Camping at Disney
It’s the most magical place on earth… It might also be the most expensive! We’re talking about Disney World and Disneyland. While everyone ought to make the trek to one of these magical kingdoms at least once in their lifetime, you don’t have to spend the extra cash on fancy hotel accommodations. There are plenty of options for the outdoor-lover to experience the magic of Disney from your home on-the-go! You can wish upon a star with your family while relaxing in your own tent or RV!
Disney World - Orlando, Florida - USA
Look no further than camping or RVing at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Located on 750 acres of beautiful pine and cypress forest in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, this backcountry retreat is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and immerse yourself in nature. One of the biggest draws of camping or RVing at Fort Wilderness is the cost savings. While Disney resorts can be quite expensive, camping at Fort Wilderness can be a real budget-friendly option. Campsites start at just $60 per night, and RV sites at $79 per night. Plus, when you stay at Fort Wilderness, you'll have access to all the same amenities as guests at the Disney resorts, including complimentary transportation to the parks, pools, laundry facilities, and more.
Camping at Fort Wilderness is a magical experience in its own right. The Resort is truly a bona fide nature center and wilderness park. You may even forget you’re staying on the property of one of the largest theme parks in the world!
One of the highlights of camping at Fort Wilderness is the variety of activities available. Whether you're traveling with kids or just looking for some adventure, there's something for everyone. Take a leisurely stroll down one of the charming woodland trails, or rent a bike and explore the Resort on two wheels. Spend the afternoon fishing on Bay Lake or renting a canoe or kayak. And in the evenings, gather around the campfire for some classic Disney singalongs and s'mores.
Of course, no trip to Disney would be complete without a visit to the theme parks. And when you stay at Fort Wilderness, you’ll enjoy a completely streamlined transportation system created by the Disney team to connect every visitor to all the amenities and experiences the park has to offer. Complimentary transportation is available to all four parks, as well as Disney Springs. And if you're looking to beat the crowds, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, which allows guests at select Disney resorts, including Fort Wilderness, to enter the parks early or stay late.
The Resort itself is home to some spectacular pool areas, including a large, feature-packed pool complex with a waterslide, hot tubs, and a kiddie pool. And if you're looking for that patented Disney-brand entertainment, head to the outdoor theater for a showing of Disney movies or a musical performance.
If you're RVing at Fort Wilderness, you'll enjoy all the same benefits as campers, plus some additional perks. RV sites are equipped with full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric, as well as cable TV and wireless internet. And if you're traveling with a larger rig, don't worry - there are sites that can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length.
At Fort Wilderness, there are plenty of food options to choose from. Cook up your own meals at your campsite or RV, or head to one of the Resort's many dining options. Trail's End Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring Southern favorites like fried chicken and pulled pork, while P & J's Southern Takeout offers quick and tasty meals to go. And if you're looking for some adult beverages, head to the new Crockett's Tavern, which features craft beers, wines, and cocktails.
Check out what this recent visitor had to say:
“Amazing family experience"
Location, location, location. It is so nice to be so close to all Walt Disney World has to offer. The transportation available is magnificent; didn't drive our truck once the entire week we were here. FW amenities are amazing as well. We spent most of our time coming and going from The Settlement where there is tons to do and see before boarding either the boat to Magic Kingdom or the Bus to Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Disney never fails to inspire and make you feel special; their brand of customer service is beyond compare.”
-2023 reviewer from Campiendium.com
Disneyland - Anaheim, California - USA
If you're looking to camp near Disneyland, there are a few options available, but Disneyland doesn’t actually operate any of its own camping or RV properties, so you’ll need to look elsewhere for camping accommodations. The Disneyland area is busy, especially during peak times, so we highly recommend booking well in advance. Many of the RV parks charge cancellation fees as well, so be sure to check the terms before booking.
Some of the closest RV parks to Disneyland include Anaheim Harbor RV Park, which offers full hookups and a heated pool and is on the Anaheim Resort Trolley route. Anaheim Resort RV Park is also a good option, located one mile from Disneyland with pull-thru spaces that can accommodate rigs up to 65 feet long. Canyon RV Park, another option, is set in a 795-acre natural wilderness area, a little further from Disneyland, at around a 30-minute drive.
While there is no RV park or campsite on the Disneyland property, you are able to bring your recreational vehicle into the park if it’s your only mode of transportation. If you’re looking to park your RV on the theme park’s property, check out the oversized vehicle parking lot, which is available at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure. While the cost is a little higher than regular automobile parking, it's still reasonable compared to the cost of tickets. Some of the RV parks we discussed above also offer Disneyland shuttle services, so make sure you check with the specific park or campground you decided to stay with for details on this process.
If you’re a family of Disney fanatics that loves the outdoors, or if you’re just looking to save a little money and experience the magic of Disney in a unique way, then camping with Disney is the way to go! Just make sure you consider all of these options and adequately prepare for this adventure, as there are a lot of different aspects to consider. And speaking of preparations, if you’re an avid RV camper and struggle with handling all the odds and ends of preparing for each trip, check out our Ultimate RV Camping Checklist, as it’s the perfect tool to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your next RV outing with the family! Print it out and hang it up in your RV or simply download the digital copy today and get your family out on the road in style!
