Hello there, Zach, and welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad you're looking to set up camp on your upcoming vacation! There's a lot to consider, so gather 'round the campfire as we take a look at your options at
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground!
Have I ever told you the story of my first stay at Fort Wilderness? It was a night just like this...
No wait, that's a different story...
I have a lot of great memories about tent camping at Fort Wilderness when I was younger and of it being the best way to get the best of both worlds on: a serene camping trip in the marshy Florida forest and an exciting
Walt Disney World Resort vacation! Now, back in those days, my parents would pack the car, load us kids up, and drive for hours and hours from Virginia to Florida making memories - and a lot of stops - along the way. Nowadays, you'll see a lot more RVs in these parts, but my heart fills a bit more every time I see a campsite with just a car and a tent!
As far as rental equipment goes, I'd suggest getting in touch with the Reception Outpost by
calling the number on Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground resort overview page! Since tents and cots are usually reserved for large groups, checking with a Cast Member for your potential dates is the best way to ensure availability and pricing of tents and cots - and the best part is they'll even set it up for you! No need to do your best Goofy impression, starring in your own version of a "How to go Camping" short while wrestling with tent poles! Be sure you have a campsite in mind, though, as only reserved campsites will be eligible to have tents set up for arrival!
If equipment isn't available for your dates, and you're not interested in packing a suitcase full of your own camping gear or renting an RV for your campsite, I do know there are a few sporting goods stores close to the Orlando International Airport where basic tents and sleeping pads could be purchased in a pinch. Perhaps not ideal, but better than a tarp and a t-shirt stuffed with leaves (don't ask...)
If you ask me, the
preferred campsites closer to the marina are some of the best around - and they give you the closest access to the water taxi to
Magic Kingdom Park! One last planDrew-approved tip: if you have a "resort day" planned where you're not planning on visiting the parks, for a fireworks view like no other, try to time a water taxi trip to Magic Kingdom Park just before "Enchantment" is scheduled to start! You can thank me later.
Well, Zach, I think I've spun this ol' yarn long enough, and I hope you have a few takeaways to make planning your trip a little bit easier. Thank you again for your question, and if you run into any unlevel ground while you continue dreaming of the best camping trip ever, please drop us a line here at planDisney!
Now That's Camping!
Andrew