Whether you are an experienced tent camper, prefer traveling in an RV, or are planning a stay in a family cabin, a little preparation can make camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness even more enjoyable.
After you choose the type of campsite that works best for your trip, it is time for one of the most important parts of planning: packing for Fort Wilderness. And yes, if you love Disney planning as much as I do, packing can actually be part of the fun.
Planning Walt Disney World vacations has always been something I enjoy, but adding a camping element changes the experience in the best way. Packing for theme park days and preparing a campsite or RV for a full week are very different tasks, and both require a thoughtful approach.
Packing outfits for the parks is one thing. Loading up an RV, travel trailer, or campsite with meals, gear, outdoor supplies, and comfort items is another. The good news is that once you plan ahead, your Fort Wilderness stay can feel relaxed, organized, and full of Disney magic.
Having an RV can make some parts of the trip easier because you have more built-in storage and do not have to rely on suitcases alone. You can also plan simple campsite meals, keep groceries close by, and spend more time enjoying your space.
On the other hand, camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort means you may spend more time at your campsite than you would during a typical hotel stay. The outdoors is right outside your door, not down an elevator or through a lobby. That gives you more living space, more activities, and, naturally, more things to pack.
What to Pack for Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Before camping at Fort Wilderness, there are a few helpful things to know beyond simply choosing your site. Standard camping items such as chairs, coolers, towels, toiletries, food, and outdoor tableware are important, but there are also some Fort Wilderness-specific items worth adding to your packing list.
One of the biggest surprises for many first-time guests is that campsites at Fort Wilderness do not include individual fire pits.
Your campsite will have a charcoal grill, which is useful for cooking, but it is not the same as having a traditional campfire. At many campgrounds, fire pits are included for campfires, marshmallow roasting, and evening gatherings. At Fort Wilderness, that is not the standard setup because the resort is heavily wooded and open flames can create a safety risk.
You are allowed to bring an approved fire pit, but it must meet Disney’s requirements. Approved fire pits need mesh around all sides and a solid top to help prevent exposed flames. Both wood-burning and propane fire pits may be allowed as long as they meet these guidelines.
If having a campfire is part of your ideal Fort Wilderness camping experience, plan ahead and bring an approved fire pit of your own or borrow one from someone who already has a compliant model.
Beyond the basics, these extra items can make your Disney Fort Wilderness campsite more comfortable, practical, and fun.
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If you do not want to pack your own gear, equipment may also be available to rent onsite at the Bike Barn.
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What Not to Bring to Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Just as important as knowing what to pack is knowing what to leave at home. Weapons, kayaks, and oversized pool floats are not allowed, so do not add them to your Fort Wilderness packing list.
Life jackets, swim floats, and certain pool toys are allowed when children are supervised and everyone is using them safely.
You may also rent kayaks or canoes at the campground, depending on availability, so you do not need to bring your own.
If you forget something or need to restock basic supplies without leaving the campground, you can find select items such as milk, juice, snacks, and sunscreen at The Settlement Trading Post and Meadow Trading Post.
Prices at the trading posts are usually higher than what you would pay off-property, but it is convenient to have those essentials available when you need them.
Once your Fort Wilderness campsite is packed, organized, and ready for fun, you can turn your attention to the parks. Be sure to check out what I bring to the parks in my Disney backpack so you are prepared for both campground days and theme park adventures.