Episode 42: Quadriplegic Camper Jason Thurston Spreads the Word on John Dillon Park, a Fully Inclusive Campground

Life After Paralysis with Tiffiny Carlson

We're excited to have Jason Thurston, a C5-6 quadriplegic, back on the show. A wheelchair camping expert who camped alone 4 times last year, he's now the Outreach Coordinator for International Paper John Dillon Park, a free and fully inclusive campground located in New York state in the Adirondack mountains. Injured in 2004 in a diving accident, this former chef had to pivot his professional life and ended up rediscovering his love of the outdoors, something that was important to him as a young man.

In this episode, Jason shares the multiple accessible amenities that are available at John Dillon Park, including accessible lean-tos, which are cabins with three walls and and elevated bed that helps him camp independently, as well as the 3+ miles of accessible trails and wheelchair charging stations. He also shares his advice on accessible camping, including his thoughts on the healing power of nature. Episode run-time is 44 minutes. See links below.

— International Paper John Dillon Park

— The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Adirondacks Travel Guide by Cory Lee

— Camping By Myself as a Quadriplegic: The Pinnacle of Independence by Jason Thurston

— Follow Jason on Instagram