You state he wasn't claiming the spot then explain the scenario of claiming a spot. In my eyes your buddy is in the wrong, first trying to claim spot then by getting out late and expecting someone to move for them.
I guess you are right by the way I said that. The way I meant to say it is, my buddy wasn't intentionally trying to claim the spot. I believe you are correct that my buddy was wrong. I also believe that the guy was in the wrong by messing with someone elses stuff. If my truck broke down at the parking area on state land and didnt make it back in time to get it before you got there does that give you the right to break in and move it for me? Thats the way I see it. My property is mine and yours is yours.