Disney World is known for its lavish, decorated resorts. However, many don’t know there is also a very fun and official Disney RV Park and campground. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground brings the American frontier to you. There are fabulous woodland trails, pools, a lake, and amazing entertainment. All of the areas of this resort equates to more than 750 acres and is known for its calmness which guests love after a busy day at the parks.
Types of Campsites at Fort Wilderness
Disney offers 788 campsites at Fort Wilderness. There are a few different campground sites for visitors to choose from. Each site has room to park one vehicle in addition to your RV or camper. Additionally, each site has a picnic table and charcoal BBQ grill. Although there are many campsites, Disney does keep in mind that you want privacy even when camping. Most sites are fairly secluded by overgrown brush or trees.
Premium Campsite
The first is the premium campsite which provides room for larger RVs and has a concrete pad up to 18 feet by 60 feet. There is also a sewage hookup.
Preferred Campsites
Preferred Campsites have room for an RV plus a small tent. There is a concrete pad up to 10 feet by 45 feet, which has a sewage hookup and is close to the marina.
Full hookup campsites provide room for an RV and a tent. There is a concrete pad up to 10 feet by 50 feet with a sewage hookup.
Tent or Pop Up campsite locations have room for a pop up camper or a camper-type vehicle and room for two tents. There is a concrete pad that averages around 10 feet by 25 feet.
Premium Meadow Campsite
Lastly, there is the Premium Meadow Campsite that has room for a larger RV and has a concrete pad of about 18 feet by 60 feet with a sewage hookup. It is in a great location because it is close to Meadow Trading Post, Meadow Recreation Area, Bike Barn, and the campfire area. This location is typically the one that everyone wants, so spots book up fast.
Fort Wilderness Cabins
If you still want to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors but with more amenities, you can rent one of the Fort Wilderness Cabins. They are one-bedroom and can accommodate up to six guests. There is a double bed, bunk beds, and a pull-down bed in the living room. It also has cable TV, a living room, and a full kitchen.
Another fun fact is you don’t even have to own an RV to stay here. Disney actually has a RV rental program. These RV’s provide some of the great amenities that their resorts provide. High speed internet is also provided throughout the campgrounds, as well as laundry machines and dry cleaning. You also have the ability to rent one of their 409 cabins.
What is Included With Your Stay at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds
Just because you are staying at a campground does not mean you will be skimping on any of Disney’s fabulous amenities.
The Pools of Fort Wilderness
The campgrounds have a very relaxing heated pool called Meadow Swimmin’ Pool which includes a corkscrew waterslide and a whirlpool spa. There is also a fort-themed water play area with toddler-friendly slides for the younger crew. Additionally, you can use the Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool as well. There are also playgrounds throughout the campsite which all the children greatly enjoy. There is also a small beach area where you can kick back and enjoy the sun reflecting off beautiful Bay Lake.
Shopping at the Campgrounds
It would not be Disney if there was no shopping! The Settlement Trading Post sells gifts, groceries, snacks, and beverages. The Meadow Recreation Area is the center of Fort Wilderness. It includes the Bike Barn, waterways, and the bike trails. Shuffleboard and horseshoes are also available at the Meadow Recreation complex and the Meadow Trading Post.
Dining at Fort Wilderness
There are two restaurants, two dinner shows, and a snack bar located at Fort Wilderness. Crockett’s Tavern is located in Pioneer Hall and offers beverages, snacks, pizza, quesadillas, and other finger foods. Next store is Trail’s End Restaurant. This location offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast and dinner. Lunch is a la carte. P and J’s Southern Take Out has limited carry-out items during the day for a quick food stop. The Hoop De Du Musical Revue is one of the best dinner shows around especially for young children. Everyone will be dancing and singing by the end of the show. This too is located right inside Pioneer Hall.
Recreation Options at Fort Wilderness
Tri-Circle D Ranch and Stables is a beloved place to visit. It offers pony rides on the lush riding trails every day. Pony rides are also available for children two and up, weighing no more than 80 pounds. You can also see a blacksmith make horseshoes most days. Fort Wildernesses also has its very own petting zoo that is free to visit. If you like horses you might like the nighttime wagon rides or a private horse and carriage ride.
Another great aspect of the campground is that they are pet friendly. All your furry friends are welcome to join in on the fun for $5 a day. They have to be kept on leashes and are not permitted in tents or pop-up campers though. There are plenty of walking trails and a dog park for your pets to enjoy. This is a great option for those who plan to stay for longer periods of time and want to bring their pets with them since many of the Disney Resorts do not allow pets.
There are many recreational activities you can do at Fort Wilderness. You can also fish, hike, parasail, water ski, rent a bike or Segway, or rent a boat since Bay Lake is right on your doorstep. Additionally, there are tennis courts, basketball, and volleyball courts. For the kid in all of us, there is also two arcades on the property.
There are 15 comfort station locations around the area, which have showers, restrooms, ice machines, and a laundry facility.
One of the best parts of staying on the campgrounds is the ability to see the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake. Starting around 9:45 p.m. you can see a beautiful light show on the lake accompanied by lovely music.
Lastly, to get to the parks, guests will take a Disney bus. However, many guests love the ability to take the Disney boat system over to Magic Kingdom.
Campground Rates for 2020
As with the Resorts, the campground rates vary based on the type of site desired, days of the week needed, and the time of the month. Disney splits the year up into seasons that dictate the price.
Currently, rates are around $62 per night. Typically during the value season, it is around $68 per night for a tent or pop up. For a premium site it is around $120 per night.
During Holiday Seasons, rates appear to be around $170 a night but can range up to $230 a night for Premium sites.
The Premium Meadow Site is the most popular, which means it is the most expensive. For the Value Season, it is about $135 per night, and for the Holiday Season it can be around $250 per night.
Other RV Parks Close to Disney
There is a great number of other RV parks that are near to Disney World. Kissimmee RV Park is just one of them. It is only about seven miles from Disney World. This location also allows you to bring pets and has laundry, concrete patio and picnic tables at each site, restrooms, tent options, WIFI, and a heated pool. It also has shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and dozens of other fun activities such as BINGO and pot lucks. Rates for 2020 vary. They offer seasonal monthly rates and six-month rates.
Sherwood Forest RV Resort is another great option. It is about 10 miles from Disney World. You can rent a campsite or a cottage. Amenities include a picnic table, cable TV, a clubhouse, planned activities, shuffleboard, pool and hot tub, and a fitness center. Pets are also welcome. There is not much space between campsites in terms of privacy which is a downside. Rates start around $60 per day but depend on the type of RV you have and which type of package you wish to purchase.
Lake Magic RV Resort is the third option. It is a little further from Disney World coming in about 12 miles out. Similar to the other RV parks, they have cable TV, a clubhouse, shuffleboard, swimming pool and hot tub, WIFI, shower facilities, laundry facilities, and planned activities. Pets are also welcome. This RV park though also has tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts as well as a billiard/game room. Additionally, you could opt for a water view which is a great perk. Cottages are also available to rent. Daily rates vary depending on the location, type of hookup, and the season, but average around $50.
I have a background in elementary education, biology, and travel. Disney has always been a passion of mine since I was first there with my family when I was three years old. The joy and happiness it brings to people is just magical. As a result, we became Disney Vacation Club Members which has allowed us to visit often and with our large extended family. I hope to pass on my knowledge and experience of Disney World to others in order to make their trip flawless and one they will never forget.
