So you want to go to Disney World and you want to bring your RV? Disney World is known as “the most magical place on earth,” and it’s often a bucket-list destination for traveling families. it’s also known for its fantastic RV resorts, restaurants, and even five-star accommodations. But can you RV to Disney World? The short answer is yes!
The Magic of Disney World and RVing
There are typically three main factors affecting your camping experience while visiting Disney World.
- First is location, how close to Disney World you will be?
- The second is price; proximity will determine how expensive the trip will be.
- Finally, availability of reservations at nearby campsites.
Let’s take a look at a few very popular camping locations you should consider if you want to plan an RV trip to Disney World.
Disney World’s Fort Wilderness
The first, and most expensive, route happens to be the closest to the Magic and that is staying on Disney property in Disney’s very own Fort Wilderness. This campground annually ranks as one of the country’s top 10 campgrounds in the US. Located on 750 acres of woodland within the Walt Disney World Resort, this campground has multiple options for every camper. From tent sites, and cabins to premium campsites, there’s truly a type of accommodation for just about everyone.
Fort Wilderness is the only campground that provides you the same benefits as staying in a Disney World hotel. These benefits include early park admission, specialty events, and free transportation from the campground to all the theme parks, plus many more.
Fort Wilderness is a huge campground, with over 800 sites, and it could be a destination in itself. The sites are spacious, clean, and overall a joy to be at. Each site has a level concrete pad with full hookups and an extra water hose. With that many sites, you would think RVs would be stacked on top of each other. But that’s not the case! Privacy landscaping helps make each site feel secluded and somewhat private.
Entertainment at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
The entertainment at Fort Wilderness is second to none. Each night there’s the Chip and Dale campfire. They show an outdoor movie and there are visits from the characters with photo opportunities, as well as the ability to toast s’mores (extra charge applies). Fort Wilderness is also the home of the famous Hoop Dee Doo Revue dinner show. As a bonus, the Magic Kingdom fireworks can be seen from the beach each evening.
There are two large outdoor pools as well as two playgrounds for days when you just want to relax at the campground. You can also plan multiple experiences from a boat or bike rental to archery or horseback riding! Golf cart rentals are available to explore and enjoy all the Fort offers (for an additional fee).
If you are staying at Fort Wilderness during the holiday season, I highly recommend your family rent a golf cart. Campers decorate the sites and we always enjoy driving around on our golf cart looking at all the decorations and meeting people. It’s such a festive time.
RV Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
With all the positives, there have to be some negatives right? Those are the cost and availability.
Typically you’re going to spend upwards of $150/per night and Disney uses dynamic pricing. So when the demand goes up so does the price. I’ve seen it reach over $190/night during the Christmas season. Even if you’re willing to pay those prices, getting a reservation is not easy. The holiday season is extremely challenging, to say the least. People who have been there before love it so much they typically book dates as far in advance as possible. But don’t get discouraged, keep trying to book and your perseverance will pay off.
Bottom line: Fort Wilderness is a must-visit campground for all Disney World lovers.
Check out the RVer’s guide to camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness!
Orlando RV Resort
A second more budget-friendly option is this highly rated Good Sam Campground, Thousand Trails Orlando RV Resort. This is another huge campground (over 1000 sites and more to come) that is the favorite of many families. Sitting about 10 miles away from the Magic Kingdom, you can hear the fireworks at night from this campground.
Set back from the hustle and bustle of Florida tourist attractions, the Orlando RV Resort offers a tranquil setting along the shores of a spring-fed lake with sandy beaches. Yet you are literally minutes away from all the shopping and the restaurants. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of affordability, close location, and fun in the sun, this is a great campground choice.
Activities and Entertainment at the Orlando RV Resort
There are many options for entertainment at this campground including multiple pools, playgrounds, and a clubhouse, plus many scheduled weekly activities for kids and families. Be sure to book your trip in advance! Orlando RV Resort fills up quickly. The busiest time of the year is December through March, also known as the snowbird season.
Lake Louisa State Park
Looking for something a little different? Give Lake Louisa state park a try. This state park is further out but still less than 20 miles from the Magic Kingdom. Lake Louisa State Park is 4500 acres of beautiful Florida landscape!
Just minutes from the area’s major attractions, Lake Louisa boasts 60 campsites and 20 cabins for rent. Each campsite has at least partial hookups with many full hookup sites.
Activities and Entertainment at Lake Louisa State Park
The park hosts guided horseback rides, guided kayak eco-tours, kayak, canoe, and bike rentals, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping. Want to take a hike? There are 20+ miles of trails to explore! There are also seven lakes, a swim beach (it would not be Florida without a beach), a playground, fishing piers, and more. You could spend days exploring this state park without ever leaving the property.
Check out these other 10 state parks that are screaming for a road trip!
Disney World and RV Camping
These are just a few of the options for RV camping near Disney World. Always consider your wants, needs, location, budget, and the experiences important to you and your family. If your budget allows, I highly recommend staying at Fort Wilderness at least once. It’s such an immersive one-of-a-kind Disney experience that it’s worth the splurge. But the other options (including these four more alternatives) are fantastic, budget-friendly places to camp.
Enjoy your trip! Dreams really do come true.
We absolutely love camping at Fort Wilderness. The short boat ride to the Magic Kingdom is amazing. So easy, beautiful scenery, and no parking to contend with!
Sounds nice and warm too!