Campsite Type:

• Do you have accessible campsites? How many accessible campsites are available?
• Is there a reservation system or is it available on a first-come, first-serve basis?
• Is the RV camping space a minimum of 20 feet wide for RV parking and proper lift operation?
• Is the tent camping on a tent pad or platform? Is clear space around the tent pad or platform wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair?

Campsite Amenities:

• What accessible site amenities are available? (grills, fire rings, picnic tables, comfort stations/bathrooms)

Grills:

• Is there a 48-inch by 48-inch firm and stable surface immediately adjacent to the grill?
• Is the height of the cooking surface between 15 inches and 34 inches so it can be reached by a person seated in a wheelchair?
• Are operable parts easily used without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and do they require less than 5 pounds of force to operate?

Fire Rings:

• Is there a 48-inch by 48-inch firm and stable surface immediately adjacent to the fire ring?
• Is the fire building surface 9 inches or more above the ground surface?
• Is there a raised edge around the fire ring? If so, is the combined distance over the edge or curb down to the fire building surface 24 inches or less?

A young man in a wheelchair is seated at a round picnic table next to his friend.

Picnic Tables:

• Are accessible picnic tables available in favorite picnicking spots, both sun and shade, and with views comparable to inaccessible tables?
• Are picnic tables provided at each campsite or only in common areas?
• Are the picnic tables fixed to the ground or movable?
• Are the accessible picnic tables located on a firm and stable surface and accessible route?
• Is the wheelchair-accessible seating space in the middle of the table, on the end of the table, or on the side?
• Do the accessible picnic tables have a wheelchair seating space that is at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep with a 9-inch high toe clearance at least 24 inches deep?

Comfort Stations and Pit Toilets:

• What types of restroom and bathing facilities are provided?
• Is there an accessible route from the accessible camping to the accessible comfort station or pit toilet? What is the surface material of this route? Does the route maintain a running slope of 1:20 or less, or are there areas where it is steeper?
• Is there an accessible stall with a minimum depth of 56 to 59 inches and width of 60 inches? Are grab bars provided?
• Does the pit toilet have a minimum clear space of 60 inches by 60 inches with a maximum slope of 1:50 adjacent to the toilet?
• Is the surface firm and stable?
• Does the pit toilet have walls? If so, are grab bars provided?

Lodging:

• Is there an accessible room? Does it have the amenities you desire?
• Does the bed frame create a solid box underneath the bed, thereby hindering the use of transfer lifts that must slide under the bed?
• Are communications like fire alarms, alarm clocks, and message waiting indicators audible and visual, and usable by people with hearing impairments or visual impairments?
• Are TTY's available?
• If you are deaf or have a hearing impairment, how will you know when someone (say room service) is at your door?
• Is there a pool? If so, does the pool have a sloped entry or pool lift?
• Is there an exercise room? If so, are there accessible routes to the equipment? Can the equipment be used while seated in a wheelchair?

Museums and Exhibits:

• Are exhibits in the museum visible to a person in a seated position?
• Are brochures, playbills/programs, exhibit text, and interpretive handouts available in Braille, large print, audio, or computer disk? How far in advance must these be requested?
• Is a sign language interpreter available? How much advance notice is required?
• Are tactile maps, models, and objects included in exhibits?

Theater and Sport Venues:

• Does the site provide accessible seating areas?
• What is the nature of the accessible seating? Are there stadium seats that can be folded away and removed to provide a wheelchair seating space, or will a person with a disability need to transfer from his wheelchair?
• If transfers are required, where will the wheelchair be stored? Is the storage next to the patron or in a place that will require an attendant to retrieve the device upon request?
• Is accessible seating available at all price levels? Are comparable lines of sight provided in these price levels?
• How many companion seats are available per accessible seat? Is the companion seating next to, in front of, or behind the accessible seating?
• When are the accessible seats opened for purchase by people without disabilities? After the rest of the price level is sold out, after the entire venue is sold out, 1 hour prior to the show, etc.)
• Is there a 36-inch-wide area of the counter that is 36 inches or less above the floor at the ticketing, merchandise, and other retail counters?
• What is the venue's policy on service animals?
• Is an assistive listening device available? If so, what type?
• Is real-time captioning available for performances?
• Are sign language interpreters available for performances?

The questions provided in this article are by no means an all-inclusive or mandatory list. These questions also do not ensure finding an accessible recreation facility. In fact, many of the questions will not apply to everyone and will not cover all potential aspects of accessibility at the site. However, asking questions specific to your needs will increase the likelihood of an enjoyable experience.

Remember that the visitor is the best person to decide if a recreation venue suits his or her specific needs. Do not hesitate to ask questions that you feel are important. While venues may advertise accessibility for people with disabilities, a little time spent investigating the site may avoid unpleasant surprises in the long run. Asking the recreation site staff pertinent questions will increase your chances of having an accessible and successful visit.