Accessible Recreation
NYSDEC welcomes all visitors to explore outdoor recreation on state lands and we are committed to providing an ever-increasing range of accessible opportunities. Currently, visitors to our accessible facilities can enjoy fishing, boating, hunting, canoeing, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, visiting historic assets, wildlife observation and camping at DEC campgrounds as well as primitive areas.
Accessibility improvements invite families with children in strollers and people with mobility issues to our state lands. Various methods of communication are utilized to include people with hearing or sight disabilities in environmental education. Our focus is on inclusion and not separate programs.
Many of our sites were designed to provide people with choices about the type of recreational experience and level of personal challenge they prefer. We encourage visitors to contact DEC's ADA Accessibility Coordinators to discuss their individual needs and recreational pursuits with knowledgeable staff.
The NYS Access Pass, which is administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), is accepted at DEC campgrounds and day use areas. DEC does not issue Access Passes. You can get an Access Pass and more information at the OPRHP website.
Service animals are welcome at all DEC sites. Special permits and licenses for hunting and fishing are available to people with disabilities.
DEC, State Parks, and APA Virtual Public Forums on Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Sustainability in the Outdoors
Links below leave DEC website. Computer Generated transcripts, or auto-captions, are available for download at each link. Email accessibility@dec.ny.gov to request edited transcripts.
May 10 session video recording: Mobility Devices on Public Lands: Is it a Wheelchair or Other Power-Driven Mobility Device?
May 17 session video recording: Sustainable Trails and Accessibility: How to Keep our Wild Lands Wild While Being More Inclusive
More about Accessible Recreation:
- ADA Accessibility Coordinators - Contact information for DEC Access Coordinators who can provide more information on accessible destinations and programs
- Accessible Recreation Destinations - List of accessible places to go on DEC lands for each county in New York State
- Accessible Features at Campgrounds & Day Use Areas - Up-to-date information on accessible features at DEC Campgrounds and Day Use Areas.
- Americans with Disabilities Act Grievance Procedure - DEC grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of nonemployment related complaints, alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in DEC practices and policies, or the provisions of its programs, services, and activities.
- Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) - Application for permit to use motorized vehicles by persons with disabilities on specified DEC trails
- Case by Case Accommodation Program for Power-driven Mobility Devices - Request for accommodation for the use of power-driven mobility devices on DEC lands
- Fishing Access for Anglers with Disabilities - Map with links to regional web pages of fishing access sites for anglers with disabilities.
