Outdoor Developed Areas: A Summary of Accessibility Standards for Federal Outdoor Developed Areas

Camp Shelters [1014]

Definition [F106.5]

A camp shelter is a partially enclosed structure that provides campers and hikers cover from weather and that does not contain plumbing fixtures or kitchen appliances. Camp shelters are often located on long-distance trails. Camp shelters are not cabins, which are typically larger and must comply with the ABA Standards for transient lodging.

Exceptions [1014.1, Exceptions 1 and 2]

When a condition for exception does not permit full compliance with a specific provision in the technical requirements for camp shelters, the camp shelter must comply with the specific provision to the extent practicable. Additional information on the conditions for exceptions is provided in the section of this guide on the conditions for exceptions.

The technical requirements for protruding objects in section 309 of the ABA Standards do not apply to camp shelters. Many times, the roof of a camp shelter is sloped or does not permit someone to stand fully erect while in the shelter.

Entrance [1014.2]

Camp shelters must provide either transfer access or roll-in access at the entrance. Providing shelters with roll-in access enables people using mobility devices to also shelter the device.

Transfer Access [1014.2.1]

To provide transfer access at the entrance to a camp shelter, a clear ground space at least 36 by 48 inches positioned for a parallel approach must be provided along the open side of the camp shelter. One full, unobstructed side of the clear ground space must adjoin or overlap an ORAR or trail, as applicable, or another clear ground space. The surface of the clear ground space must be firm and stable. When the surface of the clear ground space is constructed of asphalt, concrete, or boards, the slope of the clear ground space must be no steeper than 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction. When the surface of the clear ground space is constructed of materials other than asphalt, concrete, or boards, slopes no steeper than 1:20 (5 percent) are allowed when necessary for drainage.

The camp shelter floor at the entrance or opening must be no higher than 19 inches when measured from the clear ground space. This enables people using mobility devices to pull alongside of the shelter and transfer from the mobility device to the shelter floor. For people using power mobility devices, raised floor shelters that provide transfer access may make it difficult to bring the mobility device into the shelter to protect it from the weather.

Roll-in Access [1014.2.2]

To provide roll-in access into a camp shelter, a level or sloped entry route that complies with the technical requirements for an ORAR or trail, as applicable, must be provided along the open side of the camp shelter. Handrails and edge protection are not required on a sloped entry into a camp shelter but may be useful to people with and without disabilities.

When roll-in access is provided, a turning space at least 60 inches in diameter or a T-shaped space with an arm at least 60 by 36 inches and a base at least 36 inches wide and 24 inches long must be provided inside the camp shelter.

Floor [1014.3]

The floor surface within a camp shelter must be firm and stable. When the floor surface is constructed of asphalt, concrete, or boards, the slope of the floor surface must be no steeper than 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction, regardless of the type of access provided (e.g., sloped entry or transfer access). When the floor surface is constructed of materials other than asphalt, concrete, or boards, slopes no steeper than 1:20 (5 percent) are allowed when necessary for drainage.