Bikes necessary?

[shellcruiser]

We are heading to the Fort next month (first trip) and are trying to decide if we really need to bring our bikes. We have a dog so I have requested one of the pet loops. How far will we be from a bus stop? Will it be unrealistic to walk to the pool? How far to catch the boat to MK? I realize the Fort is like 700 acres, but can't picture how separate the loops are. If you use bikes do you lock and leave 'em all day while at the parks? We are a family of 4 so it is a challenge to get them there.

 

[bama_ed]

shellcruiser,

Are bikes necessary? No.

Are bike helpful? Yes.

You told us you rented a pet loop but not what level of site you have reserved. All loops are near bus stops so if you are patient the bus will get you to the pool or the boat marina if you are patient and relaxed.

There are bike racks all over the Fort so we always bring ours and chain/lock them if we are going to be gone all day. But if we run to the Trading Post to nose around for 15 minutes I don't bother. We are the type to spend a few days in the parks and more days at the Fort so we bring our bikes. If you plan to primarily be in the parks and spend only 1-2 days relaxing at the Fort then you can make do with out bikes.

Don't be in a hurry to go anywhere (relax, you're on vacation) and it will be fine.

Bama ED

 

[mash]

I understand the challenge of bringing 4 bikes. We are also a family of four and it's not easy to bring all the bikes. However, it's totally worth it. Not only do we find it a very easy and convenient way to get around the Fort, it's also FUN! We always ride our bikes at least once to the Wilderness Lodge. We explore the hotel, grab a snack and watch the geyser. We also love to ride down the bike path during the dark. We almost always see wildlife on the path. Usually we see deer but we have seen owls, bobcats, armadillos. Like BamaEd, we lock them up if we're going to be gone for awhile but if we are just popping into a store we leave them unlocked.

I recommend bringing them if you can.

 

[luckycharm19335]

Bring your bikes.
You will love the freedom that it gives you to explore the Fort.
Especially since it is your first trip you will want to experience all that the Fort has to offer.

 

[christinou]

We always bring bikes and love them, it makes so easy to get around the fort, it is very not to have wait for a bus, and a lot faster than walking back.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) As others have voiced, TAKE THE BIKES
2) And, the bike locks.
3) There is too much to explore.
4) There is too much fun scooting around on the bike.

 

[shellcruiser]

Thanks for all the input... looks like we need to find a method of transporting the bikes. Bama-Ed, we're in a 5-er - so I'm not sure what grade of site- I told them the size of the camper, that I wanted full hook ups, and that we have a pet. Seems like 1600 or 1700 (if those are pet loops??)

 

[N4CQD]

We are heading to the Fort next month (first trip) and are trying to decide if we really need to bring our bikes. We have a dog so I have requested one of the pet loops. How far will we be from a bus stop? Will it be unrealistic to walk to the pool? How far to catch the boat to MK? I realize the Fort is like 700 acres, but can't picture how separate the loops are. If you use bikes do you lock and leave 'em all day while at the parks? We are a family of 4 so it is a challenge to get them there.

The Campground buses are everywhere, very easy to walk to a bus stop from virtually any campsite, and the buses come about every 20 minutes. However, I bring my hybrid bike on every visit to the campgrounds, its a nice place to cruise on your bike. I have a Thule Bike Rack that fits on the back of my 5th Wheel. Takes minutes to attach and put the bike on it, and very stable when travelling. I'll be there in July, maybe we'll run into one another. Have a Magical Vacation!

 

[FFstreetDoc]

The wife and i are headed there July 9 for 10 days, we camp in Florida (Fort Desoto) every summer and ALWAYS take the bikes, we figure if we can handle a 12 mile trail ride in August at Fort Desoto we will skip the golf cart and ride bikes everywhere we go.

 

[2goofycampers]

Welcome to the Dis FFstreetDoc. I hope your trip in July is magical.