Even though I am introverted, I am obsessed with people watching at Fort Wilderness. This means that I like to be in the center of the action, preferably on the part of Loop 100 where I can actually see the hundreds of all kinds of different people who walk by each day. But some of you don’t like being packed in so close to your friendly neighbor. And others don’t want to hear the boat noise, fireworks, and squeals of other people’s children. Or perhaps your bunch is a little bigger or rowdier than some and you don’t want to intrude on the peaceful relaxation of others. Well, I have some sites for you.
I included quiet examples from each type of site category, with the exception of the preferred sites in Loops 100, 200 and 300. These are the older loops, and they have shorter pads and the sites tend to be close together, sometimes uncomfortably so.
Site 1919 – Booneytown
Like the sites that neighbor it, this one is way out there with nary a hint that you are anywhere near the vacation capital of the world. It is just about as far from civilization as you can get. Along with a lot of vegetation, there are a lot of open spaces and plentiful room between campsites. Sites 1917, 1918, and 1921 are quite similar.
Site 1812 – Your Own Private Idaho
Like Loop 1900, this loop tends to be more private than most. And tucked in the back along the creek is one of my favorite sites of all of the remote ones. There is literally nothing behind you except the waterway and the forest. It’s not an easy one to back into, but count on spending your time watching frolicking deer instead of hordes of humanity.
Site 2023 – Honeymoon Hideout
This one is not as private as most on the list, but it is in the tent/pop-up loop that is farthest away from everything. In general, a tent loop is going to be noisier than most RV loops because you can more easily hear conversations of neighbors. This is a big loop, and there’s a bit of a view of another loop. So, it’s not so secluded that you can run around outside in your underwear, but it is exceptionally lovely. What is so unique about this particular site is the trees between the site, particularly one old, large very romantic one.
Site 1513 – starry nights
Loop 1500 is the closest tent/pop-up loop to the Meadows, but this particular site is tucked way in the back corner on the canal. While there may be kids looping on their bikes, there are only 21 sites on the entire loop, making it one of the smallest in the Fort. Fewer sites should equal less traffic. There’s a lot of room around this one, with wide open spaces to look up at the stars at night.
Site 1103 – chill Pill
Even though this is the first site in Loop 1100, there’s a significantly long space between it and the road. Loop 1100 is among the smaller ones, and far more quiet than its neighboring loops. What also makes this site more private is its generous amount of foliage and 60 foot length. Fellow guests will loop by, but there will be a nice distance between you and them (you won’t feel compelled to wave).
Site 816 – secret valley
Both this site and Site 815 sit in a corner of Loop 800 with a very expansive and rather enchanting area behind them. This area is actually used as a dog walk, but the traffic is usually minimal, particularly in the evenings. The spaces between the sites are much larger than average for a site that is so close to the Meadows area (this will be newly categorized as a Meadows Premium Loop starting January 2020). At 60 feet long, the site itself is also roomy. The biggest downside is that this is a very large and popular loop, and there will likely be more traffic.
Site 1722 – Nature’s nest
Like Loops 1600, 1800, and 1900, Loop 1700 is in an area of Fort Wilderness known as the Cloverleaf. They are off the main roads and quite a distance from the traffic of the Settlement and Meadows areas. This particular site does not have a great deal of foliage, but does have large open space around it. You are more likely to encounter a black bear than a nosy neighbor out in these parts.
Site 1311 – I think we’re alone now
How can you be just a stone’s throw from the Meadows Pool and feel secluded? This particular site in a Premium Loop sits back in a corner, giving it bonus room and far better-than-average privacy. While you may hear some pool noise during the day, you’ll get a peaceful, easy feeling when the sun goes down.
Site 921 – happy hinterland
So, if you are noticing, you may find that we’ve developed a bit of a pattern. The quietest, most remote sites are often on the back side of a loop, far from a road, and often in a corner. Loop 900 is a Premium Loop (soon to be Meadows Premium), but when you reach this site, you may temporarily forget that you are so close to the middle of the campground. This site is not going to feel as remote as those in Loops 1600, 1700, 1800 and 1900. But ranks high in privacy compared to many other Meadows Premium sites.
