Renting an RV for a Fort Wilderness Stay

When most people think of staying at Walt Disney World, their minds probably jump to visions of elaborate hotels, Disney-themed rooms, or even an elusive stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite. But did you know there’s a whole other way to experience the Disney magic while embracing the great outdoors? Enter: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, where camping or “camping” becomes an incredible option for a unique stay. Whether you’re a seasoned RV enthusiast or a first-timer looking to try something different, you’re welcome at Fort Wilderness – and you don’t even need to rough it in a tent or own your own RV to experience this fantastic getaway.

What is Fort Wilderness?

Nestled in a tranquil wooded area of Walt Disney World just between Wilderness Lodge and the Four Seasons Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is unlike any other accommodation on Disney property. Offering a rustic escape from the theme park hustle, it’s perfect for those who want to stay close to nature without sacrificing proximity to the parks. From RV sites to charming cabins, Fort Wilderness has something for every type of camper.

Fort Wilderness has been a fan favorite since its opening in 1971. The resort spans 750 acres, with towering pine trees, winding trails, and abundant wildlife. But don’t be fooled by the “wilderness” aspect—the amenities here are still very Disney. The campground offers a wider range of recreational activities than any other resort, such as horseback riding, archery, and canoeing, plus some delicious dining options like the beloved Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. So, whether you’re roasting marshmallows over a campfire or hopping on the boat to the Magic Kingdom, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

RV Rental Logistics

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of renting an RV for your Fort Wilderness stay. First things first: you do not need to own your own RV to enjoy this experience. Families can opt to rent an RV, and it’s easier than you might think.

Early in 2024, Disney narrowed down their list of approved RV rental companies to four options:

• Ohana Camper Rental
• Meacham’s RV Rental
• Kissimmee Orlando RV Rental
• Escape RV Rental

You can see RV inventory on any of their sites, and figure out what might be available during your vacation. Once you’ve secured your RV rental, you’ll need to book your campsite at Fort Wilderness through the Walt Disney World website. Campsites come in different categories based on the size of your RV, from tent/pop-up sites to premium sites designed for larger rigs. Be sure to select a site that matches the length and type of RV you’ll be using.

Pricing

Prices for RVs vary based on the type/size that you rent, and the company that you select. Most companies will charge a nightly fee, along with a set-up/tear-down one-time charge. In addition to the RV rental cost, you’ll want to factor in the cost of your site from Disney – which also varies based on site type, location, and the timing of your visit.

As a quick example – my family booked the most expensive site type (Premium Meadow) in the most expensive month of the year (October) on a long weekend. Typically, depending on the RV you choose and the site you pick, you’ll be averaging about the same all-in nightly cost as a moderate resort room.

Benefits of RV Rental

Renting an RV at Fort Wilderness comes with a lot of perks that other types of Disney accommodations simply can’t match. Here’s a look at some of the top benefits:

⭐ Cost-Effective: Renting an RV and booking a campsite at Fort Wilderness is certainly a more budget-friendly option than booking a room at the deluxe resorts on property. It’s a great way to get close to Magic Kingdom without paying for a monorail loop resort.

⭐ Unique Atmosphere: Staying at Fort Wilderness in an RV gives you a completely different Disney experience. The campground’s serene environment, combined with the community feel of staying among other campers, makes it feel like a vacation within a vacation. You’re still immersed in Disney magic, but with a laid-back, cozy vibe. Campers will regularly organize scavenger hunts with prizes, put out candy through the entire month of October, and more.

⭐ Flexibility and Freedom: RVs offer a level of flexibility that regular hotel rooms can’t. You have your own kitchen, bathroom, and living space, allowing you to set your own schedule and relax in your “home away from home.”

This is especially convenient for families who prefer to cook meals instead of dining out every night. And it’s great for parents who don’t want to be stuck in a room with their kids who go to sleep early. They have their space, and you have yours! You can also get extra space and flexibility with a 1-Bedroom or 2-Bedroom DVC Villa … but those come with a very hefty price tag.

⭐ Ready To Go: Every RV rental company that is Disney-approved will get your site number even earlier than you might, and will work with you to get your RV set up before you check in at the resort. No need to learn how to do water hook-ups or try to back into a crazy lot! All you have to do is show up. Same thing on check-out day. Just pack out your things and leave, and the company will take care of the rest.

My Family’s Experience

My family tried our very first Fort Wilderness adventure during a long weekend in October 2024. We chose an RV from Ohana Camper Rental (the Mick-tastic, which you can find here), and we were locked into a Premium Meadow campsite because that was the only option left when we went to book through Disney.

Arrival

Our flight arrived from St. Louis around noon on Friday, October 4th. I had already been texting with James and Alicia, who own Ohana Camper Rental, about our plans for the day. By the time we landed, our campsite had already been assigned. I had requested something on the northern half of the “creek” side of the 600 loop, using Touring Plan’s Room Finder tool. We were assigned site 630, which is on that loop and in the northern half, but on the road side instead of the creek side. Still, not too shabby.

We wanted to enjoy Animal Kingdom on our arrival day, so we told James and Alicia we planned on getting to Fort Wilderness around 7 pm. We arrived about half an hour early, but they had the RV fully set up and even cooled down with A/C for us! They gave us a quick tour to show us how everything worked – the toilet, the stove, the lights, etc. And then they gave us a few Fort Wilderness pro tips and said we could text them whenever we wanted!

RV Life

Our kids adored staying in an RV at Fort Wilderness. The “bunk room” with little cubby spaces for each girl to store her treasures from the trip was a big hit. And unlike most WDW resort rooms, the curtains were great at blacking out the small room, so they weren’t up with the sun every morning.

I was incredibly impressed with the amount of storage in our RV. The cubbies in the bunk room kept the kids’ things organized. There was a large pantry hidden behind the TV/fireplace where I could’ve stored groceries for a month. And the queen bed lifted up to reveal space for at least 4 suitcases! The master bedroom also had two areas for hanging clothes, as well as overhead storage for clothes. Add in three storage spaces in the bathroom, two drawers by the kitchen table, and a large closet by the entrance, and we could’ve packed in three times as much as we needed for our long weekend.

Our family usually eats breakfast in our room before heading to the parks for the day, and I appreciated having dedicated space to sit and eat together. In resort rooms, we usually have two people who have to eat on the bed, or we all have to crowd around a very small table. It was great to not feel cramped or like we were getting crumbs everywhere to start the day.

This would also be a great option for families with more than two kids – we didn’t need it, but there was an option for another sleeping surface in the main room where the kitchen table goes. If you’re a family of five, there is still plenty of space for everyone to sleep.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun and memorable way to experience Walt Disney World, renting an RV at Fort Wilderness is a fantastic option. It’s affordable, it’s unique, and it brings a whole new dimension to a Disney vacation. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just testing the waters, you’ll find that Fort Wilderness offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and Disney magic. So, pack your bags, grab your mouse ears, and get ready for a vacation at Fort Wilderness that your family will never forget!