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Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is undeniably popular with RVers. Ask brand new RV owners at the Florida RV SuperShow where they’ll first take their shiny new rig, and you’re likely to hear Fort Wilderness. An RV stay at Fort Wilderness isn’t your usual RV experience, however.

If you’ve never camped at Fort Wilderness, a few things will surprise you. The guide below will help you plan ahead for your stay at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

The Campground

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is truly a resort. At 750 acres, it’s sure to be larger than many places you’ve camped. Amenities go far beyond pools and laundry facilities. The resort has dining, archery, nightly campfire songs, movies, and much more.

Layout

Fort Wilderness contains roughly 800 campsites plus cabins. The campsites and cabins are all arranged in loops. As an RVer, you would be staying in one of 21 loops. More specifically loops numbered from 100 to 2100.

Loop 100 is close to the marina which has boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Contemporary resorts. Pioneer Hall is also up in that area which has dining, an arcade, and a nightly dinner show. Pony Rides are also available in the northernmost area of the campground.

Middle loops are close to the pool, archery, Meadow Trading Post, and Meadow Snack Bar.

Reception, lobby, golf cart rentals, and bus transportation to all of the Disney parks are at the southernmost end of the campground. As loop numbers go up, you’re closer to these areas, but the cabins are actually the closest.

Transportation

Given Fort Wilderness’s size, you’ll probably want to rent a bike or a golf cart even if you don’t normally use either at campgrounds. If you own a golf cart, this is a great place to bring it. Don’t plan on walking over to a friend or family’s site unless you’re in the same loop (more about this below).

Many amenities will end up being too far to walk to for most people. Although golf cart rentals are available, they tend to be reserved quickly and far in advance. Luckily, Fort Wilderness has three—yes, three!—internal bus lines that connect the sites, amenities, and Disney park transportation at Fort Wilderness.

The Orange Bus line runs up the center of all of Fort Wilderness, with all lines connecting to both the bus depots at the Southern end of the campground (the Outpost) and the northern end (the Settlement Depot).

The main thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be able to use your tow car to drive to many of your destinations within the campground as the only parking available is designated golf cart parking and bike racks.

Bath Houses and Laundry

Although it’s not practical to walk to all available amenities from your campsite, each loop does have a Comfort Station within walking distance.

Each Comfort Station has restrooms, showers, and laundry. The laundry machines are conveniently operated by credit card.

This is a convenient bonus compared to many campgrounds. Comfort Stations are locked, and can only be opened with a Magic Band (more on these below) after hours.

The Campsites

There are a few different types of campsites avaliable inside the park. Different campsites are designed for different needs, so be sure to get the one right for you.

Types

Fort Wilderness offers four different types of campsites. The smallest of the campsites are the Tent or Pop-Up sites. These are 10′ x 25′ in size. Despite their name, most Class B RVs and small Class C RVs fit on these sites. These sites are found in the 1500 and 2000 loops.

Generally speaking, these aren’t pet-friendly sites as pets can’t stay behind in soft-sided pop-ups trailer RVs or tents. When it comes to hard-sided RVs, a little over half of all campsites are pet-friendly, though.

All other campsites are full hook-up meaning they have sewer hook-ups. If you’d like this make sure to get a site that’s called Full Hook-Up. These measure 10′ x 50′ in size and can accommodate Class C, Class A, and Class B RVs.

Following those are sites known as Preferred which come in at 10′ x 45′. Preferred sites are designated as such based on location in the campground. These tend to be in close proximity to amenities such as the Marina at the north end of the campground where you can catch a boat to the Magic Kingdom.

The top tier campsites at Fort Wilderness are the Premium campsites, which larger at 18′ x 60′. These are ideal for RVs in the 40 ft range or with many slides. The size of these sites is what makes them premium sites.

Full Hook-Up, Preferred, and Premium, sites all have water, electric, and sewer hook-ups. All sites, including the Tent or Pop-Up sites, have 20, 30, and 50 amp electric hookups.

Privacy

Fort Wilderness is often at full capacity, yet you enjoy a great deal of privacy at any campsite. Beautiful Florida foliage and landscaping provides privacy between sites. Additionally, the sites are staggered in such a way where RVs aren’t directly next to each other.

So, even if it was possible to see through the foliage, your window wouldn’t be lining up with the RV next door’s window.

The quietest sites are in loops 1700 to 2100. They’re quietest because they are farthest from the amenities to the north and the amenities in the middle of the campground where the pool is.

Heat & Mosquitoes

In Florida heat and mosquitoes are always a concern. Just about each campsite is shady, but heat can still be a concern. You’ll want to be sure that your air conditioning is in good working order before your stay so you can stal cool and comfortable.

You’ll also want to have screens for your RV and make any necessary repairs to those before arrival. Fort Wilderness does an excellent job managing mosquitoes and they greet you with a complimentary pack of mosquito repellant wipes. However, it’s still Florida, and you’ll want to be prepared.

Booking Your Stay

Calling In

Booking your stay will be easiest by phone. Online it’s common to find zero availability. When calling, you’ll likely find that sites have opened up, or there have been cancellations.

Booking will be the most difficult part of your stay. RVers book their Fort Wilderness sites as far as a year in advance.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that you’ll likely be more knowledgeable, as far as RVs go, than the person you’re speaking to. There’s a chance that they won’t know if your rig will fit on the campsite. Be sure to know the size of your RV and ask for what you need.

You may also want to know what your RV measures with the slides out. If you have a Class B or small Class C, you will make yourself clearer by using the term camper van. This is important if you’d like to stay in a Tent or Pop-Up site.

Reservations

If you’re an experienced RVer, you might be used to having a campground map available to see online. You also tend to expect to be assigned a site or a particular section. Fort Wilderness does not have a map with labeled sites on their official site.

Once you have reservations you won’t actually be assigned a campsite or a loop either. You won’t find out where you’ll be specifically until you arrive. You’ll know what type of site you’ll have, but that’s it. You can request a site or a loop, and they’ll make a note of it, but there are no guarantees.

Magic Bands

One thing you certainly won’t receive anywhere else you RV is a Disney Magic Band. Once you make your reservation, you’ll want to go online and set up your Magic Band.

Staying at Fort Wilderness gives you access to all the benefits that come with staying onsite at a Disney Resort. Your Magic Band (an adjustable wristband that works using Radio Frequency technology) unlocks the Comfort Stations after hours, connects to your park tickets, contains your Fast Passes (to skip lines at attractions), and can be used to charge purchases anywhere at the Walt DisneyWorld Resort to your campsite.

If you’re a full-time RVer, just be aware that these are mailed out. So, be sure to tell the person helping you make your reservation if you need your Magic Bands to be waiting for you onsite rather than mailed out to your mailing address. The process will be easiest if you tell them from the start.

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Have you stayed at Disney’s Fort Wilderness? Do you want to? Leave a comment below.

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Boondocking carries an allure for many RVers. Just imagine camping under a tree canopy with no sounds other than chirping birds or a babbling brook.

Aside from providing a nature getaway, boondocking is also low cost. At other times boondocking is necessary as a matter of practicality for RVers trying to get from point A to point B. In these instances, a parking lot or rest stop might do the trick.

A frequently asked question among RVers is, “How do you find boondocking spots?” There isn’t just one way to find a good spot for your RV. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful, secluded spot, or the more practical overnight spot, you’ll likely use a few different methods. Here are five great ways to find your next boondocking spot.

USFS Website

The U.S. Forest website is a great place to find both paid and free boondocking spots. As you begin your search, you want to look for the “dispersed camping” or “wild camping.” These are the terms you’ll most likely see used.

As far as natural spots go, in the U.S., most boondocking can be found on our public lands, which include BLM land as well as our national forests. When you head into the USFS website you’ll find a big green box on the right-hand side that says “Find a Forest or Grassland.”

Select the state you’re in or are headed to from the first drop-down. That will narrow down the options in the second drop down. If you’re looking for a specific area, select the forest nearest that area. Otherwise, you can explore each option.

Navigating the Site

Once you’ve selected a forest, the site will take you over to that forest’s homepage. You’ll be prompted to select your adventure, so be sure to click on the “Go Camping” button. Under your next set of options click on either “campground camping” or “RV camping.”

Note that sometimes a spot that accommodates RVs may be missed by jumping immediately to the RV camping section.

Some national forest homepages won’t have the option to choose your adventure. In those cases, go ahead and click “recreation” from the menu running down the left-hand side of the page.

That will open a sub-menu where you want to click “camping and cabins.” Then if you’re looking for a free spot, click on “dispersed camping.” If you don’t see that option, there’s still boondocking available, but you may have to pay a fee. In this instance, you’ll be clicking on “campground camping.”

You’ll find descriptions of the sites available, how many there are, and any limits on how long you can stay. The site might also provide info like the nearest town, nearest bathrooms, and other useful things to know.

Do read through the details because some areas have designated campsites within a dispersed camping area. This is often the case when there are efforts to mitigate human impact on the area. When these efforts are in place you’ll see brown posts calling out designated camping sites.

2. Campendium

Campendium is both a website and app that’s great for finding boondocking spots and campgrounds (paid ones, privately owned, etc.). Campendium helps you find those practical overnight spots as well as serene locations in nature for longer camping.

Campendium is arguably a bit more intuitive to use than the USFS website and can find more than just Forest Service land. This is a good option if you’d like a wider range of options.

Your first step on the site or app is to begin your search. Just simply type in a nearby landmark (like a mountain range) or location. As an alternative, you can use the “use my current location” function which is pretty convenient.

Next, you’ll want to filter your results. At first, all options, including paid and developed campgrounds will come up on a map. For boondocking, you’re generally going to want anything represented by a green pin. You have many options for sorting, but for boondocking, click “all public lands” and you may also want to click “free.”

If you see purple pins, these are free spots that would be good for a quick overnight boondocking spot, but not a nice weekend camping trip. These are rest stops and parking lots.

Another advantage to Campendium is the user reviews. Once you’ve filtered and sorted your results, you can go ahead and read through the reviews to determine which sites are a good match for your needs.

Reviews will include the exact location, noise level, cell coverage, pricing, site quality, and cleanliness. Always keep in mind that conditions at these kinds of campsites are subject to weather and varying levels of human activity. A site that was peaceful and clean during one person’s stay could be miserably windy or have litter on it on a different day.

3. iOverlander

For those of you that enjoy apps and sites with user reviews, you’ll also love iOverlander. It does a great job of reducing clutter and including multiple search filters. It also has a modern feel to it which means it’s user-friendly.

Like Campendium, iOverlander can be used beyond just RV boondocking. While Campendium is a source for all types of campgrounds, iOverlander serves the overlanding community which sometimes needs hostels and locations in other parts of the world.

For U.S. based boondocking, you can type in an area like a state in the search box. Under the “place types” filter, you’ll want to select “wild camping.”

One very useful filter for RVers under “required amenities” is “big rig friendly.” If you’d like to look at places where someone has recently camped you do have the option to filter out places that haven’t been visited within a certain amount of time.

You can click on the green pins for a quick overview. For pictures and complete information, just click “more details.” You can view the latest user reviews under “latest check-ins.”

Google Maps Satellite View

Sites and apps with user reviews are fantastic, but should you be in an area where there are few reviews or your internet connectivity is struggling a bit, google maps satellite view is great.

If you’re in a bit of a pinch or are using Google Maps as a supplement to other websites and apps, look at the area immediately surrounding you.

Forest service land is always a safe bet for some sort of boondocking. It’s not the only option but a great place to start a search once you’re already driving. Zoom into any light green patches on google maps.

Turn on satellite view and begin following the nearest forest service roads on your screen. What you’re looking for are brown patches. These brown patches are often clearings. These clearings among the trees usually denote a campsite.

Ask a Ranger

The last way to find a boondocking spot is a little bit more traditional. Simply ask a forest or park ranger. Ranger service stations can be very helpful and certainly have the latest information.

If there have been wildlife sightings, or a forest fire is spreading, they’re able to help you avoid these areas. They’re also extremely knowledgeable when it comes to which area you’re allowed to park or not park your RV at. Road closures, improvements, and weather may affect the information you find through the internet and apps.

Most rangers are incredibly friendly and really enjoy helping you find an amazing spot to camp. Some of your best boondocking spots may come as an insider’s tip from a ranger.

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How do you find good boondocking spots? Leave a comment below!

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Going on a trip in your RV can mean anything from a long weekend to an extended road trip. The items on your RV pre-trip checklist depend on where you are going and the duration of the trip you are planning. That said, there are some basics that everyone should review before setting out in their RV.

Let’s take a look at what those are and when you should do them.

3 to 6 Months Before Your Trip

Before you even think about heading out on the road, you need to check your RV’s condition and ensure it is safe and ready for travel. The last thing you want to do is end up stranded and have to deal with mechanical or electrical issues instead of enjoying your vacation. Here are all the things you need to do three to six months before you leave. 

• Have your RV completely mechanically checked, including internal functions. If you’re a full-timer, consider having your RV inspected by a technician at least annually. 
• Look at the condition of all latches, hooks, tires, awnings and any movable parts. 
• Make sure your hitch is in good order. 
• Check the condition of your HVAC system and portable generator.
• Make sure that there isn’t any mold or mildew on the inside of the RV or refrigerator.
• Make sure all propane or gas containers are filled up and not leaking. 
• Check to make all lights work, including vehicle lights, exterior auxiliary lights, and interior lights.

Though unrelated to the condition of your rig, it can be smart to contact campgrounds at or near your destination for reservations, if required. Many popular campgrounds fill up fast, and you need to plan well in advance. 

One Week Before Your Trip

About a week before your trip is where the bulk of the planning needs to occur. Doing all this a week out gives you enough time to get it done without having to rush. Some items to consider include:

• Put together a meal plan and be ready to prepare food at the campground.
• Gather all of the important paperwork, documents, and maps and have them in one place.
• If pets or kids are going, be sure to have all of their health documents and needed medications.
• Make arrangements for mail delivery.
• Ensure that all bills are paid and any other obligations are taken care of during the time you’ll be gone.
• Print copies of maps and directions (in case you don’t have internet access).
• Wash your laundry, specifically the clothes that you plan to take with you. 
• Go shopping for food and supplies you’ll need on your trip.
• Check generator fluid levels and RV battery charge.
• Confirm once again that motorhome or tow vehicle fluid levels are satisfactory.
• Fill the fresh water tank to your preferred level, but remember that carrying a lot of water with you adds a considerable amount of weight to your rig.
• Check to make sure that your first aid kit is complete.

Departure Day

Right as you prepare to settle into your RV and hit the road, it’s important to take some time and make sure you’re totally prepared for your trip. Remember the following important things:

• Check the tire pressure on the tow vehicle and the RV tire pressure.
• Fuel up the vehicle if it isn’t already.
• Clean all windows and mirrors.
• Fill containers for drinking water.
• Check all cupboards and the refrigerator to secure items that might move or shift while traveling.
• Make sure all awnings and any moving parts are secured.
• Close roof vents except those for ventilation.
• Confirm the refrigerator is running properly.
• Make sure all other appliances function as they should.
• Check your propane tanks, hoses, and valves.
• Ensure all external RV items such as steps, decks, and handrails are properly stowed.
• Make sure that anything carried on the roof or outside such as bikes or coolers are properly secured.
• Close all internal and external doors and cabinets.
• Check that the RV brakes are working properly. 

With every item on this checklist marked off, you should be good to enjoy your trip.

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How do you prepare for your RV trips. Anything you’d add to this checklist? 

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Are you looking to escape the cold and have some fun in the sun? Try these amazing spots for an RV Winter vacation. East coast, west coast, and in between—we’ve got you covered with the best winter travel suggestions in the country.

Tampa, Florida

We’ve enjoyed two fabulous winters in the Tampa Bay area and can’t wait to go back. From the amazing weather to the wide range of activities and a prime location for day trips, Tampa is at the top of our list of winter destinations.

Beaches are obviously a big draw for Florida visitors. Enjoy some of the sandy shores of Tampa Bay or cross the bridge to enjoy the fabulous Gulf Coast.

If the beach is not your scene, there are many quiet county parks and waterways for kayaking. Tampa is also home to a terrific zoo, aquarium, and several museums. Be sure to stay through the winter to enjoy the annual Gasparilla pirate invasion in January complete with a parade and flotilla of boats.

Where to Stay:

• Lazy Days RV Resort is located off Interstate 4 just east of the city. It has a deluxe pool area, fitness room, two dog parks (one for big dogs and one for small), large playground, tennis courts, game room, onsite restaurant, and much more. You can even order food and drinks from the bar poolside.
• Located in Northwest Tampa, Blue Bayou RV Resort is especially popular for the social snowbird crowd and has many activities during the winter months. Set amidst natural surroundings on Double Branch Creek, it doesn’t even seem like you’re in the midst of a city.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Alabama may not be the first state that comes to mind when considering winter destinations, but that is exactly why it is such a great choice.

Not everyone has discovered the peace and tranquility that a winter vacation on Alabama’s beaches can offer. Mild weather (highs in the 50s in January) and bright sun shining on the sand make walks on the beach a perfect way to enjoy your winter days.

Where to Stay:

• Gulf State Park Campground is not your average state park. It has full hook up sites and a range of amenities you’d expect at an RV resort like paths throughout the park for walking and biking, laundry facilities, convenience store, pool, and beach access.
• Within walking distance to the beach and several restaurants, Luxury RV Resort is a great choice in Gulf Shores. Enjoy the large pool or recreation hall with plenty of activities for winter residents. This resort has regular visitors who return year after year.

Galveston, Texas

You don’t have to go to the Caribbean to experience island life. Consider becoming a winter Texan instead. Galveston Island’s tropical climate and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico may provide the relaxing escape you’ve been hoping for.

With a small town culture and southern hospitality, you’ll feel right at home. There’s plenty to explore on this island with 32 miles of beaches, one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the country, a charming historic downtown, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Stick around through February to enjoy the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.

Where to Stay:

• Offering snowbird specials, Stella Mare RV Park provides fantastic rates during the winter season, including discounted monthly rates. This beautiful location boasts 25 acres of lush, scenic terrain perfect for a leisurely stroll right across from the ocean. With unobstructed views of the water, you may never want to leave the resort.
• If you’re looking for a campground with a lazy river, Jamaica Beach RV Park has got you covered. Think multiple swimming pools, one with a swim up bar, mini golf, and public beach access just across the street.
  This RV park is approximately 12 miles outside of the town of Galveston.

Tucson, Arizona

With daytime temperatures rarely dipping below 60 and hardly any sign of rain, Tucson is a top choice for snowbirds looking to soak up some winter sun.

It is the perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. For a closer look at the Arizona desert, spend some time hiking the trails of Sabino Canyon or exploring nearby Saguaro National Park.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum also provides an interesting look at Tucson’s flora and fauna. For a taste of contemporary Tucson, spend some time perusing the galleries in the Catalina Foothills district or Mission San Xavier del Bac (known as the White Dove of the Desert), a stunning example of 18th-century architecture.

Where to Stay:

• The Tucson Lazy Days KOA offers a true resort experience. Whether you want to relax by one of the two pools, soak in the hot tubs, or play a round on the nine-hole putting green, you’re sure to find something on the full schedule of activities for you.
• Rincon Country West RV Resort has just about any activity you can think of: card games, shuffleboard, wood crafting, quilting, knitting, crocheting, hiking, Bible study, pickleball, tennis, and more. In keeping with the amazing Tucson food scene, they also have food vendors and a weekly farmer’s market.

San Diego, California

Warm winters and a world-famous zoo—what more could you ask for? San Diego offers temperate weather perfect for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions including its notable food districts, parks, natural reserves, and beaches.

If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, Balboa Park is home to over fifteen museums and its striking old-world Spanish architecture is the perfect place to enjoy open-air concerts.

Where to Stay:

• The San Diego Metro KOA is a beautiful RV park near all of the major attractions. With mature landscaping consisting of numerous eucalyptus trees and flowering hedges to provide privacy, you’ll forget you are in the heart of the city. Enjoy the swimming pool, hot tub, and the onsite cafe. It is located minutes from the San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge.
• Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is less than 20 miles from La Jolla beaches and the San Diego Zoo but feels like it is in a world of its own. The park itself is huge, with mature trees, and water everywhere. Owned and operated by Padre Dam Municipal Water District, it is a popular fishing and kayaking spot.

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We’d love to hear from you! What is your favorite destination for an RV winter vacation? Leave a comment below.

 

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Join Crazy Family Adventure in this episode of Life on the Road as they explore Crater Lake National Park and cliff jump off an 18-foot-tall cliff into the icy waters. From there, the family continues on up the coast to Newport, Oregon, to try their hands at catching some crabs with a crab net.

You can watch the rest of Crazy Family Adventure’s Life on the Road series by clicking here.

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Thanks for a great first year of Stories from the Road!

In this episode, we’re looking back at some of the best stories that have shared so far: from acts of heroism to hilarious breakdowns.

Enjoy!

** Subscribe to Stories from the Road on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Play **

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