Five Reasons to LOVE Disney World's Campground
Disney World has many options when it comes to resort stays. Here are five reasons to love Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Feel close to the magic by camping near the magic! Guests will take in the American frontier with all different types of wildlife including deer, rabbits, ducks, and armadillos that will roam the resort. Can you believe that this resort takes up 750 acres? You can relax in the great outdoors only minutes from Magic Kingdom!
Fort Wilderness Campground is commonly known as "The Fort." The Fort offers a unique way to experience Walt Disney World Resort. Be sure to check out the complete guide to The Fort HERE.
At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, you will find trails, two pools, and entertainment and activities of all kinds! This resort is unique as you won't find any other resort like it at Disney. The resort opened on November 19, 1971. It consists of both campsites and cabins for guests to enjoy.
It is also important to note that there is a difference between Fort Wilderness and The Wilderness Lodge, many confuse these two resorts. Check out the differences HERE.
Come along with me while I share five reasons to LOVE The Fort!
Location
The Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is located in the Magic Kingdom area. This makes traveling to Magic Kingdom just a quick boat or bus ride away!
I personally love taking the boat to Magic Kingdom from The Fort.
The Magic Kingdom Resorts are my absolute favorite as they offer great views of the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks. The Fort is no different! The views from Clementine Beach are amazing.
Vibe
The campground offers up a completely different vibe than any other Disney World Resort Hotel. You can feel that the hustle and bustle from the parks have quickly disappeared as soon as you arrive.
This is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. The Fort offers up the perfect balance between a busy park day and a relaxing getaway.
The vibe even from other campers is different than any other resort I have stayed at. I love the slow-downed and relaxing feel The Fort offers.
Options!
The Fort offers so many ways to stay, it could be a great option for many. Especially where Guests have the convenience of cooking at their campsites, which can help lower the cost of your vacation. It is also one of the most affordable options for larger parties.
Beginning January 1, 2026 a maximum of 8 Guests will be allowed per campsite. The Disney Vacation Club Cabins can hold up to 6 Guests.
The campsites offer five different site options, so you are sure to find the right one for your party. These include location in the campground, along with types of hook-ups available at the site.
Not looking to camp, but still want to stay at the campground? Disney Vacation Club now has cabins at The Fort, which is one of my favorite ways to visit Disney now.
Recreation
Recreational activities are unlimited at Fort Wilderness. Guests can enjoy the feature pool that has a kids' play area, along with the main pool featuring a water slide. There is also a jacuzzi for guests to enjoy.
The quiet pool is located near the DVC Cabins. It also features a jacuzzi, however, the pool does not offer up any splash pad or water slide.
On top of the entertainment options like the campfire sing-along and Hoop-Dee-Doo, you can ride ponies and horses, take a wagon or sleigh ride, fish, canoe, kayak, and ride bicycles. Don't worry about the canoe, kayak, or bikes if you don't have any! You can rent them at the campground.
The Tri-Circle-D Ranch is home to the horses and ponies that live at Disney World. Be sure to check out the Dragon Calliope. The horse-drawn musical instrument that Walt Disney purchased for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland Park in the 1950s is on display in the stables.
Food
There are several dining options at the fort beyond your own campsite or cabin! Options include: The Chuck Wagon, Crockett's Tavern, Meadow Snack Bar, P&J's Southern Takeout, Trail's End Restaurant, and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue plays host to some of the best comfort food around. As the gang brings on the tunes, the servers bring on the food. Plus, it's all-you-care-to-enjoy with fountain drinks and for those over 21, red and white sangria, draft beer, and wine are also included! This is a must do!
Trail's End Restaurant is a delicious quick service option that offers up fried chicken and the only place you can find the Smoke-house Pizza. This pizza has house-smoked brisket, sausage, and pepperoni...yum!
Final Thoughts
The Fort is an amazing place to stay and offers up so much more than just a place to sleep. I love staying here, and we now make sure we have at least one visit every year!
The campground will be even more appealing next year, as the pool expansion project is currently under construction. This will include a new zero entry swimming pool, along with a tennis court, and two pickleball court! Read all the details on the expansion HERE.
The Fort is a fun and relaxing place to stay! It is more than just a place to sleep.
The construction is expected to last through mid-2026. You can read the full update on the timeline HERE.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is a great place to experience the Disney Magic and get in a relaxing vacation too! The Fort has so much to offer, it is an experience all on its own!
Have you ever stayed at The Fort? Is it one of your favorite resorts to stay at? What do you love most about the campground? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with your friends1
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather loves all things Disney! She loves visiting her "home" as a Disney Vacation Club Member or participating in a runDisney event!
