How, Why and Where to RENT a Camper for Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

[Updated for 2021] When people think of camping in Fort Wilderness, they often only think of the three obvious options: renting a cabin, bringing a tent, or bringing their own recreational vehicle. However, there’s a fourth option – and it is quite attractive. In Central Florida, there are several companies who will not only rent an RV to you, but will also have it set up and ready to go before you even arrive at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

As a super bonus – many also rent golf carts (and will deliver) at a lower price point than WDW. Fort Wilderness often sells out of these – so this eliminates that hassle.

I’ve provided some detailed information about several of these companies below (updated for 2021). Even with a range of pricing structures and features, this typically provides a large savings off of the cabin rentals at Fort Wilderness (and can sleep more people). Remember, that a reservation for Fort Wilderness is required separately – but RV rental + campsite still comes out well ahead most of the time.

Why rent if you already own?

sorry memeObviously, this is a great way to start camping at Fort Wilderness if you don’t own an RV. But we have our own RV, I still prefer to rent for a family vacation at Fort Wilderness. I have five primary reasons, and I think they are pretty important

  • I live near Atlanta. With a rental, I would avoid the long, stressful tow, and would also have the option of flying in. Some of the added expense of the rental would also be offset by gasoline savings (RVs do a number on your MPG).
  • My RV sleeps up to 8, and is perfect for long weekends in relatively nearby locations. But a larger RV would give us the chance to spread out a lot more during a week or two at Disney World.
  • We are looking at purchasing a larger travel trailer than our current one. Living in one for several days would help me make better buying decisions. For example, I thought I wanted a bunkhouse, but now that I’ve tried it I don’t think that’s the best choice for our family.
  • All of the set up and take down is handled by the company. No backing in, no leveling, no cussing.
  • If something goes wrong (AC goes out, TV doesn’t work, roof leaks), the companies will come to fix it. It won’t be our problem to worry about.
  • Most companies also rent golf carts, which usually ends up being much easier and less expensive than renting through Fort Wilderness.

Now, of course, I could just rent a cabin at Fort Wilderness, as I have done many times. However, the disadvantages to these are that they will usually be a higher price, limited to sleeping six, and the loops are more remote than are most camping loops.

golf cart disney rental
Escape RV Rentals includes a free Tow-Mater with one of their Fort Wilderness models.

Questions to Ask the Rental Company

Kissimmee Orlando Mega Mouse House
Kissimmee Orlando Mega Mouse House Rental

On the other hand, there are some important things to think about when renting an RV and having it set up. Some of these can make or break your trip.

  • Are pets allowed? Are they allowed in some units or all units (some people with allergies prefer a unit that has never had pets). How much is the pet fee?
  • What does the price actually include? Does it include outdoor chairs and a rug (necessities)? What are the other fees, such as set-up fees or cleaning? Fees tend to vary quite a bit among companies.
  • What is the cancellation policy? Some companies will offer a full refund 30 days out, while others will only provide a credit for other dates.
  • Can I bring my own comforters? Let’s assume the sheets are cleaned in hot water between guests, but I have some doubts that the comforters are every time. I would rather bring my own if possible.
  • Do the stated number of beds include actual beds, or also blow-up mattresses? Of course, we prefer beds, even if they are the ever-so-humble dinette conversions.
  • Has there ever been a time when a customer reserved and you ended up not having one available for them? (Yes, it happens).

Process for Renting

Fort Wilderness Loop 1500 1500cottontailcurl

  1. First of all, look at the various company websites, and get a general idea about the size of the trailer you are hoping to rent. Make a note of the maximum length that you anticipate. You’ll need this information when you make your Fort Wilderness reservation.
  2. Secure a reservation for your campsite with Fort Wilderness for the dates and type of site that you want. (This doesn’t take a miracle – it just takes persistence for holiday periods.)
  3. Select a camper from the company of your choice and attempt to reserve. If it is not available for those dates, look at different offerings from the same company or look at other companies.  Reserve your selected camper and make applicable deposit.

Five Companies Who Rent and Set up in Fort Wilderness

I have obtained most of the information below on the company websites, and you may want to call to verify information. In addition to general information (policies, types of units), I’ve estimated the best cost for a one-week rental of a 5th wheel and a travel trailer (recent models) sleeping at least 8 in the month of June at Fort Wilderness. I was originally comparing only travel trailers, but Captain Bacon (aka my RV is bigger than yours) insists on the almighty-fifth wheel. Keep in mind that a lower price may or may not equate to a smaller or lesser quality camper.

KISSIMMEE ORLANDO RV RENTALS 

Kissimmee Orlando RV Rentals has an inventory of at least 36 rentals available for Fort Wilderness. This includes 13 travel trailers and 11 fifth-wheels. Class A and Class C motorhomes are also available.  There are some brand new models.  Dogs are allowed in selected units. (Update: We rented from this company in July 2020 and had an exceptionally positive experience).

Best current deal for a 5th Wheel appears to be a 41-foot Cougar 369BHS , sleeping up to 11:
Approximately $1345 + tax for 7 days

Best current deal for travel trailer is a Gray Wolf 26CKSE Bunkhouse, sleeping up to 10:
Approximately $910+ tax for 7 days

Discounts: frequently offers discounts on their Facebook page, such as 10 percent off
Google Reviews (as of June 2021): Among top-rated on our list with 4.9 stars
Fees beyond tax: set-up, cleaning
Dog friendly: Some units
Minimum nights: 3
Cancellation within 30 days: information unavailable
Phone: 321-247-3933
Other rentals: golf carts ($50 per night; $285 per week), fire pits, games, other accessories

MEACHAM’s RV RENTAL 

Meacham’s is one of the larger companies on the list, offering rentals across the state of Florida. There are at least 21 models available for just Fort Wilderness. They don’t have fifth wheels, but do have hybrids for those on smaller loops (such as 1500).    An official WDW vendor.

Best current deal (in my opinion) for a travel trailer is a 32-foot Jayco Jay Flight SLX 287 BHS that sleeps up to 10.
Approximately $1120+ tax for 7 days

Discounts: Runs specials on website from time to time, such as 25 percent off, or free golf cart with rental
Google Reviews (as of June 2021): Among top-rated on our list with 4.9 stars.
Fees beyond tax: None!
Dog friendly: some units
Minimum nights: 2 (3 night minimum on holiday weekends)
Cancellation: Credit toward future rental
Phone: 941-224-4939
Other rentals: Golf carts ($215 for 3 or more nights), gas grills, fire pits

escape RV Rentals 

Escape RV Rentals is a boutique, woman-owned operation offering six RV rentals, including a toy hauler that comes with a free golf cart.  Their offerings include travel trailers, a hybrid, and Class C RVs. Also, included in Fort Wilderness rentals is the free use of a Disney-approved fire pit.

Best current deal is for their Jayco toy hauler (with Tow-Mater golf cart) sleeping up to 8
Approximately $968+ tax for 7 days (but see discounts below)

Discounts: 10 percent off offered to all members of Mouse Glamping Society Facebook Group.
Google Reviews (as of June 2021): Only a few ratings thus far but they are all 5.0 stars.
Fees beyond tax: none
Dog friendly: Allows “well-behaved” dogs with $50 fee
Minimum nights: 3
Cancellation within 30 days: 50 percent refund
Phone: 407-374-3657
Other rentals: Fort-approved fire pit is included. Tow-Mater golf cart comes at no additional charge with toy hauler rental. Other golf carts available at $55 per night.

FLORIDA CAMPER RENTAL 

Florida Camper Rental shows an inventory of 12 travel trailers, with most of them being late model 5th wheels.  Dogs are allowed in selected units.

Best current deal (according to website) for a 5th Wheel appears to be  a Heartland Sundance (unknown year), sleeping up to 10:
Approximately $1295+ tax for 7 days

Best current deal (according to website) for travel trailer is a Coachland Catalina (unknown year) sleeping up to 10:
Approximately $1295+ tax for 7 days

Discounts: none found
Google Reviews (as of June 2021):  4.7 stars
Fees beyond tax: None
Dog friendly: Some units
Minimum nights: 3
Cancellation within 30 days: Not available, but does allow full cancellation (less $35 admin charge) beyond 90 days
Phone: 863-605-3995

Camper Rental Adventures

Camper Rental Adventures is a family-run business with a selection of at least 20 travel trailers and fifth wheels. They also have hybrid campers for rent. The company offers a selection of extras (for more money), including golf carts, Disney-approved firepits, corn hole games, bicycles, and fishing poles. Cancellation provides for a credit toward new dates, but no refunds. Pricing is fairly straightforward and is consistent year-round (no longer seasonal).

Best current deal for a travel trailer appears to be the Benny (Coachman Freedom Express)  sleeping up to 9
Approximately $910+ tax for 7 days (but see discounts)

Best current deal for a 5th Wheel appears to be the Grand Design Reflection BH, sleeping up to 10
Approximately $1470+ tax for 7 days (but see discounts)

Discounts: Often announced on their Facebook page – may include lower rates or free extras.  Military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders receive 15 percent off.
Fees beyond tax: delivery fee (for less than 4 nights), cleaning fee
Google Reviews (as of June 2021): 4.3 stars

Dog friendly: Some units
Minimum nights: 2
Phone: 774-488-2815
Other rentals: golf carts ($50 per night), Disney-approved, fire pits, bikes, hammocks, sporting equipment, more

Related: We Rented a Camper for our Fort Wilderness Trip and Here’s What Happened

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3 thoughts on “How, Why and Where to RENT a Camper for Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

  1. Is Disney doing a staged re-opening of the campsites at Fort Wilderness Campground? It’s been extreamly difficult to get reservations

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