What Is Accessible Camping? ADA Campsite Requirements
Despite physical challenges, individuals with disabilities can enjoy camping thanks to campsite accommodations.
You may have heard the term “ADA camping” before. But what does that term mean?
This post aims to help you find the best way to go camping and enjoy the great outdoors that suits your needs.
Finding a campground that provides the best amenities for your specific needs before booking a reservation is a good idea.
You can’t find what you love unless you open yourself up to trying new things. Anonymous
#1 Camping is a great way to explore the United States
Across the country, you’ll find 1000s of National, State Parks to discover.
There’s nothing better than being in the great outdoors. Hiking, exploring, using the fire pits for cowboy-style cooking, then sitting together around a picnic table sharing your meal. Then camping out for a night under the stars – it’s magical!
But what if you are a disabled person? Can you still have this experience?
My answer from a personal perspective is a wholehearted “yes!” But it will take some planning and consideration to ensure you have everything needed to be comfortable and safe.
Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990, it’s been a work in progress for campgrounds to convert a portion of their campsites to accommodate people with disabilities. It takes time and resources to transform a basic site into an accessible one.
An ADA campsite provides greater access to the outdoors for people with disabilities (disabled person).
Now let’s take a closer look at how this works and what you should know before camping.
#2 ADA Accessible Camping
For a campground to be classified as “accessible,” it must have restroom facilities and individual campsites that make camping easy for individuals with disabilities.
ADA-compliant campsites typically include a wide range of accessibility features. A wheelchair-accessible picnic table, fire ring or tent pad may be available. Shower facilities may also be roll-in or offer a low step-in option.
A standard walk up campsite in the US National Parks could be a long distance from amenities. In contrast, an ADA campsite will have easy access from parking areas offering a short walk to their site.
Apart from physical accommodations, ADA camping may include special programs and activities designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. For example, if a campground has a swimming pool, assistive devices may be in place to help a disabled person get into the pool and enjoy swimming safely.
#3 Facilities
Restrooms would be within walking distance, have a paved path to the entrance, and the door is easily opened from a wheelchair.
Inside, there would be a large accessible toilet area and if it had its sink – perfect!
The ADA shower stall would have a fold-down seat with an adjustable shower head for folks who can’t stand. Additional features such as grab bars, accessible sinks, and shower seats would make it more accessible.
We need a private ADA bathroom and roll-in shower area because my partner needs full assistance. Those are very hard to find.
The only problem across the country is ADA-friendly campgrounds may have ADA requirements based on location, type, and other factors. It’s best to call before making your campsite reservations to discuss your needs.
If you are full-time RVing, remember to ask what the maximum stay is. When you find an ADA-compliant campsite that suits your needs, it’s good to know how long you can enjoy it.
Reservations
We touched on speaking with someone onsite about your needs being a good idea, and the following are some more tips to use before you go.
On A First Come, First Served Basis
Online camping reservations are convenient, but you only sometimes get your questions answered in the provided information. To guarantee your needs are met to the best ability, it’s best to speak with someone directly at the campground office.
In that conversation, you can find out about individual campsites, camping fees or non-refundable reservation fee, their ADA campsites and availability, and any cost attached if there is a significant change in your travel plans. You can talk about your arrival date, get critical instructions, and find out about the site size.
Because anyone can reserve ADA camping sites, a last-minute trip might prove challenging without a reserved campsite. If you don’t need an ADA campsite, the right thing to do is only secure an ADA site if you have a valid permit.
Emergencies
Emergency situations happen. When speaking with an agent in reservations, finding out what to do is good if you need immediate help.
Also, ask about cell phone reception if you are staying in a rural park and where to go in the event of severe storms.
Final Thoughts
By enabling someone with a disability to participate in camping and other outdoor activities due to the Americans with Disabilities Act, everyone should be able to enjoy camping.
Having lots of accessible camping also helps to break down barriers and promotes inclusivity in outdoor recreation, ensuring everyone has access to nature and adventure.
We are so happy to be able to share some of our thoughts about this topic and can be reached through the contact page of this site if you have more questions.
The National Center on Accessibility is a good site resource for you. Please pass it along to any campground you come across that wants help interpreting your park from the viewpoint of someone with disabilities.