Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Review of Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness with RVshare

Welcome to the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort Sign
Welcome to the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offers guests a unique camping experience in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort. The resort compromises 700 wooded acres of cypress and pine forest and features around 800 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, charcoal grills, and access to water and electrical hookups. The campsites available for guests are spread out on 21 camping loops and includes sites designed for tents, popup campers, full hookup sites and preferred or premium sites giving more room and a closer location to the amenities. In addition to these options Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort also, has rental cabins on property.

Using RV Share
Over all it was a dream come true to go camping at Walt Disney World and you can have it too even if you don’t own a RV by using RV Share. No matter what type of RV you choose camping at Walt Disney World will be memorable and fun.

Using RVshare at Disney

It has been a dream to camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, but even after buying my own RV I really didn’t want the expense or hassle of traveling with it over 1,500 miles to Walt Disney World. Then I was introduced to RVshare. You can think of RVshare as an AirBnB, but for camping where you can rent someone else’s RV. There are many different RV choices to pick from including towable, drivable or delivery. For this trip I opted for delivery directly to the Campground at Disney’s Fort Wilderness so I didn’t have to worry with moving the unit around or setting anything up. I just wanted to arrive and checkin.

Get $25 off your next rvshare.com rental here.

Booking with RVshare was a breeze and each listing had so much information to help me make the right decision. RVshare also, has live agents that can help you book your trip and give you ideas if you need it. For the price of one night at some the Walt Disney World Resorts during the same dates I booked three nights at the Fort Wilderness Campground with a RVshare rental including setup/breakdown and delivery! You can even get $25 off your next rvshare.com rental here.

The choices I made with RVshare allowed me to have a RV that was walk-in ready. All I needed was to bring my luggage and necessities.

When booking a RV with RVshare you will need to decide on a few things for example if you want the owner to furnish the linens or to deliver the RV to a certain location or set/breakdown the RV for you. Each owners may offer different options and prices with their unit. The choices I made allowed me to have a RV that was walk-in ready. All I needed was to bring my luggage and necessities. This experience was like checking into a hotel and how I had hoped it would be. You may have different requirements for your needs and vacation making your cost different than mine.

Checking Into the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The RV owner I worked with advised me to select early checkin to the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. I prepaid my Walt Disney World Resort reservation and completed checkin on the My Disney Experience app requesting a before 7:30am checkin weeks prior to arrival. On the day of arrival the RV owner had also, instructed me to call the campground for a campsite number at 7am. Getting a campsite assigned that early isn’t guaranteed and in my case I wasn’t assigned a campsite until around 2:30pm.

map of the campground at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort
The map of the campground at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort is accurate in the fact that the area is HUGE and laid out.

After being assigned a campsite number in the 1800s loop I conveyed it to the RV owner and he brought over the RV and got it setup by 5pm. If you are planning to explore the campground while you wait for your RV delivery or plan to use the amenities you are going to want to rent a golf cart either from your RV owner if they offer one or the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. I like to walk, but the campground is HUGE and without some sort of transportation (golf cart, bikes ect) you won’t be able to get around to everything. Using a personal vehicle is limited because of where you can drive them vs a golf cart and bike path access.

Golf Carts Fort Wilderness Resort Disney WorldTIP: without some sort of transportation (golf cart, bikes ect) you won’t be able to get around to everything at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

Don’t expect to get to your campsite early and make a plan of what you will do while you wait at the campground or make plans to go to Disney Springs or the parks the day of your arrival. You can always go to the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and park your vehicle at the campground and use Disney transportation. You could even hop a boat from the dock and go check out some of the other resorts around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon or make a dinning reservation for one of the resort’s restaurants. There is plenty to keep you and your family occupied while you wait to get into your RV. If you are flying and didn’t rent a vehicle at the airport you can also, easily get the campground to store your luggage for you while you go explore.

Amenities at the Campground at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

The 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Electrical Water Pageant made its way to the campground around at 9:45pm and was a highlight of my stay!

Guests of the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including horseback riding, fishing, and archery for a fee. Plus, the resort is just a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom entrance. I didn’t partake in any of the amenities during this trip, but have gone on a carriage ride during Halloween from the stables and I would recommend it or horseback riding if you and your family like horses. A visit to the stables might be something fun to do during your stay at the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

child on horse with helmet
A visit to the stables might be something fun to do during your stay at the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

There is a lot to explore around the campground itself including two pool areas and a private beach. One of my favorite things about this Walt Disney World Resort property was the private beach that over looked the Seven Seas Lagoon. Putting my feet in the sand and soaking in the warm Florida sunshine was a vacation in itself. In the evening from my same lounge chair I was able to watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and see the 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Electrical Water Pageant as it made its way to the campground around at 9:45pm.

Watching the 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Electrical Water Pageant from the beach was truly a magical experience and I always find so much nostalgia in the Disney Electric Water Parade. The campground even has food trucks that come out to the area giving more food options than just P and J’s Southern Take Out. P and J’s does offer mobile ordering from the My Disney Experience App and has many food options. If you’re a Disney adult without children it is so much fun to grab some snacks and enjoy a quiet evening on the beach while waiting for the evening fireworks. Likewise, the area is also, fun for children to dig in the sand and play while waiting.

The campground also, has the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue which you can make reservations for. I have been to the revue on a previous trip to Disney and thought it was really entertaining as an adult and was glad to see they offered meatless food options. Another fun feature of staying at the campground is the free Campfire Singalongs and Movies Under the Stars. You will need to check with guest services to see what is offered during your stay.

Saving Money Camping at Disney

One of the most commonly posted topics posted related to camping at Disney is cost effectiveness. Having now camped at Disney I can say that camping is a great way to stay on Walt Disney World Resort property, enjoy all the resort options available and also, have a unique cost effective experience. Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness even with the cost of renting a RV was dramatically cheaper than many of the other Walt Disney World Resort options for the same time period.

One of the most commonly posted topics posted related to camping at Disney is cost effectiveness. Having now camped at Disney I can say that camping is a great way to stay on Walt Disney World Resort property, enjoy all the resort options available and also, have a unique cost effective experience.

The amenities at the Campground at Fort Wilderness as mentioned are wonderful. Typically a Walt Disney World Resort with access to the Seven Seas Lagoon and multiple transportation outlets can be pricy. The campground also, allows one to stay on property, but have a campground experience giving the best of both options. If you are not a seasoned camper this campground has all the bells and whistles that you might not find at other campgrounds along with staff to help you along the way.

The campsites are well laid out, the grounds are well manicured, the comfort stations are clean and spacious with apparent Walt Disney World Resort special touches. While at the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness I didn’t even realize sometimes I was in central Florida at Walt Disney World. The area really gives such a rustic feel and is vastly different from the bustle of the Walt Disney World parks. The campground even had quiet spots for example to watch nature and I saw several deer and turkey.

Turkey at Fort Wilderness Campground Disney World
Vastly different from the bustle of the Walt Disney World parks the campground had quiet spots where I could watch nature and I saw several deer and turkey.

Another thing to consider is that hotel rooms don’t typically give one access to a full kitchen. With RVshare you can have your choice of renting a RV with a full kitchen. This can add up to cost savings in itself by getting groceries and cooking your own food while at Walt Disney World. If you have dietary restrictions this may also, be a comfort knowing you have a space to prepare meals.

Disney Parks are very welcoming of dietary issues and try their best to accommodate guests. There are many options for vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options at the restaurants within the campground at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, other Disney resorts and in the parks. If you choose you can even bring in your own food to the parks (within reason) if you need special foods. I have had no problem bringing in medicine or food while I have visited the parks and always alert security to what’s in my bag.

What was it like to camp at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort?

If you are on are the fence about trying out camping I would recommend booking for just a few days. Give enough time to have a day to check in and get settled and then a couple days to enjoy the experience. You can then book a second Walt Disney World Resort for the other half of your trip and not commit the entire trip to camping. Which in my opinion this experience is more like glam-ping thank camping because you are at a Walt Disney World Resort.

Stanley Cup and Florida bird in sand
One of my favorite things about this Disney property was the private beach that over looked the Seven Seas Lagoon. Putting my feet in the sand and soaking in the warm Florida sunshine was a vacation in itself.

RVshare takes all the work out of camping and let’s a renter truly enjoy the experience even if you are a novice at camping. A seasoned camper can find exactly what they need too with RVshare. In addition a RV owner can choose to make some extra money by joining RVshare and renting out their RV at this link. Over all it was a dream come true to go camping at Walt Disney World and you can have it too even if you don’t own a RV by using RVshare. No matter what type of RV you choose camping at Walt Disney World will be memorable and fun.

If you enjoyed this article please share it with your friends, pin it to your Disney or vacation boards on Pinterest and leave me a comment ☺️ You can also, read more about camping adventures here!

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Let’s Go Camping

In May 2021 I started a remodel on an almost 30 year old Sunline Saturn. With lots of paint and patience the “Lilly Pad”, was finished and took its first journey to the OBX for Memorial Day weekend. In the first year we went on a few trips and went on our first multi-state trip leaving Virginia and going to Gettysburg, Pa. There is so much to learn about camping and to figure out along the way. I am definitely not an expert by any means, but have found things that help make camping easier I will share.

Camping Fort Story, Virginia Beach
Grilling and enjoying a cold beverage in Virginia Beach’s Fort Story Campground

Types of Campgrounds: National Parks, HipCamp and Resorts

I think the most important thing to remember when looking at sites is finding a camping location that works for you and your family. Make sure to figure out first what you’re looking for in a site and then match your needs/wants to the amenities offered. In our first year of camping we camped at a National Park in the OBX, a military MWR campground in Virginia Beach, a camping resort in Williamsburg and a Hipcamp site outside Gettysburg, Pa. All of these sites were very different and each offered some unique pros and cons to them.

Camping at a National Park offers the perks of direct access to nature, clean basic bath houses, park rangers if needed, typically a dumping station and potable water. The cons to some might be limited amenities as National Parks are basic and don’t always offer resort type amenities.

Camping at a resort offers all the bells and whistles with beautiful manicured grounds, fire pits, BBQ areas, gravel sites, access to pools, recreational areas, games, cable tv, wifi, laundry, full hookups (water,sewage and electricity) and much more. The con to this type of camping for some might be the higher prices or crowded areas during peak season.

Camping on a military base is similar to a resort in my opinion. Base camping is terrific if you have access to it and VERY discounted/cost effective compared to other resorts. The amenities at many bases are very nice. As a con these campgrounds aren’t available to everyone.

Hipcamp Review
Camping off the beaten path using Hipcamp

Camping using HipCamp is not your typical site and allows access to private land and individuals that choose to host outside their homes, or on their farmland or woods. Some HipCamp sites might solely give you access to a place to park or pitch a tent. The cons are there might not be any electric, sewage, cable or potable water on these sites.

Some HipCamp sites also, don’t allow fires or use of generators so you’ll need propane or battery power. All details should be read throughly for HipCamp sites as each site and host is different. If you’re confused about a listing contact the host. The perks of HipCamp include being cost effective, camping in secluded areas, meeting new hosts, and going off the beaten path.

Hipcamp Review
Basic campsites might only be a flat, cleared off spot in the woods. Do your research before hand and make sure you know what you’re getting. For me I am ok with the seclusion of basic wooded sites.

Some of the Hipcamp sites require dry camping. I think the key to camping in an RV or travel trailer without typical hookups is to first make sure you have enough potable water or water in your fresh water holding tank for showers ect to last the amount of time you’re camping. When I was looking for a site on HipCamp it was important to me to locate a site this time with electric hook up and potable water. This might not be a necessity for others, but we were looking at multiple days and I knew we wouldn’t have enough battery power for the whole trip.

Tips for a Great Camping Trip

1992 Sunline Saturn
Camping is an amazing way to relax, unwind and connect to nature!

We always make sure to have our fresh water holding tank full when we leave home. Our refrigerator and oven both run off propane so we also, make sure to have enough of it as well. If you use propane I suggest making sure to know where you can refill it if necessary when camping.

Finding a good laundromat like The Clothes Spin near your home away from home on a vacation can be invaluable. Laundromats like this can help you pack less and to quickly get everything washed so you can get back to your vacation or business.

Mapping out things like grocery stores and even hardware stores is also, something I find that helps our camping trips go smoothly. Depending on how many days we are going to be away I also, like to locate laundry services like using Madison Heights laundromat when camping. Planning to use a laundromat can ease the load of packing. The Clothes Spin is a great option for a way to clean your clothes while camping.

Get Outside and Go RVing

1992 Sunline Saturn Remodel
Inside my little beach house on wheels the Lilly Pad an almost 30 year old renovated Sunline Saturn.

Camping is an amazing way to relax, unwind and connect to nature! Getting outside and away from the hustle and bustle of the world can be very liberating and relaxing. Each type of camping site mentioned offers it’s own set of pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before you decided on booking. Whatever you choose just get outside and go RVing!

Let’s go camping!

Know someone planning a camping trip please share my article with them ☺️ Check out my other fun Take A Walk in My Flip Flops travel articles too. If you enjoyed my review please be sure to pin it/share it and check out my other camping and recreational vehicle related posts:

Camping in the Outer Bank, North Carolina

Camping in Williamsburg, Virginia

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Camping in Williamsburg Virginia at Anvil Campground

Williamsburg, Virginia vacation camping at Anvil Campground.
When your choose lodging for your Williamsburg, Virginia vacation camping at Anvil Campground should be an option you consider.

When your choose lodging for your Williamsburg, Virginia vacation camping should be an option you consider. One of the things I most looked forward to when we started our camping journey was being able to not only camp for vacations, but also, using the camper for mini trips or even staycations. Having our little home on wheels with us is both convenient, cost effective and fun.

Though we live just across the James River and can take the ferry over to Williamsburg, Va we decided to rent a spot at Anvil Campground and make it a weekend trip there. We had a full day planned at Busch Gardens Williamsburg early for an early Dr. Guy Harvey meet and greet and then were going to see a concert there around 7:30, followed by fireworks at 9:30 so it was going to be a long day.

Anvil Campground is a great place to stay when visiting Williamsburg, Va

Why choose Anvil Campground for your Williamsburg, Virginia vacation?

The Anvil campground is a quick 12-15 minutes drive from Busch Gardens and is tucked away in the trees off Mooretown Rd, but still close enough to drive to plenty of restaurants and all that Williamsburg has to offer. I could see this being a perfect base hub for a trip to Colonial Williamsburg for someone that has never been. Anvil Campground has a nice layout with full hookups available and gravel spots. There are many amenities like a playground for children, children’s activities, a pool, game room,
general store and grilling areas.

Anvil Campground in Williamsburg, Virginia
Anvil Campground is tucked away in the trees off Mooretown Rd , but it is still close enough to all that Colonial Williamsburg has to offer

We were impressed with how friendly everyone we met at Anvil was and how helpful the staff were. From checking in, getting something we forgot at the general store and then checking out the staff of Anvil Campground were awesome. The general store on property has a wide variety of essential items for camping to purchase including items to make s’mores, cooking items, games and also, a good selection of RV hook up items. It was nice not to have to leave to go get ice or small things we wanted during our stay we didn’t bring. Their prices were also, reasonable.

Reasons to Camp in Williamsburg, Virginia

It rained during the day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and let me tell you having the camper near was essential to making things easy for our visit. Everything I needed from a change of clothes to the umbrellas were right there. It was great and go take a shower, get on some dry clothes and have a place to relax in the ac for a snack without having to take the ferry back to our house. This is a huge perk considering Virginia’s hot summers! Camping at Anvil Campground in Williamsburg, Virginia allowed us to be comfortable when we returned to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for the concert.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Guy Harvey Meet and Greet
Dr. Guy Harvey meet and greet
at Busch Garden’s Williamsburg

Going camping doesn’t just mean going out for a week at a time in the woods it can also, mean short staycations and the option of having the familiarity of home close by. I can’t tell you how convenient having the Lilly Pad was for this busy weekend! The cost of renting a spot to camp at Anvil Campground in Williamsburg, Virginia even with full hookups is a fraction of the price of hotels and all my own personal comforts are included. The option to bring and cook your own food camping can also, be a money saver especially for a larger family.

For me it’s great to be able to pack the RV with our essentials and not have to lug them in/out. I’m able to use my favorite shampoo instead of the hotel/travel sized options, feel like everything I’m using is clean and it’s such a wonderful feeling to sleep in our own bed after a long day. I would definitely recommend camping and using the Anvil Campground to others visiting the Williamsburg area.

Know someone planning a trip to the Williamsburg please share my article with them ☺️ Check out my other fun camping articles too. If you enjoyed my review please be sure to pin it/share it.

Camping in the Outer Bank, North Carolina

Let’s Go RVing (featuring different types of campsites)

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Camping on the Outer Banks of North Carolina: Oregon Inlet Campground


Beach on the Atlantic Ocean at Oregon Inlet Campground

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has had a piece of my heart since I was a girl. As soon as I had my driver’s permit I couldn’t wait to take my suv to the beach and drive on the sand. Many weekends growing up I spent fishing and laying in the sun on Oregon Inlet. As an adult I’ve stayed in too many Outer Banks hotels and rentals to count. I feel like the OBX is a part of me.

Site 35B Oregon Inlet Campground
Site 35B Oregon Inlet Campground

For me being able to camp on the Outer Banks is literally a dream come true. For those of you interested in camping on the OBX there are many camping choices. I am new to rving having just remodeled an almost 30 year old Sunline Saturn I’ve named the Lilly Pad. This trip to Oregon Inlet Campground was our madden trip and the campground featured can be booked on recreation.gov . The online booking process was very easy as was the checkin and out at the location.

Oregon Inlet Campground 101

campground layout at Oregon Inlet Campground
Provided campground layout at Oregon Inlet Campground

Oregon Inlet Campground is compromised of three sections. Section A is solely for tent camping and B/C allows for tents and RV’s (some offering electric and water hook ups). Generators are also, allowed to be used from 7am-10pm in B/C. The campground is across the street from the Oregon Inlet fishing area which has a dump station, fresh water hook up for getting your potable water and a small store for necessities.

Freshly caught Wanchese, Nc shrimp from the market
Freshly caught Wanchese, Nc shrimp from the market.

You can also, often buy fresh fish in the area or drive a few miles North to Sugar Shack Fish Market Oyster Bar and Grill for them. Sweet NC shrimp purchased fresh from the Sugar Shack Fish Market are hard to beat in the OBX! Cooking up fresh, local seafood makes a wonderful addition to any beach camping experience.

go 4x4 in the obx
Get an off road permit to drive your own 4×4 vehicle on the beach or rent one while you’re at the beach and have a unique driving experience you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to bring your GoPro!

This campground is well maintained, has a ranger station and onsite host volunteers. The best part is the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean is right over the dunes of the camping area. A quick walk from the campground and you can swim in the cool green water of the island or catch your dinner. You can also, get an off road vehicle permit and drive your 4×4 vehicle on the beach and park at your chosen beach spot while visiting the OBX.

Things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina

captain George’s kill devil hills
If you’re looking for some of the freshest seafood in the OBX give Captain George’s a try. This is a local favorite for all you can eat seafood and includes crab legs on the buffet. Captain George’s is about a 25 min drive North to Kill Devil Hills.

The towns of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are a quick drive North and have many grocery stores and restaurants to choose from as well as plenty of shopping. The Bodie Lighthouse is also, a few miles up the street from the OI campground as well as one of my favorite NC beaches Coquina beach. A further drive North for a day trip and one can visit the quaint town of Duck, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse or even go see the wild horses of Corolla on a horse adventure or hop on an atv and ride the dunes.

Bodie Lighthouse
Bodie Lighthouse, a short drive from the Oregon Inlet Campground

If you’re looking to explore I highly suggest booking a flight over the islands through OBX Air Planes. You’ll definitely get a better appreciation for how the beautiful outer banks is laid out and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see a few shipwrecks and maybe even some dolphins. There is just something extra special about flying over the Wright Brother’s memorial area knowing it is the site of the birth of flight itself!

Flying over the OBX in a small plane
Flying over the OBX in a small plane with just your family is a vacation memory you’ll be sure to treasure!

If flying isn’t your thing you can also, choose to drive to the Wright Brother’s Memorial and walk the grounds on foot or consider a visit the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island to see some cool ocean life by foot too and a ship wreck. An immersed model of the the SS Monitor is in one of their exhibits. Roanoke Island is also, home to many restaurants and shops.

Scuppernong Vineyards in the shops of Downtown Manteo
Visiting Scuppernong Vineyards in the shops of Downtown Manteo. The scuppernong grape is native to NC and has a delicious sweet taste and fragrance. If you love wine do yourself a favor and go try some scuppernong wine 🍷 💕

If you’re a nature lover definitely visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens on the picturesque sound of Roanoke Island. There is plenty for the history buffs too like seeing the wonderful outdoor drama the Lost Colony , visiting Festival Park to see a replica Elizabeth II ship and historical artifacts from the area.

H2OBX
H2OBX has so much to offer no matter your preference for water fun. From sitting back in a lounge chair and watching everyone else, to speeding down tubes into the warm blue water or eating fish tacos and enjoying a watermelon milkshake you’ll find it all at H2OBX.

If you’re into fishing you can book a fishing charter right out of Oregon Inlet across from the campground! Not that you will, but if you get tired of the beach and like water fun you can drive north to check out the new H2OBX water park too while you’re in town. H2OBX has plenty to offer for the whole family from a huge lazy river, water rides the whole family can fit on, single and double tubing rides, delicious food and fun apparel shopping. Spending a day at H2OBX definitely is a great addition to any trip to the beach.

The OBX will always have a piece of my heart and I love sharing all my fun experiences and finds so you too will fall in love with the OBX!

From wild horses, the birth of flight, fresh seafood and breathtaking beaches the the area surrounding the Oregon Inlet Campground doesn’t disappoint. Camping among the dunes and opening the windows to hear the ocean were a big perk of this campground and a highlight to this adventure for me. I would highly recommend a trip to the OBX!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my article please share/pin it and if you know someone planning a trip to the OBX please share my article with them too☺️

Visit a North Carolina Aquarium

and my other camping and recreational vehicle related posts:

Camping in Williamsburg, Va

Let’s Go Camping (Featuring Different Types of Campsites)

Camping on the Outer Banks