Just for real honesty – it’s been quite a while since I’ve slept in a tent. As much as I loved the backwoods and the middle-of-the-night snuggles in sub-freezing temperatures, I now lean into sleeping on a real mattress with heat and air conditioning.
But if we were younger and could actually function after a night of sleeping on a squishy inflatable, these would be among our first picks for tent camping at Fort Wilderness. And every family needs to do it at least a few times.
(Photo Courtesy Disney)
Keep in mind that there are only two loops (1500 and 2000) that fall into the Tent/Pop-Up category at Fort Wilderness. This means that they are the least expensive and always have a decent-sized gravel/sand area where you can stake a tent.
Unlike the other three loop categories (full-hook up, premium, preferred, and Meadows premium), they do not have sewer hookups and are generally smaller. However, they do have electric, cable and water). And there’s a very nice comfort station (with restrooms) in both of these loops.
Site 1511-big sky delight
Backing up to the large canal that runs all the way up to the Four Seasons Resort, this is one of the most scenic. Sitting on the backside of loop 1500, it’s not as close to the Meadows Areas as some of the others, but makes up for it with a large expanse of land and relative privacy. When my kids were little, this would have been a top pick because it’s further from the main road than others and has its own built-in little yard of sorts. It would also be a great one if you have dogs as you’re not in the middle of everything else.
Site 1520-most convenient
Along with 1503 and 1504, this site is not only a nice one with at least some shade, but is among the most convenient to the Meadows Area. The swimming pool and tennis courts are just across the road and then a little skip. You can hear all the fun and music coming from the pool area. With that convenience and your proximity to the bus stop, you’ll be fine without a golf cart at this site. This ranks not only in our top 10, but possibly our top two or three. It’s also on the outside of the loop, providing a little bit of a “yard” behind the site.
Site 102 – Preferred settlement
So Site 102 is not in the Tent Loops (it’s preferred) so it’ll cost about $40 more per night. It truly is more suitable for one a single tent (or a pop-up) because the gravel/sand pads are smaller than those on Loops 1500 and 2000. Of course, the concrete area is generally much longer. But like most in the preferred loops, it has a sand or gravel area for a tent. It’s not as large of a tent area as those in Loop 1500 and 2000, but you’re getting an incredible location.
Usually, most people just opt for Loops 1500 or 2000 for their tent camping. But it’s worth mentioning that preferred loops (100-300) and full hook-up loops (1600-1900) do have the gravel pads.
This particular site is just across the street from the comfort station and the loop is the closest of all to the Settlement area. If you’re willing to pay more for a preferred site, another good one for tents is Site 335. It’s particularly lovely and close to the path leading to the fishing area behind Loop 300.
Site 2023 – Romantic Garden of Eden
Loop 2000 is called Spanish Moss Lane, but many of the trees are newer pines and cypress types. And then there’s this dreamy site, with the tree that looks like it came straight out of the Garden of Eden. To me, this is the site that defines the best of the whole loop.
This site sits on the outer side of loop, with a small canal separating it from the backside of Loop 2100. The comfort station is not far at all.
Site 2029 – Paradise in Old Florida
One of prettiest in this large loop. Lots of nice palms and a Havana ’59 kind of feel (bring the cigars). It’s among the farthest from the main road, so this may be a negative for those without a golf cart.
Site 2030 – all american
Obviously, tidy OCD Virgos were at this spot when we took this picture. And I’m so envious. Nevertheless, this one is a total classic. You can almost smell the apple cobbler. It has a nice roomy feel, but is not remote. If you like higher visibility and feeling like you are really at Fort Wilderness, this one is a good pick.
Site 2044 – In the Middle of the Night
You really can’t get any closer to the comfort station. It’s right there in your back yard. This might bother some people who don’t want the extra noise, but I personally love it. Having a nice bathroom nearby (for normal duties as well as storms) is an expected luxury for glamping. But having it when you’re tent camping? Sweet.
Note that site 2045 is pretty much like Site 2044 in all the good ways, but the comfort station is not directly behind your campsite.
Site 2060 – Space Cowboy
If you’ve actually brought the max number of folk (ten), then this one is a winner. It’s like the Wyoming of this loop with at least a feeling that there’s more room to spread out and set up that Mickey cornhole set (affiliate link). It’s on the inner loop with lots of green space and mature trees.
Site 2063 – Private idaho
This one is right across from another comfort station in the loop. It’s on the inner loop with lots of “yard” in the back, making it particularly attractive if you have young kids. It’s also near the end of the loop, making it nice and close to the bus stop.
We stayed at Site 2044 in April 2021! Unfortunately that comfort station was locked since they weren’t using that “primitive” area for group trips at that time. We were so bummed!