Newbie help please!

[Beadlemania]

Good morning everyone! I'm super excited for our first Fort Wilderness trip (this Sunday)! I've already gotten so much useful information from this group and had a couple questions you guys might be able to help me with.

First I called the Fort to add our loop request (1500) and asked to have our tent size noted on our reservation (14' x 12'). The rep told me that our tent was too big and that the tent pads are only 16' x 10' and then the call mysteriously disconnected. Now I've looked at the samples BamaEd provided from the 1500 loop and seems we shouldn't have a problem. Is it worth calling and trying to speak with another rep or just figure it out when we get there? This rep's got me nervous....

Also while I have Sun-Wed reserved I'm considering switching it to Sat-Tues since the weather will be a gorgeous 78 on Sat and pretty much staying that way till Tues where it'll be pushing 90. Anyway is it worth switching and dealing with the weekend crowds? Is there a big difference between weekend and weekday stays? I have a one year old and three year old twins so thought less crowds might be better for them but if it's not a big difference then cooler weather it is. And with those temps I might not even have to deal with rigging the window AC unit to the tent for midday naps! Woo hoo! This is also my husband's and kids' first time camping so I'm trying to make sure this all goes as smoothly as possible so we can have lots more camping trips in the future! Thanks for your help guys = )

 

[PaHunter]

I would stick to the reservation you have. Sat and Sun are a bit more crowded during the week not as bad.

 

[Sundancer330]

You may have a hard time picking up Saturday since its still spring break time and the fort is probably pretty full. Your tent should fit most sites, I would call back and have it noted and also arrive as early as possible on Sunday to give you the best selection of sites to fit your tent.

 

[Beadlemania]

Thanks for the replies. Saturday has opened up which is why I was thinking of switching the dates around. Just wasn't sure if better weather was worth a more crowded campground!

 

[PaHunter]

The weather forecast before our trip was for rain the entire week. We had one day of rain. I don't trust the weather people.

 

[Beadlemania]

The weather forecast before our trip was for rain the entire week. We had one day of rain. I don't trust the weather people.

Very true!

 

[bama_ed]

Now I've looked at the samples BamaEd provided from the 1500 loop and seems we shouldn't have a problem. Is it worth calling and trying to speak with another rep or just figure it out when we get there? This rep's got me nervous....

Um, well, as the guy who got named in this thread, I agree you SHOULDN'T have a problem. Since the driveway is at least 12-ft wide and the pad extends a foot or two on either side, you should get it to fit. But some sites could be tight. I had a picture of my site in a Preferred loop from last month right next to the Comfort Station that had very little space for a sizeable tent.

I would suggest that, when you check in at the Fort (either in the drive-through lanes or if you go into the lobby), to ask the CM to validate the size of the pad on the site assigned to you. Each should have a large book behind the counter that documents each site. Even if you have done the early check-in and get your site assignment texted to you, stop in to verify.

If you choose to go to your site and find it doesn't work for you, you can find an empty one that DOES suit you and call the Fort lobby and ask that you be swapped over to it. If it hasn't been assigned/texted to someone else also checking in that same day, they will move you to it.

Bama Ed

PS - have a great trip. The Saturday thing is up to you.

 

[Beadlemania]

Um, well, as the guy who got named in this thread, I agree you SHOULDN'T have a problem. Since the driveway is at least 12-ft wide and the pad extends a foot or two on either side, you should get it to fit. But some sites could be tight. I had a picture of my site in a Preferred loop from last month right next to the Comfort Station that had very little space for a sizeable tent.

I would suggest that, when you check in at the Fort (either in the drive-through lanes or if you go into the lobby), to ask the CM to validate the size of the pad on the site assigned to you. Each should have a large book behind the counter that documents each site. Even if you have done the early check-in and get your site assignment texted to you, stop in to verify.

If you choose to go to your site and find it doesn't work for you, you can find an empty one that DOES suit you and call the Fort lobby and ask that you be swapped over to it. If it hasn't been assigned/texted to someone else also checking in that same day, they will move you to it.

Bama Ed

PS - have a great trip. The Saturday thing is up to you.

Thanks for the great tips Bama Ed. Think I'll stick with Sunday in the hopes that all the weekend warriors have gone and left me with more site options to fit this ridiculous tent.

 

[snowmedic]

I stayed in 1500 loop in March, and our tent is 18x 17. We also had a 12 x 12 ez-up and everything fit on the pad. I measured our site while there, and it was 29' deep and 19' wide. We where in site 1516.

 

[Beadlemania]

I stayed in 1500 loop in March, and our tent is 18x 17. We also had a 12 x 12 ez-up and everything fit on the pad. I measured our site while there, and it was 29' deep and 19' wide. We where in site 1516.

View attachment 160502

Wow now that's a tent! This makes me feel much better =)

 

[wcwinger]

By the time you read this, you'll probably be at the Fort. First let me say, I'm envious! We love visiting, but 1200 miles away, we get there just once a year, and just got home 2 weeks ago. Secondly, make sure you take the kids to the campfire sing along to meet Chip n' Dale. They'll love it! Enjoy your stay!