep the kids busy, there is also beach volleyball, bocce, soccer balls, and other equipment available for guests.

To get to Riverside Resort from Whistler, take the Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC-99) north and follow for about 2 kilometers, Turn right onto Spruce Grove Way and then turn left onto Mons Road. Turn left when you see the Welcome to Riverside sign.

Access BC is a Spinal Cord Injury BC program developed out of a need to improve accessible outdoor spaces and recreational and tourism opportunities in BC. It aims to create inclusive spaces through educational workshops, universal design training, accessibility audits, and key partnerships with tourism and government agencies throughout the province.

For other accommodations in British Columbia go to www.travel-british-columbia.com

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Published: June 5, 2025
Last Updated: June 5, 2025