Tent Site for Best Quiet and Privacy?

[jsmla]

I have a small (4 man) tent and would like to try tent camping at Ft Wilderness. I currently have reservations in late January and mid April. We are experienced tent and travel trailer campers.

Which loops/sites would you recommend I request? Quiet and privacy are more important than proximity to the bus or comfort station.

Thanks!

 

[Cousin Ed C]

You know you're going to Disney World .... right?

 

[Breezy2]

Depends on the days of the week you are there. 2000 loop - quiet during the week, especially non-holiday times, but can be filled with large groups of partying locals on the weekend. It's the furthest loop away from the Meadows Trading Post/kiddie pool area. Any site on the backside (higher numbers) that backs up to the Group Camping Area. Group Camping Area is normally only used on weekends but may be wise to ask. The other tent loop, 1500, is too close to the Meadows area and may not be as private and as peaceful as you desire. Proximity to the activities equates to more joyful noise. Have a great trip!

 

[bama_ed]

What Breezy said is true, jsmla.

But if I HAD TO make a pick for some sites with peace and quiet, I would choose any of those on the outside of 1500 in the back along the canal. The numbers are 1510, 1511, 1513, 1514, and 1516 and I've circled them in the picture below.



The entrance to the loop is at the bottom of the photo and the Comfort Station (shared with 1600) in the bottom right corner.

The reason I would pick these is they give you the opportunity to move toward the back of your campsite and closer to the canal where it is more quiet. No campers behind you. No trails or sidewalks or roads behind you. Just maybe a fisherman once in a while. Put your EZ Up or umbrella out there. Move your folding chair out by the canal with a quiet cup of coffee. There's a bit of a grass mound that runs parallel to the big canal in back that is grass covered and once you get on the downside of that away from the road, the silence is deafening. Seriously.

I spent Thanksgiving week in 1513 so I know of what I speak. My all time favorite site is 1511 next door. Wide, back of loop, as well spaced side to side with the other sites as it gets at the Fort (I always request it when I've reserved a Tent site but never gotten it).

The far side of the big canal usually has some deer in the mornings come out of the woods and drink/graze on the far edge. It's my understanding that the turkeys that roam the Fort sleep in the woods on the far side of the big canal and fly across in the morning to begin making their rounds. Turkeys flying in the air are sort of like ducks landing on a frozen lake. Not so graceful but they walk away from it safely and humorous to watch.

I'll dig up a few of my 1513 photos and post some.

Request 1511 or any of these on the outside of 1500 against the big canal. 1500 is a popular Tent loop (and small) so if you can check in any time other than Friday or Saturday, your chances of getting a request are better. Also the earlier in the day the better even if you have to wait for your site. Negotiate politely with the CM when you check in and you might be surprised.

Bama Ed

EDIT- front of 1513



rear of 1513 looking left. Note mound under wind feather and how it slopes down to canal to the right.

 

[Tallis]

IMHO, proximity to the Meadows has no impact on most loop 1500 sites. We have been very close to the front/road and still had a quiet, peaceful experience. I have yet to have a peaceful trip at 2000. Not complaining, that's our loop of choice with the grandchildren, but it's a far cry from peaceful or private.

 

[Breezy2]

Great pics, Bama_Ed and points well taken re: 1500 loop. Also, with all the "Reflections" construction taking place it may be worthwhile staying away from the 2000 loop side of The Fort. The whole wildlife refuge area between The Fort and Wilderness Lodge is quickly disappearing on that side. Where we used to have deer grazing and turkeys wandering around the 2000 loop our last visit we didn't see anything other than squirrels. Guess they all headed over to the 1500 loop. Smart critters!

 

[Christine raynor]

What Breezy said is true, jsmla.

But if I HAD TO make a pick for some sites with peace and quiet, I would choose any of those on the outside of 1500 in the back along the canal. The numbers are 1510, 1511, 1513, 1514, and 1516 and I've circled them in the picture below.

View attachment 412024

The entrance to the loop is at the bottom of the photo and the Comfort Station (shared with 1600) in the bottom right corner.

The reason I would pick these is they give you the opportunity to move toward the back of your campsite and closer to the canal where it is more quiet. No campers behind you. No trails or sidewalks or roads behind you. Just maybe a fisherman once in a while. Put your EZ Up or umbrella out there. Move your folding chair out by the canal with a quiet cup of coffee. There's a bit of a grass mound that runs parallel to the big canal in back that is grass covered and once you get on the downside of that away from the road, the silence is deafening. Seriously.

I spent Thanksgiving week in 1513 so I know of what I speak. My all time favorite site is 1511 next door. Wide, back of loop, as well spaced side to side with the other sites as it gets at the Fort (I always request it when I've reserved a Tent site but never gotten it).

The far side of the big canal usually has some deer in the mornings come out of the woods and drink/graze on the far edge. It's my understanding that the turkeys that roam the Fort sleep in the woods on the far side of the big canal and fly across in the morning to begin making their rounds. Turkeys flying in the air are sort of like ducks landing on a frozen lake. Not so graceful but they walk away from it safely and humorous to watch.

I'll dig up a few of my 1513 photos and post some.

Request 1511 or any of these on the outside of 1500 against the big canal. 1500 is a popular Tent loop (and small) so if you can check in any time other than Friday or Saturday, your chances of getting a request are better. Also the earlier in the day the better even if you have to wait for your site. Negotiate politely with the CM when you check in and you might be surprised.

Bama Ed

EDIT- front of 1513



rear of 1513 looking left. Note mound under wind feather and how it slopes down to canal to the right.

Bama Ed. That is a great over head pic. Are there those pics for all the loops? Sure would like to see them. Thanks

 

[jsmla]

Thanks everyone. @bama_ed that’s exactly the kind of info I was looking for. My stays are booked for Sunday-Thursday both months.

I am a very seasoned Disney visitor (at least 1 visit/year since 1989, 3-4/year since 2008) and aware of the atmosphere. We’ve camped at FW many times but always in a travel trailer. I grew up tent camping have done quite a bit of backcountry camping with DH. Never have combined tents and Disney though!