Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Campground Review

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is an actual campground with both campsites and cabins at Walt Disney World. This review features photos of the both, the dining options and other amenities, and thoughts on the experience of staying at Fort Wilderness.

The history of Fort Wilderness is an interesting one, so let’s quickly cover that. The campground opened on November 19, 1971, shortly after Magic Kingdom. Fort Wilderness was viewed as a counterpart to Frontierland, giving guests a way to stay in the American frontier. The campground debuted with 232 campsites as well as Tri Circle D Ranch, which was primarily constructed as a convenient location for horses in the parades at Magic Kingdom.

In the years that followed, Fort Wilderness would expand considerably. Additions included the Fort Wilderness Railroad and River Country water park, both of which are now defunct. Another addition around that same time is more well-known: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, which debuted on June 30, 1974 as a temporary summer show with a cast of college interns. Over 50 years later, the “temporary” Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is still going strong.

Today, Fort Wilderness offers campsites and cabins along with a wide range of recreational options. While Fort Wilderness is only a short boat ride from Magic Kingdom, it feels worlds away. The sprawling ‘resort’ is situated on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, giving the campground a ‘buffer’ between it and the rest of Walt Disney World.

With a few big exceptions (more on those below), Fort Wilderness Campground largely exists as it did back in the 1970s. It’s one of the last vestiges of the Vacation Kingdom of the World, and a bygone era of Walt Disney World. Sadly, that is quickly changing, and longtime fans will tell you that Fort Wilderness is a shadow of its former self. But visit today for the first time, and you’ll still experience plenty of what those fans fell in love with in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Fort Wilderness really is an experience, one that feels unlike any other resort at Walt Disney World. If you didn’t know any better, you wouldn’t realize you were just outside of a theme park. Not only is the “resort” isolated from the rest of Walt Disney World, but it’s also largely untouched and under-developed. It also offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities and perks you won’t find anywhere else at Walt Disney World. With that said, Fort Wilderness definitely is not for everyone.

When I was young, my parents and I used to stay at Fort Wilderness in our camper. The few memories that I could recall from Fort Wilderness are good ones. I remember getting a Dale (dressed in his Chip ‘N’ Dale Hawaiian shirt) plush on one of our first trips there at the Outpost, going to the Hoop De Doo Revue a couple of times, and swimming at River Country, but that’s about it. However, I hadn’t even visited there in roughly 15 years prior to booking a return trip.

Fast-forward to 2026, and we’ve stayed at Fort Wilderness several times in the last two decades. A lot has changed during that time. We won’t bore you with the details, but we will start with some of the key recent changes as a threshold matter.

The recent development is that Walt Disney World has mostly replaced the old Cabins at Fort Wilderness, and turned that side of the property into a DVC ‘resort.’ The new cabins are known as the Cabins at Fort Wilderness – A Disney Vacation Club Resort. They’ve proven controversial among Disney fans, but we love the new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness.

This was done ahead of the addition of Disney Lakeshore Lodge, which is currently under construction adjacent to Fort Wilderness on the old River Country water park. Disney Lakeshore Lodge quite literally towers over the Settlement area of Fort Wilderness.

Neither of these things strictly concern the campground side of Fort Wilderness, but it is worth being aware of those changes as they are fairly consequential to the overall guest experience.

In the last couple of years, there have also been major changes to the dining scene at Fort Wilderness. Current options include the Chuck Wagon (food truck), Trail’s End Restaurant (counter service/marketplace), Crockett’s Tavern (quasi-lounge and table service), and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (dinner show).

Although we’re biased as fans of the old Trail’s End buffet (RIP), we have to admit that the reimagined restaurant along with the connected Crockett’s Tavern are more functional. They’re spots at which we’ll dine at regularly during our Fort Wilderness stays, even if we don’t love them as much as the bygone buffet.

Additionally, a “collection of improvement projects” are underway at Fort Wilderness aimed at enhancing the guest experience, including proposed pool and walking trail upgrades. Construction is now taking place near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area to expand this area, during which time these pools will remain open. However, the nearby tennis courts, volleyball court and the Meadow Playground will be closed temporarily. This pool expansion is slated to be completed by mid-2026.

Aside from staying in the new DVC Cabins, we’ve also done tent camping at the Fort Wilderness campsites. As far as campgrounds go, Fort Wilderness is relatively unrivaled. We’ve camped at some really nice campgrounds on the West Coast, particularly in Utah and California.

Aside from ones overlooking sandstone arches or the Pacific Ocean, it’s almost impossible to beat Fort Wilderness. Certainly, when it comes to amenities, cleanliness, and overall quality, Fort Wilderness is tough to top. But it’s also the only campground at Walt Disney World, so those planning to camp don’t really have many alternatives.

Here’s everything else you need to know about Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort…

During our recent stay at the Fort Wilderness Cabins, we were reminded of how intimidating its transportation can be. There are 3 internal bus routes that deliver guests to the front and back of the the resort, with buses departing from the front to take guests to the parks, and boats departing from the back (Settlement) to take guests to Magic Kingdom (and other Bay Lake resorts).

This might not seem bad as a twice-per-day thing, but the resort is so spread out that a bus is also necessary if you want to eat, shop, or swim. The internal bus route is about as efficient as it can be, and although it can be a bit quirky and initially confusing, it gets the job done. Over the course of a week-long trip, though, the amount of extra time you’re spending on transit really adds up, and grows tiresome.

The internal transportation is the price guests pay for the seclusion Fort Wilderness offers, and it’s a necessary evil. Whether you’re willing to accept this is a matter of personal preference, but I don’t really think there’s any way around it while maintaining Fort Wilderness’ exceptional vibe.

It’s why so many Fort Wilderness guests rent golf carts, which itself is a fun “thing” that also makes Fort Wilderness so unique. (Note that there are somewhat new rules about golf cart rentals and insurance requirements.)

On a much more positive note, the marina transportation from the Settlement at Fort Wilderness is quick and enjoyable. The smaller boats that transport guests to the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom show up promptly and provide an enjoyable and unique method of getting from Fort Wilderness to the Magic Kingdom.

Taking a boat from Fort Wilderness is such a great and relaxing form of transportation. Although it’s not technically an “attraction,” this is one of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World.

The entertainment and recreational offerings at Fort Wilderness are robust. I’d say the daily slate of entertainment at Fort Wilderness is better than any other resort at Walt Disney World. There are numerous paid offerings, from fishing to archery classes to boating, and more.

There’s also a lot you can do for free. From nature trails to the Electrical Water Pageant to campfires, there’s a ton to do. Most notable among these is Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along, which is a nightly campfire show that occurs at 7 or 8 p.m., depending upon the season.

There’s also the petting zoo at the Tri-Circle-D ranch, and the Settlement Trading Post, which sells is your typical gift shop/grocery location. If you’re looking to rent a recreational option, the Meadows Recreation Area has a bike barn and the Fort Wilderness waterways and bicycle trails. You can also swim, and play tennis or volleyball at the complex.

Fort Wilderness Campground offers 5 categories of campsites: Tent or Pop-Up Campsite, Full Hook-Up Campsite, Preferred Campsite, Premium Campsite, and Premium Meadow Campsite. The first category accommodates two tents, while the latter four all have space for an RV plus a tent.

Beginning with Guest bookings arriving in 2026, maximum occupancy will be 8 Guests per site. Each campsite is equipped with privacy-enhancing landscaping, water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Most campsites also include a sewer hook-up, and some even permit pets.

RVs can be rented by contacting a Disney Featured Provider, including:

• Meacham’s RV Rental – (941) 224-4939
• Escape RV Rental – (407) 374-3657
• Kissimmee Orlando RV Rental – (407) 368-7899
• Ohana Camper Rental – (386) 748-9328

When renting through one of these providers, you do not need to be present when the equipment is delivered to the Resort. The provider will work with our Cast Members to manage deliveries, set-up and returns of the rented RVs. All other RVs for designated campsite reservations are welcome, but must be brought to Fort Wilderness by registered guests.

Pricing is all over the place, but starting rates for most campsites with hook-ups are over $150 and can reach $250 per night. Our tent campsite cost a little under $100 per night, which was about the same price as a Value Resort for our dates. (Unlike Walt Disney World’s hotels, I know of no good hacks for scoring cheaper campsites.)

Tent campsites offer a paved parking spot and large area to pitch the tent(s). All Fort Wilderness campsites include electrical hook-ups, a picnic table, and a charcoal grill. Some are pet friendly.

All RV campsites at Fort Wilderness include a sewage hookup and paved pads ranging from 10 by 45 feet to 18 by 60 feet. Locations vary, with the most expensive spots being close to Meadow Trading Post, Meadow Recreation Area, Bike Barn, and the Campfire Area.

Comfort Stations are located throughout the Fort Wilderness Campground, and most campsites are probably within a 5 minute walk of one. These offer everything you’d find in a traditional restroom plus private shower stalls with changing areas.

By campground standards, these Comfort Stations are really nice and clean. They’re exactly what you’d expect of Walt Disney World and one aspect of the “resort” that helps justify the premium pricing.

I’m not really sure what else to say about the camp-sites, other than “they exist.” Actually, there’s quite a bit more to know. There are roughly 800 campsites at Fort Wilderness spread out across 20 loops. These campsites are secluded from one another by an overgrowth of brush and trees.

Campsites are back-ins with a combination of paved driveway and sandy pad. Each site is ~25 feet wide and includes a picnic table, charcoal grill, electricity, and water hookups.

One final note on the campground front: at Christmas-time, campers go wild decorating their campsites and golf carts at Fort Wilderness with all sorts of displays. (Hence the above photo, which otherwise might seem random.) It’s pretty cool to see, even if you’re not staying at Fort Wilderness.

One of my favorite things to do at Fort Wilderness is get up early and walk to the marina (no matter where we’re staying) to watch the sunrise. This early morning walk of the resort is a great experience, and really made me appreciate the place all the more. It’s so tranquil and undeveloped, and in many ways, still retains a lot of the charm of old school Walt Disney World.

It’s almost as if Fort Wilderness Campground is “off the grid” and hasn’t been victim to as many of the changes made that have sanitized and made some of the other original ‘Vacation Kingdom of the World’ resorts less endearing.

While I would definitely stay at Fort Wilderness again soon at the opportunity, it’s definitely someplace where we’ll stay when we have kids. I look forward to our kids enjoying playing at the playground, fishing, and enjoying other things like the Campfire Sing Along with Chip & Dale.

To me, it seems Fort Wilderness offers more for young children to explore than many of the other resorts at which we stayed. In an era when entertainment for kids primarily occurs in front of an LCD screen, Fort Wilderness is a breath of fresh air.

Overall, Fort Wilderness Campground is a breath of fresh air if you’re looking for somewhere at Walt Disney World that is totally different and lacking the same amount of hustle and bustle as the theme parks. If you want somewhere to stay that will balance out the chaos of the theme parks, or if you just want to get in touch with nature, Fort Wilderness is an exceptional option.

The amenities and entertainment are wonderful, cabins are really well done, and camping at Walt Disney World is a unique experience. My only real quibble is the transportation system, but even that is about as good as it can be considering the nature of the resort. I would not hesitate to book a stay at Fort Wilderness if a more rustic setting appeals to your party. It’s unlike anywhere else at Walt Disney World, and is a great way to shout SERENITY NOW! and get away from it all.

Not sure which Walt Disney World hotel is right for you? Check out our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page, which offers quick-hit capsule reviews of the strengths and weaknesses of every Walt Disney World hotel, plus links to our reviews and photo pages for every hotel we have reviewed. Looking for comprehensive Walt Disney World vacation tips? Make sure to read our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide.

Your Thoughts…

What do you think of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort? Have you stayed in a cabin at Fort Wilderness? What about one of the campsites? Have any tips in terms of entertainment, dining, or recreation at Fort Wilderness? Are you a “Fort Fiend” or is Fort Wilderness not your style? Any questions? Hearing from readers is half the fun, so please share your thoughts in the comments below!