Tell me about camping at the Fort

[livndisney]

(Please)

I have camped at the Fort as a teen with my Dad. But now that I am a parent, I am considering camping again.

I am thinking about basics to get started. Cost vs. comfort. I would think tent camping would be "cheaper" to start off, or is it better to start with a used pop up or trailer?

What are your MUST haves at your site? (and what did they cost).

How long do you usually stay at the Fort?

 

[DaveInTN]

(Please)

I have camped at the Fort as a teen with my Dad. But now that I am a parent, I am considering camping again.

I am thinking about basics to get started. Cost vs. comfort. I would think tent camping would be "cheaper" to start off, or is it better to start with a used pop up or trailer?

What are your MUST haves at your site? (and what did they cost).

How long do you usually stay at the Fort?

Hi - well, IMO you are considering the BEST vacation for families...camping. And specifically, camping at Fort Wilderness. If you camped as a teen you likely have good memories, which you want to share with your kid(s). Go for it!

As far as getting started, tent camping is certainly economical. I wouldn't dive right in to buying a pop up unless you are sure the lifestyle works for your family. But, you could look into renting a popup at the Fort. That's a great way to see if you like camping but aren't sure if you want to "rough it" in a tent. Check out www.makecampingeasy.com. The business is owned by the unofficial "Mayor of Fort Wilderness", who frequents this board. If you tried that and liked it, you might feel better investing in your own pup or trailer in the future. Just a thought!

 

[PrincessNP]

This is a very personal thing but I will give you our experience.

When my husband and I were first married and did not have kids tent camping was fun when the weather cooperated. However, for us our pop-up (which was quite nice with a slide out) and now our 5 wheel is much better. We have a 2 year old and 5 month old and I cannot imagine trying to juggle bottles, juice, burp clothes all of the change of clothes and snacks, etc, etc that comes with camping with kids. I guess it depends on how little your children are.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I agree with Dave and Princess,,the most economical would be tent camping. And some folk love to tent camp,,however, there is all the difference in the world in tent camping and pop-up/RV camping.

 

[PrincessNP]

We usually stay at the Fort for 2 weeks in December. But as I said before we have a 5th wheel. Not so sure that would be much fun in a tent. Also, just remember that there are RVs you can rent and see how you like it without haveing to commit to buying one. Just be sire that you become familiar with how to operate it. My hisband seems to be a natural but thats not so true for me

 

[5stljayhawks]

Since it appears money is a consideration, to consider a pop-up or travel trailer you should already have vehicle such as a pick up truck/suv or vehicle with a tow package ( 2” hitch, 4 pin/7pinn wiring harness/ transmission cooler/ rear differential 3.83 or 4.10) If you would need to purchase a TV than I think that option is out…

Used pop-ups can be bought for a $2-3K and go up from there. Selecting a pop-up/TT is a function of budget and personal wants/needs trade offs (A/C, Refridge, Toilet/shower, # of sleeping spots…….)

Camper Sample Budget
• TV – Owned – Hitch already installed
• $100 - $800 Misc tow parts – Mirrors, tire blocks, brake controller large camper dependent, hitch, sway bar,
• $4,000 Pop-up
• $500-1,000 Camper stuff. Pots pans, linens, dishes, small repair/replacements
Garage sales are great places and can greatly reduce cost
• $200 Camper insurance – Ball Park, mine is $350 for a hybrid – Yearly
• $350 Storage - mine is at a secured lot, if you can keep your camper at home delete cost - Yearly
• $100 - $500 Gas – depending on camper, gas mileage will be reduced, keep in mind distance traveled as well – Yearly my suburban goes from 16mpg to 10mpg towing
• $200 Camper/TV Maintenance – repack wheel bearing /Transmission flush (yearly or every other year) depending on mileage driven.- Yearly

Approximate cost $6-7K – There A LOT of variables in this equation.


Tent Sample Budget
• $150 Car Topper(optional depending on TV)
• $200 Tent upper end – I bought one from Costco, $100 it is not rain proof!!!
• $500-1,000 Camping stuff. Pots pans, sleeping bags, stove, dishes, chairs, several Large plastic containers to put stuff in, lantern, chairs, fan, extension cord…
Garage sales are great places and can greatly reduce cost

Approximate cost $400 to $1500 - There A LOT of variables in this equation.


Another option is renting the equipment, either the camper and tenting equipment (at REI).


In regards to staying at the fort, as long as you can afford and have vacation time. First time was 8 nights and this was to short, last trip was Halloween 12 nights, about right, we were 8 days in the parks. Next trip is planned for 10 nights, 5-6 park days.

 

[livndisney]

This is wonderful thank you!!!


I would also like to say thank you to those that have shared. I know camping style is a personal choice and hearing from people about their experiences helps.

 

[ob1quixote]

I have 4 different camping options; RV, pop-up trailer, canopy tent, 2 person tent.

Probably the cheapest and most versatile option is the canopy tent, which I got from Dick's Sporting Goods. It is the Quest brand, I think it is in-house only.

It consists of a fairly standard pop-up canopy, but with mounting rings throughout. It comes in 2 sizes; 10X10 and 12X12. I picked the 12X12, although it really needs 2 people to set up.

Once you set up the canopy, you install the tent. It sits within the drip line of the canopy and attaches to the canopy frame. I have only used it in cold weather, and used a tarp to cover over the roof screening to hold in heat from my heater.

It has real screened windows with zipper covers, real zipper doors, one piece with a floor. NOT simply a canopy with a wall kit!

You can get into one for less than $200, and you can stand and stretch inside! Add a few Big Lots air mattresses, an area rug, heat or fans based on the weather...

JMHO

 

[Atlanta WDW Fan]

I love camping, and have ever since I was a kid. My wife, 5 yr old DS, and I, always tent camp. We would like a pop-up at some point, but for now, our nice large Jeep Tent is great. We use air mattresses, fans in the warmer months, and as long as there is a shower near by we are very happy. Add to that great family experience, the finest campground I've ever been to, FW, and you can't go wrong. Your kids will make some great memories! GO FOR IT!

 

[Judy in Texas]

I stayed at Fort Wilderness last week for the first time. We arrived Sunday afternoon and left Friday morning. It didn't take long to find out that it wasn't long enough when we were spending each day at a park. I think Fort Wilderness is meant to be savored... taken at a slower pace than when staying at one of the other resorts. It would be great if you were able to plan time away from the parks to enjoy all The Fort has to offer.

 

[photo_chick]

We are planning to camp at Fort Wilderness next summer. I'm looking forward to the luxury of an extension cord running into my tent.

If you haven't been tent camping in a while, try it out in your own backyard. It will give you a good idea if it's for you, and is also a great way to road test the tent.

You can also find tents that rival the size of the rooms at the Value Resorts for an investment of a few hundred dollars. Throw in an air mattress and a fan and you're set. Do be aware that not all tents are created equal and some leak a lot, so do your research.

And if you are camping with kids add two people to your number of campers. That 4 person tent gets awfully small with two adults and two kids crammed in there. Go for the bigger size. You will be glad you did. There are 4 of us (2 adults a 9 year old and a 6 year old) and we have an 8 person tent.... it's like a palace.

There is a sizable investment- tent, mattress (trust me, you want the air mattress) sleeping bag, cooler, lanterns, other incidentals.. to get set up so it may not be cost effective if you are only camping this one time. I think I spent about $400 (that was including the first tent) to get us going, and that was for summer camping. Winter camping would cost mroe for heavier sleeping bags and such.

Hey Judy in Benbrook... my in laws live over off 20 on Chapin Road and my DH graduated from WHHS. Small world

 

[Judy in Texas]

Hey Judy in Benbrook... my in laws live over off 20 on Chapin Road and my DH graduated from WHHS. Small world

Yes, small world! Left you a quick message on your profile.

 

[mnsprk]

Been Rv'ing since 1972 and wouldn't have done anything different.

LOVE THE "FORT".......

 

[disney4dan]

We used to camp before married, early marriage and then up to when our oldest was about two. Then it was hotels mostly until our third child was born, including most of those trips listed in the signature line. While the hotels were nice, I was getting frustrated in getting only one outing a year due to the cost. We decided to try camping again, and in 2006 we flew out west and rented a truck and trailer to tour the mountains.

That was it, we were hooked and bought our first used TT that fall and have been camping several times a year since then. Have only towed the trailer to the Fort once, but there will be more times (we had an illness in the family that kept us close to home since 2006 mostly). Our next trip is Columbus Day weekend and then it will probably be too cold and we'll need to winterize the water lines.

Hope you give it a try, and renting is probably a good way to get started.

 

[Whipperwhirl]

I have 4 different camping options; RV, pop-up trailer, canopy tent, 2 person tent.

Probably the cheapest and most versatile option is the canopy tent, which I got from Dick's Sporting Goods. It is the Quest brand, I think it is in-house only.

It consists of a fairly standard pop-up canopy, but with mounting rings throughout. It comes in 2 sizes; 10X10 and 12X12. I picked the 12X12, although it really needs 2 people to set up.

Once you set up the canopy, you install the tent. It sits within the drip line of the canopy and attaches to the canopy frame. I have only used it in cold weather, and used a tarp to cover over the roof screening to hold in heat from my heater.

It has real screened windows with zipper covers, real zipper doors, one piece with a floor. NOT simply a canopy with a wall kit!

You can get into one for less than $200, and you can stand and stretch inside! Add a few Big Lots air mattresses, an area rug, heat or fans based on the weather...

JMHO

I just bought one of these for our trip - cant wait to use it!