ADA Accessible Camping
/ADA Accessible Camping
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrates 25 years of removing barriers and empowering people. The USDA Forest Service continues to provide accessible campsites and day use areas across the nation.
Most Forest Service campgrounds were built in the 1950's before anyone ever dreamed the forest could be accessed by people with various disabilities. Because of that, not every facility is accessible. We want you to enjoy the natural beauty of your public lands. Our permits require that a percentage of fees collected for camping and day use to be used to make improvements in those facilities. As we purchase new picnic tables, fire rings, etc we do so with you in mind. The Recreation.gov site has the accessibility icon displayed in the “Maximum # of people” column for sites that meet ADA standards. Other sites may have site notes that let you know the site is wheelchair accessible.
Here are a few features we and the USDA Forest Service, PG&E and the California State Parks consider when we work together to remove barriers for all our campers:
- picnic tables - wheelchair seating space and surrounding ground condition
- slope of parking spur
- fire rings/grills - height of fire building and cooking surface, operable parts and surrounding ground condition
- drinking water - height, operable parts and surrounding ground condition
- tent pads - surrounding ground condition and space
In addition, the Interagency Access Pass is a free, lifetime, pass for US citizens with a medically determined permanent disability. It allows the pass holder a 50% discount on single family campsites on all federal lands (50% Discount Information).
Follow the link to understand the guidelines for eligibility and required documentation for your ADA accessible discount: Interagency Access Pass Eligibility