Handicap paking.

Dog Folks has provided some very good information. In addition to that following is the law as it was when I was an ADA compliance officer for the state of Kansas.

Anyone can use disabled flagged sites but IF all disabled sites are full AND a qualifying person arrives at campground you can be required to move within a reasonable time period. Usually later the same day but I've also seen times that moving the next morning would be considered reasonable. It is pretty rare that you'd be asked to move but would be more likely on a big holiday weekend at a popular place. You can NOT be asked to move just because a disabled individual would rather have your site instead of another available disabled site. I have not heard of any major changes in the ADA regulations since I retired but there HAS been a huge change in how well it is enforced in many areas.

It's just like the accessible stalls in a restroom. They should only be used when the others are occupied.

x2 what soos said. Also, handicap parking (camping or at the mall) is only enforced BY THE BUSINESS. The police or parking meter person don't enforce the regs generally. There might be city ordinances that say otherwise. If it was late in the afternoon, or too late for more reservations to be made, it's perfectly legal to use that campsite. thank you for being concerned!!!!

In most COE parks, the handicapped site may be used if all the other sites are occupied.

Here is some wordage on the reservation site:

"You are about to make a reservation for an ACCESSIBLE SITE.

This site is accessible for persons with a disability or otherwise limited physical mobility. If no one in your party has needs for an accessible site, you should not reserve this site unless this is the only site available at the time of your request. This accessibility alert does not apply to group campgrounds, group day-use shelters, cabin and lookout facilities."

We ran into that one time and we were told that they hold the site until a certain time and then they release it to the general public, so apparently each campground has its own guidelines or rules.

Sue

I don't really know about any regs involving this, but I will tell you that I camphost at a state park here in Virginia and there is one site that is listed on the website as a handicap site. It is paved while the rest of the sites are pea gravel and gravel; and it has a handicapped fire pit, higher off the ground. At the site, there is nothing at all to designate it as a handicapped site, so anyone that arrives and finds it empty can take that spot.

It is just a guess, but I think they must have one designated as a handicap site, but they don't have to enforce it or even mark it. As I said, that's just a guess.

I have asked the rangers about it, but was told that it was available for anyone to use.