When most people think about staying at Disney World, they think of lavish hotels, over-the-top amenities, and immersive themed rooms. 

So it might come as a bit of a surprise that not only are there SUPER affordable lodging alternatives on property, but you can actually kinda go rural! That’s right, we’re talking CAMPING in Disney World!  

As it turns out, for those looking to stay at Disney World, you’ve got budget-friendly options beyond the icons like the Polynesian, the Contemporary, and the Grand Floridian. In fact, you can camp on the cheap (at least by Disney standards ) just nearby! 

So for those looking for a TOTALLY different Disney experience, here’s how to camp at Disney World! 

The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Here’s a fun fact: a leisurely boat ride (or two) away from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, it’s possible to spend the night at a FRACTION of the cost! Like, almost $1,000 less! Basically, The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are the complete opposite of the Grand Floridian! 

Located in the Magic Kingdom area, near Disney’s Wilderness Resort, the campsites are far and away the most economical way to stay on Disney World property! 

The theme is decidedly rustic, situated on a 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, with tent sites and RV sites scattered along tranquil winding roads. Basically, it’s like staying in a real-life Frontierland, but instead of Country Bears, it’s great blue herons and Chip ’N’ Dale campfire sing-a-longs, and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revues (when open)! 

While still “roughing it” by Disney standards, you better believe this campground is LOADED with recreation, restaurants, and amenities, like P&J’s Southern Takeout, Crockett’s Tavern, Trail’s End Restaurant, swimming pools, sleigh rides, archery, and sooooo much more! 

Particularly vital for tent campers, comfort stations — with clean bathrooms and shower stalls — are conveniently located throughout the campground. And the best part? You’re just a hop, skip, and jump from Magic Kingdom!

Family-Style Reopening Menu Released for Trail’s End in Disney World

When to Camp

This being Florida, the weather can have a drastic effect on ANY lodging experience in Disney World, and this is especially true when you’re camping and more exposed to the elements. 

This means that the notorious Florida heat, humidity, and rain will impact you quite a bit more! So it would behoove you to be a little picky about WHEN you book a campsite here! Unless you’re an extreme camper who is used to braving the hottest climates and the most intense humidity. If that’s you, cheers and enjoy your extreme Orlando camping experience!

While the campground is open year-round, your best bet is to aim for a time of year that ISN’T hurricane season, and isn’t so hot that you’ll be steaming inside your tent or RV. Wait until after the holiday hoopla has waned (and the prices plummet) and camp between January and May. 

Sure, Easter and spring break might see an uptick in costs, but it’s nothing too crazy, especially compared to resort alternatives, and the weather will be mostly comfortable — i.e. less rain, humidity, and sweltering heat. 

The Most EXTREME Weather Ever Seen at Disney World

The Costs

For some folks, the idea of paying an average nightly rate of $159 for a tent site might seem absurd, but remember where you are. This is Disney World, not rural Montana. And the idea of staying in Disney World for a price that low is honestly pretty stunning! And the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds also come with many amenities that many traditional campgrounds don’t offer, like WIFI internet, jogging trails, basketball courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and pools. Not to mention easy access to all of the other recreational activities available, though at an additional cost.

Campsite options run the gamut from a standard tent or pop-up campsite (starting at $101/night) to a full hook-up campsite ($133/night), a preferred campsite ($161/night), a premium campsite ($169/night), or a premium meadow campsite ($191/night). 

Tent or pop-up sites are clearly the most basic, with room for up to two tents and a concrete pad for an RV up to 25 feet in length, while the full hook-up sites have room for an RV (up to 50 feet) and a tent, with sewage hook-up. 

Preferred sites are the same, but with better locations close to the marina, while premium sites can accommodate larger-style RVs. The cream of the crop is the premium meadow site, which can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet (think Pete’s RV in A Goofy Movie, basically), with full hook-up and close proximity to Meadow Trading Post, Meadow Recreation Area, the Bike Barn, and campfire area. 

Overall, there are nearly 800 campsites (!), and ALL sites include electrical hook-ups, charcoal grills, and picnic tables. 

We Bet You Never Knew These Disney World Rules Existed

What to Bring

The big way that you cut WAY down on costs here is by bringing your camping gear — tents, toiletries, blankets, pillows, towels, etc.  For those who’d just rather not, the campground also has fully stocked cabins, but obvi those come at more of a premium. 

Disney also lets guests rent tents, cots, or even RVs! 

If you’re bringing your own gear, you’ll want a tent suitable and sizable enough for however many people in your party, plus either cots, air mattresses, or sleeping bags with comfy pads (because sleeping directly on the ground isn’t too comfy), pillows, and whatever other amenities would make you comfortable. Can you imagine spending all day on your feet in the parks, either walking or standing on the hard pavement, only to come back and sleep on the hard ground with rocks or twigs poking into your back? Treat your self and do your vacation up right, if you’re gonna camp, do it with a cot or air mattress!

Some ideas: a tarp to drape over your tent to help deflect rain, a floor mat for either inside or outside the tent to wipe your shoes on, and all the requisite outdoor equipment like sunscreen, bug spray, flashlights, trash bags, and perhaps a clothesline. Another thing to consider bringing with you could be a mosquito net, especially around your door, to help provide an extra shield against those outdoor critters.

The Ultimate Packing List Of Tried and True Gear For Disney World — Tested by the PROS!

Guests also love to deck out their campsites during the holidays! So you may want to bring some fun gear if you are going during Halloween, Christmas, etc.

Checking In

Unlike typical check-in processes at Disney resorts, things are a wee bit different here! For those tent camping or RV camping, you’ll drive your vehicle to one of several drive-through windows at the Reception Outpost. 

Once registered, you’ll be given a detailed map that you’ll follow to your designated site! Campsites are dispersed throughout 20 different loops, some are more secluded than others, so you’ll want to follow the map pretty carefully. 

If you’re driving an RV, you’ll need to back your vehicle into the site and get set up with whatever hookups you need. If you’re tent camping, sandy pads are situated next to the pavement for extra comfort. 

This Lesser Known Take-Out Spot Has Some of the BEST Value Food in Disney World

Getting Around

At 750 acres, The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is HUGE! Thus, you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of walking, or else rent a golf cart, bike, electric scooter, or Segway to make it easier. 

The campground offers complimentary bus transportation throughout all the loops, taking guests to recreation areas, though it can be inconsistent and necessitate long wait times. 

Considering the vast size, the legit wilderness, and the slower pace of things here, the campground is ideal for those who aren’t rushing from one place or another, but would rather take their time, stroll through the scenic woods, and relax.

Over 15 SECRET Walkways to Beat the Crowds in Disney World

How to Maximize Your Experience

Since the campsites are comparatively so remote, this is the kind of place that’s great for families looking to unwind in nature, and really spend more time where they’re staying. Fortunately, the campground is FILLED with recreation opportunities and family fun! 

With some of the most unique activities of any Disney World resort, this is the rare place that combines TWO swimming pools with an archery range, a ranch for pony rides, holiday sleigh rides, guided fishing trips, canoe rentals, basketball courts, playgrounds, volleyball courts, two arcades, and Campfire Sing-A-Longs with Disney’s resident woodland critters, Chip ’N’ Dale! 

Restaurants are abundant, too! And affordable!

Stop by P & J’s Southern Takeout for Barbecued Ribs or Fried Chicken dinners, and, umm, a Chicken Dinner Cupcake Trio?! For something on-the-go, Crockett’s Tavern is a walk-up window slinging everything from beer and wine to Loaded Nachos, while Trail’s End Restaurant offers family-style feasts with Smokehouse Skillets, Bread Baskets, Chopped Salad, and Covered Wagon Sundaes! 

There are also rotating food trucks where you can find fun and delicious options.

All in all, if you’re willing to put in a little extra work, come a little more prepared, and “rough” it Disney-style, then you’ll be in for a magical retreat at a fraction of the typical Disney World costs! 

These Are The CHEAPEST Hotels You Can Book and STILL Get a Disney World Park Pass Reservation!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

What’s your favorite camping experience ever?! Let us know in the comments!

The post How to Camp at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.