Disney’s Fort Wilderness in 2026: Is the Magic Still There?

What this episode covers

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we revisit one of the most iconic campgrounds in America: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. For years, we’ve called Fort Wilderness one of our favorite campgrounds in the country. It combines the beauty and tranquility of a forested campground with immediate access to all the magic of Walt Disney World. But a lot has changed recently. Disney is constructing the new Disney Vacation Club resort, Lakeshore Lodge, next door, and longtime Fort Wilderness fans have strong opinions about what that might mean for the future of the campground. To get an up-to-date perspective, we invited longtime RVer and Disney enthusiast Jess Phillips onto the show. Jess recently returned from a stay at Fort Wilderness with her husband Dan and their two daughters, giving us a fresh look at what the campground experience is like right now. Then we turn to the RV Atlas Facebook Group to hear what other campers had to say about the ongoing changes. To listen to our interview with Jess click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your favorite shows! Why Disney's Fort Wilderness Remains So Special Even after all these years, Disney's Fort Wilderness remains one of the most unique camping experiences in America. Located directly on Walt Disney World property, Fort Wilderness sits across Bay Lake from Magic Kingdom. Guests enjoy easy access to all four Disney parks while staying in a campground that feels remarkably peaceful and secluded. What makes the Fort special is the contrast. One moment you're riding Space Mountain or watching a parade in Magic Kingdom. A short ferry ride later, you're back beneath towering cypress trees, listening to birds and relaxing at your campsite. Jess described it perfectly: Disney's Fort Wilderness feels like a state park campground that just happens to be located inside Walt Disney World. A Campground That Feels Like a State Park One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how natural Fort Wilderness feels. The campground covers approximately 750 acres and includes: Nearly 800 campsites More than 300 cabins Forested loops Paved biking paths Multiple playgrounds Pools Camp stores Restaurants Boat transportation Despite its size, it never feels crowded. The campsites are large, paved, level, and carefully maintained. Loops are designed to minimize traffic, creating a quiet atmosphere that feels far removed from the energy of the theme parks. Jess noted that even during a packed week in March, the individual camping loops remained calm and peaceful. Biking, Looping, and Exploring One of the unofficial traditions at Fort Wilderness is “looping.” Visitors spend hours riding golf carts or bicycles through the campground exploring: Decorated campsites Elaborately themed displays Vintage RVs Luxury motorhomes Family camping setups As always, the campground featured impressive site decorations during Jess’s visit, even in early March. For many campers, simply riding through the loops is part of the entertainment. It's also one of the best RV shows in America. You can see everything from pop-up campers to million-dollar motorhomes all in one place. Getting Around Walt Disney World   One of Fort Wilderness's biggest advantages is transportation. Guests can access every Disney park without moving their RV. Transportation options include: Internal campground buses Disney buses to all parks Ferry boats to Magic Kingdom