Is it possible to fly down and tent camp?

[teacup princess]

We own a camper, but only get a week vacation at a time. I'd hate to spend 4 of those 7 days on the road instead of at the parks. I also know I could rent a camper but it doesn't seem much cheaper than renting a room. If we wanted to do a really budget camping trip, is it possible to fly down with a tent and a few supplies, even if we had to pay for checked bags, maybe take a cab to a grocery store, and still be able to camp? We are NOT seasoned tent campers but with 4 kids and $300-$400/night for a suite I'm considering becoming a tenting family.

 

[JanL]

I love tenting. I once flew to the campground on St. Johns, Virgin Islands, with all my camping gear inside my large igloo cooler. Instead of a tent, though, they had screened huts to rent. But a small tent should fit in a cooler just fine.

I have read of some folks shipping their gear ahead. I would worry it wouldn't show up or not on time. Perhaps instead you could pack the items you have and get a small tent and whatever else you need at Walmart after you arrive?

 

[CampingDad]

When we were there in March I noticed a truck driving through the fort although I don't remember the name I do remember that on the truck it said tent rentals and everything you need to go camping. Looked it up on the internet when we were on a bus to a park and I read that they supply all things needed to go camping. I would google tent rental in Orlando and you should be able to find that business and see if it would be affordable to rent what you would need when you fly down there.

 

[redrosesix]

We looked into the price of renting all the equipment and it made camping about as expensive as getting a resort room -- so we nixed that idea. But we would have been there in February, which meant our summer gear wouldn't have been enough (our winter camping stuff is just bigger and heavier and taking it would have meant not having room for clothing).

So I think it depends when you're planning to go. Our portaging tents only weigh 3.5 lbs each and they sleep 3-4 people each -- so it can be done. We flew to Montreal once with our summer camping gear and it was fine.

 

[N365PA]

You can fly into MCO and ride Magical Express to Fort Wilderness. You could also rent a car, swing by Publix on the way in and grab food. I used to fly into MCO to meet my family at the fort regularly (albeit they had a pop-up).

 

[frankp01]

We flew Southwest in February 2011 and stayed a week. We took a screen room, a six-person tent, and two folding bikes as well as shelf-stable food and clothes/kitchen stuff. We had to pay for one extra bag each way (checked) but it was way worth it. We planned it out *very* carefully and had a great time. The option of going back to camp for lunch was great. The bikes gave us a lot of flexibility with getting to the inter-park transportation options.

The Magical Express was a great way to get to and from the Airport, although there was a significant time lag between our arrival and check-in at the main desk and when our checked-through bags were delivered to the site.

We're taking Amtrak down this February and are having a friend who lives in Kissimmee pick us up at the station and take it to the Fort.

 

[becky1960]

I have even heard on this Forum that people have shipped their gear by Ups and then picked up at check in, and then shipped back same way. My understanding is they will hop packages at check in for you..