Countryside Campground Focuses on Accessibility, Sustainability Under New Ownership

2 weeks ago 2

Countryside Campground and Cabins in Michigan, under the ownership of Sabine and AL Betschart, has made its wagon rides wheelchair-accessible, adapting to guests with accessibility needs “instead of the other way around.”.

While no one had specifically requested accessible amenities, Sabine and AL saw a gap, particularly for those with disabilities.

The couple, who took over the campground in December 2023, observed that many of their returning guests, particularly those attending family reunions, had mobility challenges.

“We noticed that there were some people coming in with the fifth wheel or travel trailers, and they have grandkids or kids that have a disability,” Sabine shared.

This realization, combined with the large number of elderly guests using walkers, spurred the couple to improve the campground’s wagon rides, aiming to ensure everyone could enjoy them.

According to a KOA report, 41% of campers with disabilities (or who travel with people with disabilities) prefer to stay at private campgrounds, with seven out of 10 (36%) believing that campgrounds and outdoor resorts are welcoming to those with disabilities.

However, there is room for improvement, as 10% of respondents described campgrounds as “not welcoming at all.” Countryside Campground is addressing this gap by focusing on creating a more inclusive environment for guests with mobility challenges.

Redesigning the Wagon for Inclusivity

As the fifth owners, the Betscharts found that the original wagon, left by the previous owners, was too high off the ground, requiring guests to use a step stool to board. This posed significant challenges, particularly for elderly or disabled guests.

“For my husband to do the wagon rides once a week on Saturdays, it just didn’t sit right with him,” Sabine explained. Seeing this as a barrier to accessibility, the Betscharts decided to focus on creating a more inclusive experience by installing a lift-equipped wagon.

“We knew we had to change it because of the families that came, and it was just really tough for people to get up there,” she said. The couple found a lift on Facebook Marketplace, which required some repairs before being incorporated into the wagon design, marking the beginning of their journey toward improving accessibility.

Redesigning the wagon wasn’t easy, especially given Michigan’s cold winter temperatures. “Our shop is not heated. So, we had to build it around the temperatures,” AL recalled.

Despite these challenges, the couple was undeterred. AL, who is skilled in electrical repairs, handled the wiring of the lift to ensure it would be safe and functional for all guests.

“We had to demolish the old wood. We got it down to the bare frames, and then we built it up,” he explained. After several months of hard work, the Betscharts were able to complete the redesign, with the new lift-equipped wagon offering a significantly more accessible experience for guests with mobility challenges.

The Betscharts’ decision to convert the wagon into an accessible ride was part of their broader commitment to inclusivity. As part of the redesign, they replaced the original lift controller with a more secure up-and-down flip switch, ensuring that only the operator could control the lift.

AL also completed the electrical work, adding LED lights for decoration and ensuring the system’s safety. The finished product included removable bench sections and hooks to secure wheelchairs, making the wagon adaptable for various guest needs.

Although the campground isn’t yet open for the season, Sabine and AL have already received positive feedback from their social media followers. Their “reveal video” of the lift, posted on Facebook, generated a lot of attention, particularly from families with children in wheelchairs.

Sabine shared that one comment on TikTok, from a father of a child in a wheelchair, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the accessible wagon.

“We did film and post stuff when we were working with the wood and all that, but I always made sure I didn’t really showcase the lift until we did the reveal video, and that got pretty good traction on Facebook because it’s the biggest audience we have on Facebook,” she noted.

The Betscharts have always taken a proactive approach in observing the needs of their returning guests. As Sabine pointed out, many of their guests with mobility challenges already have their own specially adapted travel trailers or fifth wheels, such as toy haulers converted for accessibility.

Sabine also emphasized that the changes at Countryside Campground are driven by listening to the needs of their guests. “We actually adapt to the people that come in instead of the other way around,” she said.

Their focus on inclusivity also extends to future projects, including adding a swing for children with disabilities to the campground’s playground. “We have a lot of swings, but none of them are for handicapped kids. So, that’s something that’s also in our minds,” Sabine noted.

Looking toward the future, Sabine and AL have plans to continue expanding the campground’s accessibility and amenities. Currently, their lift-equipped wagon is one of the few in Michigan, and the Betscharts hope to add more innovations to enhance the guest experience, particularly for those with disabilities.

Building a Family-Friendly, Diverse Campground

Sabine also shared what sets Countryside Campground apart from others in Michigan, noting the campground’s long history and its prime location near many lakes.

“It’s been around since 1970,” she said, emphasizing the advantages of the campground’s established grounds and mature trees. “We’re really well located, and we’re close to town. We’re within a half a mile of town itself, so if you need to go get groceries, gas, or go to a restaurant because you don’t want to cook, you’re so close to everything.”

The campground’s extensive tree cover is another key feature that guests appreciate. “We have a lot of trees,” Sabine said, pointing to the mature trees that offer shade and contribute to the campground’s unique atmosphere.

Despite being close to town, Countryside Campground offers a tranquil atmosphere, with additional appeal for off-road enthusiasts due to its proximity to side-by-side trails, which cater to adventurous visitors.

Countryside Campground and Cabins is also home to a variety of amenities that cater to diverse guest needs. Sabine highlighted new additions, such as repainting the large commercial playground, replacing the Gaga ball pit and horseshoe pits, and the addition of permanent cornhole boards made of concrete.

These weatherproof features are available year-round and offer guests entertainment. Additionally, the campground boasts a merry-go-round, a dog park, and a 15-acre parcel with nature trails perfect for walking pets.

Other amenities include Wi-Fi, a heated pool, and a pavilion for use in inclement weather, as well as basketball and volleyball courts. “We have a lot of little amenities,” Sabine said.

Taking over the campground presented its own set of challenges for Sabine and AL, particularly in terms of customer service and managing reservations. “We need to come up with a system for managing guests,” Sabine explained.

They also faced a learning curve with the campground’s reservation software. Despite these obstacles, they remained confident, adopting a can-do attitude. “If we fail, we fail, but we can still make it work. What do we have to lose? Let’s just give it a try,” Sabine shared.

“And we’re in a philosophy of philosophy right now that we’re slowly fixing things and upgrading things that need attention at the campground,” the couple told Modern Campground.

Their first season as campground owners was a success, with Sabine noting that they were able to retain all their seasonal guests, which was a significant morale booster. “They wanted to stay, which was a great inspiration for us,” she said, reflecting on the positive feedback they received.

Sabine added that even first-time visitors rebooked for the following year.

The Betscharts’ children were also involved in the business, assisting with tasks like wood splitting and delivery, making it a true family affair.

Sabine also emphasized that the campground attracts a diverse range of visitors, from retirees and military veterans to blue-collar and white-collar workers. “It’s a total mix,” she said, highlighting the campground’s broad appeal.

The Betscharts take pride in this diversity, as it reflects their commitment to providing an inclusive space for all guests to enjoy nature and family time.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Sabine and AL are also focused on sustainability initiatives to make the campground more eco-friendly. They have already taken steps to preserve the land’s natural beauty, including allowing adjacent fields to grow naturally. “Let it grow naturally back.

And through that, a lot of the wildflowers came back,” Sabine explained, noting the return of milkweed and the monarch butterflies that follow.

Sabine also highlighted the addition of a peaceful meditation spot beneath one of the campground’s ancient trees. “We have really old trees here, so they’re really pretty spots that we highlight,” she shared.

Looking Toward the Future

The Betscharts are also working on further improvements, including upgrading the campground’s Wi-Fi and replacing water spigots to help conserve water.

Another future consideration is the challenge of providing electric vehicle (EV) charging at campsites. Sabine explained that the current infrastructure isn’t designed to accommodate the high power demands of EVs.

“If everybody came with an EV, it would not be possible,” AL said, noting that the power grid shared by campsites can cause issues when too many campers draw power simultaneously.

To address this, the Betscharts plan to add one or two EV charging stations in the near future. “That’s just more like an extra that we do for the clients that we already have that have EVs,” Sabine added.

Sabine also has plans to incorporate wellness into the campground experience, a concept she believes will be integral to the future of the campground industry.

She hopes to introduce wellness offerings, including meditation circles and nature-based experiences.

Finally, Sabine highlighted the campground’s various promotional offers. Their “stay seven nights, get one night free” deal is available year-round, and they also offer a 10% discount for veterans.

Another promotion, the “No Rush” weekends in May, allows guests to enjoy a more relaxed departure time, particularly on Mother’s Day weekend. “

As the campground industry faces the challenge of adapting to shifting trends, the first-ever MC Camper Compass Report underscores the need for innovation to attract new visitors and encourage longer stays.

The report highlights the importance of enhancing amenities, such as modern cabins, quality equipment, and clean showers, along with offering a variety of activities to engage campers.

Countryside Campground, under the ownership of Sabine and AL Betschart, is already embracing these strategies by improving amenities and accessibility with a lift-equipped wagon and creating family-friendly spaces, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all guests.

To learn more about Countryside Campground and Cabins, visit countrysidecampgroundandcabins.com.

Featured image by Countryside Campground and Cabins

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