Campsites at Fort Wilderness

Most people who are new to planning Disney vacations are unaware that Disney World even offers camping, but it does! The Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness Lodge were specifically built with the outdoorsmen (and women) in mind. Nestled in a lush, Florida forest, this resort area is beautiful and as close to nature as you can get at Disney.

The campsites are also at the low end of the price scale when booking your stay On Property which often makes it a good choice for those wanting to do Disney on a budget.

Each Campsite give you access to electricity, water, cable T.V., a charcoal grill, and a picnic table. Many of the sites also have sewer access, the only ones that don’t are the tent/pop-up camper sites.

There are also “Comfort Stations” located throughout the campground. These are air conditioned buildings that registered campers can access 24/7 (though there are security locks that are armed from midnight until 6:00 a.m.) for a number of uses. These uses include private showers, restrooms, ice machines, laundry machines, and phones.

Which Site is Right?

Even among the campsites, Disney likes to offer various priced options. Which one you reserve depends on how you’ll be camping.

Premium Campsite

This site is for the big RVs. It has all the hook-ups mentioned above and you can park your RV on a 18X60 foot concrete pad. Golf carts are allowed at the campgrounds and there are boats that take you to the transportation hub so you can typically get away with parking and not having to move the RV again for the duration of your stay.

Depending on the time of year, this site usually runs around $99/weeknight for the off-peak (a.k.a. value) rates. It will run you more during peak (a.k.a. Holiday) times.

Preferred Campsite

These sits are 10X45 foot slabs of concrete and come with all the hook-ups mentioned above. Disney likes to use the term “preferred” as a way of 1) charging a little extra because, 2) they are closer to the amenities. And Fort Wilderness has some pretty spectacular amenities.

So if you aren’t planning on bringing or renting a golf cart, you may want to consider coughing up a bit extra for the preferred space which will run you about $93/weeknight for non-peak times.

Full Hook-Up Campsite

These sites offer a 10X50 concrete slab for parking you campers AND the have a small space for a tent at the back as well! As the name suggests, they have all the hook-ups mentioned above. They are also the closest sites to the Meadow area and some of the only sites that allow pets.

These spots typically cost around $82/weeknight, again this is for non-peak times.

Pop-Up or Tent Campsite

These are the smallest of the sites. They are able to accommodate a pop-up camper or small camper van on a 10X25 foot concrete slab. And there’s also an area for up to two tents. These sites do not have a sewer hook up, nor do they allow pets.

During non-peak times, these sites generally start around $55/weeknight.

**Prices listed for all sites do not include tax and weekend rates are typically higher. There may also be a minimum night stay requirement.**

Other Things to Do

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground has a lot of other amenities to offer its guests. These are all themed around a woodsy, outdoors-ish, campy vibe.

Recreation

At the Bike Barn (located behind the Meadow Trading Post) you can rent bikes, kayaks, canoes, (life jackets must be worn by all guests that use the boats) fishing equipment and tennis rackets.

You can try your hand at archery. Also located at the Bike Barn, you will find guides who will offer tips and training for aspiring archers ages seven and older. The lesson lasts around 90 minutes and costs about $40/person (plus tax) but this includes equipment.

There are not one, but two arcades (Daniel Boone Arcade – near Meadow Trading Post, and Davy Crockett Arcade at Pioneer Hall – near Settlement Depot) that you can spend some time in.

They also offer a free campfire sing-a-long lead by Disney Cast Members (CMs). Followed up by a movie and a time for roasting S’mores (which can be purchased there or you can bring your own). During the sing-a-long, Chip and Dale stop by for a quick visit and to sign autographs.

There are a few playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds that are free to use. As are the various courts where you can play basketball, tetherball, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, and shuffleboard.

And you can’t forget about the two outdoor, heated swimming pools that are also free for registered guests to use. Though the pools are open 24 hours, the lifeguard hours vary depending on the season. The main pool has a water slide, children’s play area, and hot tub. And there are some planned activities for kids.

There is a marina where guests can view the nightly Electrical Water Pagent (for free) or you can pay to rent boats of various sizes, though they are restricted to a designated waterway. You can also take a (paid) guided fishing excursion on Bay Lake, or fish for free in the canals.

And last, but certainly not least, at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, you can take wagon rides or book a private horse drawn carriage. They also have pony rides or trail rides near Pioneer Hall.

Restaurants

There are a number of restaurants to choose from when you stay at the campgrounds.

Crockett’s Tavern – offers snacks like quesadillas and pizza as well as beverages, It is located in Pioneer Hall.

Fort Wilderness Food Truck – offers salads and burgers to-go.

Mickey’s Backyard BBQ – offers a character buffet that is all-you-can-eat. They also have line dancing to live country music. But this is only available on certain nights.

P and J’s Southern Take Out – offers a small number of carry out items during the day.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review – offers all the food you care to eat, family style. The meal is amazing and consists of freshly baked bread, hand tossed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, mouthwatering country fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, corn on the cobb, baked beans, strawberry shortcake for dessert and an assortment of drinks with endless refills (including beer and wine if you’re over 21). All while watching an entertaining show that’s offered three times a night.

Hoop Dee Doo and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ both book up fast so make sure you get your reservations asap. Click the following link for more about Advanced Dining Reservations.

Stores

Also known as Trading Posts at Fort Wilderness. Whatever you decide to call them, there are two of em. The first is Settlement Trading Post and the second is Meadows Trading Post. These stores offer basic grocery items along with Disney gifts and apparel. If you need camping supplies, you can also get these items at the Meadows Trading Post, which also has a deli, video rentals and a lot more souvenirs that are Fort Wilderness specific.

That about does it for our overview of the Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness. If you’d like to learn more about Disney’s Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, or Deluxe Resorts, just follow the links. And if you aren’t sure whether to stay On Property or not, we’ve got some Pros and Cons of Staying On Property that can help you decide!

Want help booking your stay at Walt Disney World? You can email us at dolewhipwishesandcastledreams@gmail.com.

The Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness