Wheelchair Accessible Camping Cabin Near Devils Tower
Located on the western edge of Wyoming’s Black Hills, Keyhole State Park (wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/places-to-go/keyhole) is a good place to overnight on a Devils Tower National Monument road trip. Not only does the park offer a wheelchair-accessible camping cabin tucked away on the shore of Keyhole Reservoir, but it’s just a short – and scenic – 45-minute drive from Devils Tower.
Spend the Night
Located in the Tatanka Campground, on the southeast shore of the reservoir, Cabin 4 features accessible parking on a cement pad with ramp access up to the deck. There’s level access to the cabin through the wide front door, and although it’s a bit tight, there’s enough room to navigate a wheelchair inside.
The cabin is furnished with a 28-inch high double bed and a bunk bed (bedding not included), a table and a bench. There’s wheelchair access on one side of the bed, and the cabin is equipped with air conditioning, lights and electric outlets. There’s also a glider and an accessible picnic table on the large deck, as well as a fire ring near the cabin.
From the cabin, It’s just a short level walk to the accessible restrooms, which have wide doorways and grab bars. There’s also a water pump in front of the restrooms. And since there aren’t any showers in the campground, access isn’t really an issue. It’s a pretty basic cabin, but certainly comfortable enough for a night or two. And even though it’s near the day use area, it’s very quiet in the evenings.
Visit Devils Tower
Since the cabin is close to Devils Tower National Monument (nps.gov/deto/), it’s easy to make an early morning visit to the remote site, and dodge the afternoon crowds. This unusual geologic feature, which seems to rise from the rolling prairie, is sacred to the Lakota people, and a favorite for rock climbers from around the world. You’ll get a great view of the formation as you drive down Highway 24, just before you get to Highway 110.
There’s accessible parking and restrooms near the Visitor Center, with level access to the building. Inside there’s a collection of interpretive exhibits and a staffed information desk. There are also a few accessible picnic tables outside, if you’d like to pack along a lunch.
Although the trail around the monument is paved, it’s too steep for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. That said there is a graded dirt road near the Visitor Center that leads to an alternative vantage point, for a very scenic view of the towering formation.
And don’t miss the prairie dog town near the park entrance. There are level spots to pull out near the complex, but the paths out around the mounds are not accessible. Still, you can check out these cute critters from you car, or get some nice photos of them from the paved road. Be forewarned though, they will happily pose for you, but the moment you get close, they’ll dive back into their holes.
