Finding usable camp sites

[Dayle1]

I'm currently pulling a 34' fifth wheel and really don't worry about finding a site that will work. With that said, in the future I need to switch to a trailer that is more handicapped friendly for my DW. Looking at getting a TT toy hauler, probably 34' box, overall 38'. So in order to use the ramp for a wheelchair I need a reasonably level site that is 50' long. My question is how difficult is it to find such sites? Especially in federal and state parks? In commercial CGs I guess I will be limited to pull thru sites and maybe needed longer power/sewer lines. All inputs appreciated.

[Dayle1]

ORbiker wrote:
Long enough is one problem.

The ramp is another. It's too steep to pull a wheel chair up.

Maybe a WORK AND PLAY trailer would work. Open floor plan and a bit lower.

My DW only weighs 100 lbs and if I can't push her up a ramp and/or a power chair won't work, I may look at using a 12v winch. Adding a wider door and wheelchair lift is over $10k.

[Dayle1]

kerrlakeroo wrote:

Another side entry and this one has the bathroom at the garage wall to simplify enlarging the bath if needed
Palomino Puma unleashed 30thss

Thank you for your assistance. Looks like the 30thss floorplan would not work as enlarging the bathroom would end up blocking the ramp. Best candidate I've found so far is either a Puma 351thss fiver or a Wolf Pack 25pack12 Trailer. Hope to look at each in person tomorrow and Tuesday.

[ORbiker]

Long enough is one problem.

The ramp is another. It's too steep to pull a wheel chair up.

Maybe a WORK AND PLAY trailer would work. Open floor plan and a bit lower.

[Lwiddis]

"I've noticed that Corp of Engineer campgrounds usually have very nice large wheelchair-accessible sites."

When you can find an Army engineer they will do a bang up job..corp AND combat!

[kerrlakeRoo]

Sorry , your original post did not say you were looking for wheelchair accessable, guess I was hoping you only needed access to the unit overall. I thought you were concerned with the overall length issues, and I think they may still be more workable with the side entry ramp, I'll look a little more. Hopefully I can spot something.
Another side entry and this one has the bathroom at the garage wall to simplify enlarging the bath if needed
Palomino Puma unleashed 30thss

[Y-Guy]

Since I don't live in TX I don't feel I can give you a good assessment for CGs in your area. In OR/WA you would have a problem with many sites needing a clear 52' zone. Many site will show the length but if you can find websites that look at each space you can see what's behind you that might block you from getting in and out. Some States are doing this and there are a few review sites that do plus, Campsite Photos is starting to take off.

[coolmom42]

Dayle1 wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:


IMHO your biggest issue is going to be bathroom accessibility, if your wife is using a walker or wheelchair. Most RV bathroom doors are too narrow for either one. So take a hard look at the bathroom layout.

I fully understand the bathroom issue and have several layouts with bathrooms that might work. If not the advantage of a TH is I can add a handicap bathroom in the garage.

Good thinking ahead. Even larger RV bathrooms have narrow doors.

[coolmom42]

I've noticed that Corp of Engineer campgrounds usually have very nice large wheelchair-accessible sites. You can reserve them. If they are not taken or reserved by 6 PM, anyone can use them.

[tonyandkaren]

You are going to be limited but you should be able to find sites that will work if you research the campgrounds carefully. We fulltime and I (Karen) use a wheelchair. We have found that many campgrounds do not have accessible sites and if they do the sites often do not fit the criteria for handicapped access. Sometimes the fact that the restrooms are next door is the only reason they are considered accessible which is not a priority for us since I use our RV bathroom exclusively. There isn't a standard for accessibility in campgrounds and as far as I know there are no federal requirements to provide accessibility unless the campground is undergoing a major rebuild.

The best accessible campsites have long, wide, flat paved parking pads with the pavement extending under the table and around the fire ring. These are rare but they are out there. I write about accessibility at every campground that we visit but we tend to boondock and stay in smaller campgrounds which may not work well for you. I can give you information about some that are so good that they've stuck in my mind if you're interested or you can just scan through all of my blog posts where I mention a campground - http://rollinginarv-wheelchairtraveling.blogspot.com/search/label/CAMPGROUNDS

Please feel free to PM me or contact me through my blog if you're curious about anything.

[beemerphile1]

I believe most National Park sites have a limit of 30'.

[Dayle1]

coolmom42 wrote:


IMHO your biggest issue is going to be bathroom accessibility, if your wife is using a walker or wheelchair. Most RV bathroom doors are too narrow for either one. So take a hard look at the bathroom layout.

I fully understand the bathroom issue and have several layouts with bathrooms that might work. If not the advantage of a TH is I can add a handicap bathroom in the garage.

[Dayle1]

kerrlakeroo wrote:
Have you looked at a lift for your current rig?
google RV handicap lifts and you will find quite a few options.
www.coachlift.com/rv-lift/

A lift alone doesn't solve the problems of access to the bathroom and bedroom upstairs.

[Lwiddis]

In the federal campgrounds located in California, it seems to me there are spots that will accommodate you. Possibly 5 to 10 per cent within any given campground. In California State Parks, you are going to have trouble finding one in many.

[kerrlakeRoo]

As was mentioned earlier bathroom access is key. One other idea for shortening the rig Keystone Outback 324CG. Curbside front entry wheelchair ramp would simplify the campsite question. I looked at that again and you could get a mobility scooter chair for outside and then use a walker or compact manual chair inside. If your close by, Genuine RV in Nacogdouches has one in stock.
Good Luck on your search.