The Accessible Camping Area (ACA) is intended for disabled, neurodivergent and d/Deaf people who would find it difficult to camp in the main public camping areas, crew campsite or trader’s pitches.
It is located close to the arena and is laid out to allow clear access into all tents. The area is flat with wheelchair accessible toilets and showers, and an accessibility aid charging point inside a marquee. Access is controlled by wristband with 24-hour stewarding so it is less busy than the public areas.
The ACA is a calm, friendly space and many people treat it as a refuge away from the bustle of the festival. We have a hot water urn and our own communal fire for everyone to enjoy.
ACA Tents, Camper Vans & Caravans
We accommodate tents, camper vans and caravans in the ACA. Those disabled people camped in the ACA who are coming to Shambala by car can apply for a parking space in the Accessible Car Park via our Accessibility Application Form.
They will be able to drive onto the ACA in order to unload before they park up. Any PAs or friends and family in separate cars will not be allowed to drive onto site, and will need to park in the general car park.
If you are intending to park up your campervan or car in the ACA, please do not buy a vehicle pass before applying, even if you are not entitled to a free vehicle pass. We will send you a payment link upon receiving your application, if necessary.
Pre-Pitched Accommodation in the ACA
Some luxury camping suppliers can supply tents, Bell Tents and Yurts to the Accessible Camping Area.
Fred’s Yurts can supply tents fitted out with entry ramps and with full, wooden bed frames (as opposed to airbeds on the floor of the structure).
If interested, please drop them a line at jess@yurtevents.co.uk to discuss your needs.
Please also advise the Accessibility Team if you have booked through one of the glamping suppliers for the ACA.
Camping Outside of the ACA
Disabled people are of course free to camp in any of the public areas. If you are not sure where to camp, please contact us and we will try to advise you. If you need specific facilities in order to camp at Shambala, the ACA is likely to be the best campsite for you. Some other campsites have accessible toilets, but not all. Unfortunately, we cannot put in extra facilities at other campsites on request.
You are welcome to use the facilities in the ACA without camping there. You can also park in the accessible car park and get a lift to your campsite. For disabled people who arrive by public transport, Shambala provides free support to get bags from the drop off point for public transport and coaches to their camping spot.
If you decide to camp in one of the general public camping areas and have any medical needs or have brought medical equipment with you, please come to visit us and the medical crew so that we are aware of where you are camped and how we can help you should the need arise.
Accessibility Application Form
As the ACA is tailored to suit the needs of those camping there, we ask people to apply for the ACA in advance.
The application form can be found below. Please note that the cut off date for applications is 1st July.
Although we do our utmost to fit everyone in, we cannot guarantee a space to people who apply after this date. Sometimes people only realise that they need to camp in the ACA once they get to the festival, if this happens to you, please come to see us and we will try to help where possible.
The ACA is for use by people who are disabled under the terms of the Equality Act 2010. Temporary injuries and pregnancy are not regarded as disability. If you are not sure whether the ACA is the place for you, please email us on accessibility@shambalafestival.org and we will try to advise you.