If you can climb onto the roof of your RV, you don't need a handicapped campsite.
Yes, I said it in a previous thread ... and boy, did folks howl.
I stand by my comment.
Now, before folks start to jump me again ... I'm not casting doubt on anyone's level of disability.
But, hey, if you can climb onto the roof of your rv ... you probably can walk the extra distance to save that disabled camping spot for someone who really needs it.
How can I be so judgmental?
Well, I had polio when I was 18 months old ... and walk with forearm crutches (two steps away from needing a wheelchair.
My wife and I have been active campers for almost 20 years, owning four different RV's.
And we rarely, if ever, select a handicapped camping spot.
Why?
I would worry constantly that someone more disabled than me would need the spot.
I'd be embarassed to be occupying a handicapped spot if a family with a para or quad child came along ... or a disabled, legless Vet in a wheelchair.
So we chose other spots.
But all too often, a short time later, in pull some other "disabled" campers. They climb up the ladder to inspect their roof, or totter on top of a six foot step ladder to clean off the window of their bus. Then the couple jump on bikes and ride around the campground.
As I said, I'm not casting doubt on their disabilities.
But you ought to be ashamed of occupying a disabled spot.
Someone more disabled may come along while you are out on your bike ride.
Now, even though I walk with forearm crutches, I rarely take a disabled parking spot.
Why?
Well, someone in a wheelchair may come along.
And I need the exercise and the challenge.
And so do you (and most of the other people I see pulling into the handcapped parking spots) ... even if you have cardiac or pulmonary problems (which I also have since I had bulbar polio).
The only time that I ever camped in a handicap site was when no other sites were available and I spoke with the Ranger at the park. They state that anyone can reserve sites that can accomodate handicap campers if no other sites are available then they become 1st call 1st served.
So I hope that you understand that sometimes things are different than you think.
Have a great day.
Have a great time camping,
Terry
Please say a Prayer for my 10 month old Granddaughter VisitBella.com
Now, I'm not looking for sympathy ... and I'm not bragging.
But rarely do I ever see anyone more disabled than me out camping.
I've long been an advocate of disabled camping ... but few take up the cause.
Why?
Well, for one thing, most, if not all, of the handicapped spots are taken by folks who with a little effort, could camp comfortably in a non-handicapped parking spot!
Come on folks ... challlenge yourself a little bit if you have a physical problem!
I would go along with you on this one ,seen it many times in parking lots they park jump out and go shopping then a van pulls in and no place to park then they get out the wheel chairs load them with family and have to push them half way across the parking lot to get to the store because the spots are full of people able to walk normally with out help.as for camping around here never really noticed any special spots for the disabled .
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
Wife is on oxygen 24 by 7. Needs a scooter to get around, as she can't walk far. So far have not used a handicap camping spot, for reasons you give.
Now handicap parking places at stores, those we use, especially if wife wants to try a short walk.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded) Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories. I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
"But rarely do I ever see anyone more disabled than me out camping."
"See" is the key word here. Many disabilities aren't easy to recognize. An example was about a year ago when I had my stent implant. Before the surgery, I couldn't walk more than a hundred feet before I needed to stop but that time of disability wasn't evident just by looking at me. I am fine, now.
Also, you may be next to me while I use the handicap space camping some day and see me climbing all over my roof, running around the campground and playing volleyball while my 19 year old severely disabled daughter is inside the RV. She is totally disabled (since 18 months) never has walked or spoken and you will most likely not see her while you are camping except when we bring her in or out of the RV in her wheelchair. We always appreciate the paved handicap sites in a mostly un-paved campground because the wheel chair doesn't roll to easily on dirt. I feel our situation warrants the use of the available handicap facilities.
I totally agree with the spirit of your post and am one who would appreciate your consideration in using a non-handicap site, leaving the accessable site for us to use. And I thank you for your consideration!
Many times things are not what it seems or there is more to someone's story that you fail to see or realize.
Just know that you yourself are someone that trys to do the right thing because that's what matters in life. We have better things to do than judge others! A diety much higher than us will judge us all some day!
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
Yamaha IF2400isc
Yamaha EF3000iSEBC "Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It"
I_rv2 wrote: If you can climb onto the roof of your RV, you don't need a handicapped campsite.
Yes, I said it in a previous thread ... and boy, did folks howl.
I stand by my comment.
Now, before folks start to jump me again ... I'm not casting doubt on anyone's level of disability.
But, hey, if you can climb onto the roof of your rv ... you probably can walk the extra distance to save that disabled camping spot for someone who really needs it.
How can I be so judgmental?
Well, I had polio when I was 18 months old ... and walk with forearm crutches (two steps away from needing a wheelchair.
My wife and I have been active campers for almost 20 years, owning four different RV's.
And we rarely, if ever, select a handicapped camping spot.
Why?
I would worry constantly that someone more disabled than me would need the spot.
I'd be embarassed to be occupying a handicapped spot if a family with a para or quad child came along ... or a disabled, legless Vet in a wheelchair.
So we chose other spots.
But all too often, a short time later, in pull some other "disabled" campers. They climb up the ladder to inspect their roof, or totter on top of a six foot step ladder to clean off the window of their bus. Then the couple jump on bikes and ride around the campground.
As I said, I'm not casting doubt on their disabilities.
But you ought to be ashamed of occupying a disabled spot.
Someone more disabled may come along while you are out on your bike ride.
Now, even though I walk with forearm crutches, I rarely take a disabled parking spot.
Why?
Well, someone in a wheelchair may come along.
And I need the exercise and the challenge.
And so do you (and most of the other people I see pulling into the handcapped parking spots) ... even if you have cardiac or pulmonary problems (which I also have since I had bulbar polio).
For one thing it's NOT for you to judge!! It's between the State and their doctor, no one else.
I have MS and five knee surgeries so far. NONE of this is evident from looking at me. Others who have already posted have heart problems that are not readily evident. Each state has their own laws, as long as they are followed by the Dr and patient you have no reason to complain.
I am deputized by our County to write parking tickets for illegal parking in handicapped spots. We are told not to judge by a persons appearance, the only thing we can go by is their license plate, plackard or wallet card, nothing more.
But I have seen some abuses, like a 10 year old severely handicapped boy that had handicapped plates on his parents vehicle. That's NOT legal in that in WA you have to be 18 years old to own a vehicle and the plates are issued to the vehicle who has to be owned by the handicapped person. Or parking in a handicapped parking spot, then having someone else go in to the store. That's a violation as the spot is for the handicapped persons use, they must get out of the vehicle and go in themselves. There are lots of things like that the the normal person isn't qualified to judge, and as I said, you're not here to judge others.
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
'08 Honda Civic/dolly
'05 Honda Odyssey/dolly
NRA Benefactor Life Member
FMCA f47302s, Life Member: Good Sam, Newmar DP Owners Group
51st yr of RV'ing
Steve .. your family is the very reason I avoid using the handicapped camping spots.
I wish more folks had the "moxie" to take their disabled children camping.
To be honest with you, when I was a child, I was pretty much housebound and missed most of grade school. Early on, many neighbors were afraid to even let their children come visit because they were afraid their children might "catch" polio.
There just weren't many "recreational" opportunities.
Things are different now.
My wife is a special education teacher, specializing in physical and behavior disabilities.
She and I are always encouraging folks who have children with special needs to get out and enjoy the great outdoors ... and sincerely believe that camping is an excellant way to do it.
Some Illinois state parks (Starved Rock) reserve the handicapped spots for those who have a "P2A" disability ... and allow other campers to occupy them one hour after dark but they have to vacate before 10 a.m. the next day, opening the spots for those holding "P2A" disability cards (the state's most profound disability rating).
Other state parks, however, allow anybody with a sore knee to camp in the disability spots.
As I said, Steve ... I applaud your efforts to get your daughter out camping. I wish more parents would
And I wish more campers would stay out of the spots so that those with special needs would ALWAYS BE ASSURED OF A CAMPING SPOT!
I feel the same way about handicapped parking spots ... and feel so frustrated when I see people abuse them.
I'm not near as judgmental as I sound.
I know many folks have "hidden" handicaps.
But I urge, encourage and yes, even challenge all disabled folks to park as far away from the door as they can ... and leave the spots open for those who are worse off than them.
If you are truly physically challenged, the most limiting factor is your "brain." Don't take the "easy" way out. Figure out a way to push yourself. It's good for your health and good for your spirit.
And for crying out loud, be proud of the fact that even though you are disabled, you can camp in the non-handicapped spot.
Both of us are disabled. Diane's heart and mine service connected. Handicap sites tend to be close to if not right next to the office, bath houses and other high traffic areas, therefore we opt to shun them for more distant sites. We always feel there has to folks out there needing them more than we do.
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I_rv2 wrote: Steve .. your family is the very reason I avoid using the handicapped camping spots.
I wish more folks had the "moxie" to take their disabled children camping.
To be honest with you, when I was a child, I was pretty much housebound and missed most of grade school. Early on, many neighbors were afraid to even let their children come visit because they were afraid their children might "catch" polio.
There just weren't many "recreational" opportunities.
Things are different now.
My wife is a special education teacher, specializing in physical and behavior disabilities.
She and I are always encouraging folks who have children with special needs to get out and enjoy the great outdoors ... and sincerely believe that camping is an excellant way to do it.
Some Illinois state parks (Starved Rock) reserve the handicapped spots for those who have a "P2A" disability ... and allow other campers to occupy them one hour after dark but they have to vacate before 10 a.m. the next day, opening the spots for those holding "P2A" disability cards (the state's most profound disability rating).
Other state parks, however, allow anybody with a sore knee to camp in the disability spots.
As I said, Steve ... I applaud your efforts to get your daughter out camping. I wish more parents would
And I wish more campers would stay out of the spots so that those with special needs would ALWAYS BE ASSURED OF A CAMPING SPOT!
I feel the same way about handicapped parking spots ... and feel so frustrated when I see people abuse them.
I'm not near as judgmental as I sound.
I know many folks have "hidden" handicaps.
But I urge, encourage and yes, even challenge all disabled folks to park as far away from the door as they can ... and leave the spots open for those who are worse off than them.
If you are truly physically challenged, the most limiting factor is your "brain." Don't take the "easy" way out. Figure out a way to push yourself. It's good for your health and good for your spirit.
And for crying out loud, be proud of the fact that even though you are disabled, you can camp in the non-handicapped spot.
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