Best RV Parks Near Disney World: Family Camping Guide

You’ve lobbed your fast passes and planned character meet-and-greets, but here’s a thought what if your Disney World vacation included a campsite under the stars instead of a hotel lobby? For families craving a dash of adventure (and some budget relief), RV camping near Walt Disney World delivers just that. You get proximity to the parks plus a built-in playground: nature, campfires, and that warm, “we’re on vacation!” feeling that only RV life can provide.

Why RV Camping Makes Sense for Families

Maybe you’ve stayed in a themed resort once—or five times. Resorts are great, but there’s something to be said for rolling out of bed in your own camper, brewing coffee in a familiar nook, and parking just miles from Cinderella’s Castle. RV camping offers:

• Cost Savings: Skip pricey on-property hotels—RV sites often run $40–$70 per night for full hookups.
• Space & Privacy: A living area, bunks or convertible dinettes, and storage for all your jackets, snacks, and stuffed animals.
• Flexibility: Cook breakfast in your kitchenette, then roast marshmallows at night without leaving “home.”
• Convenience: Park near the parks, then hop on Disney transportation or drive a few minutes to avoid long rides home after fireworks.

Top 5 RV Parks Close to Disney World

1. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Distance to Magic Kingdom: 3 miles

It’s the classic choice for families who want Disney magic at every turn—plus campfires and horses. Fort Wilderness has been open since 1971, and it shows: sprawling loops of shady pine, a marina for canoeing, and nightly campfire sing-alongs with Chip ‘n’ Dale themselves. Kids can join pony rides at Tri-Circle D Ranch or splash in the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool while parents relax under a string of twinkling lanterns.

• Site Types: Preferred campsites (pull-through, concrete pads), Meadow campsites (grassy loops), pet-friendly loops.
• Amenities: Full water/electric/sewer hookups, dump stations, laundry, playgrounds, fishing, archery range.
• Tip: Book exactly 499 days ahead—this is Disney, after all. Preferred sites fill fastest, especially during holiday weeks.

2. Thousand Trails Orlando RV Resort

Distance to Epcot: 12 miles

Located just off State Road 535, Thousand Trails feels like a small resort unto itself. There’s a spring-fed lake for catch-and-release fishing, an amphitheater for live shows, and a clubhouse with coffee bar. Even the children’s program is surprisingly well run: nature crafts, scavenger hunts, and evening movies under the stars.

• Site Types: Pull-through and back-in sites with 30/50-amp power, water, and sewer.
• Amenities: Heated pool, splash pad, playground, horseshoes, fitness center, evening entertainment.
• Tip: Membership isn’t required—pay-as-you-go rates are very reasonable, but inquire about seasonal or military discounts.

3. The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Alternative: Orange Lake Resort

Distance to Disney Springs: 8 miles

If Fort Wilderness is booked solid (it does happen), Orange Lake Resort is your next best bet. Just a quick drive down Jones Road, this sprawling campground offers RV sites plus one- and two-bedroom cabins. The three massive pools, water slides, and mini-golf are perfect for corral-breaking days when no one wants to queue for rides.

• Site Types: Full-service RV sites, lakeside sites, premium sites near resort amenities.
• Amenities: Six pools including a lazy river, kids’ splash zone, arcade, fitness center, boat rentals.
• Tip: Look for “West Village” sites if you want fewer crowds; it’s quieter but still close to the main clubhouse.

4. Lake Magic RV Resort & Campground

Distance to Universal Orlando: 14 miles

Though a bit farther afield, Lake Magic RV is a newer facility with all the bells and whistles: high-speed Wi-Fi, full concrete pads with fiber hookups, and a TV lounge. The real standout is Lake Magic itself—a 23-acre spring lake perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding right from your campsite.

• Site Types: Pull-through sites with 30/50-amp service, lake-view sites, seasonal rentals available.
• Amenities: Clubhouse with full kitchen for group gatherings, fitness room, pet park, boat launch.
• Tip: Bring or rent a kayak. Paddling at sunrise here is downright magical—and quieter than the parks.

5. Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina

Distance to Disney Springs: 8 miles

For families into boating, Pirate’s Cove sits on Lake Davenport and boasts 130 boat slips—so if you’ve ever wanted to motor or pontoon across glittering water between Disney turns, this is your spot. The campground itself is shaded by oaks, and nighttime views across the lake to distant theme-park fireworks might just top that evening parade.

• Site Types: Pull-through spaces, lakeside sites, premium waterfront sites with dock access.
• Amenities: Marina convenience store, boat ramp, laundry, fishing pier, clubhouse.
• Tip: Schedule a pontoon sunset cruise—kids get to eat their camp dinner on deck, and parents get a private view of EPCOT’s fireworks across the water.

How to Choose the Right RV Park for Your Family

With so many options, focus on three key factors:

• Proximity vs. Price: Fort Wilderness is unbeatable for location—but not cheap. Balance nightly rates against your family’s tolerance for driving 10–15 minutes each morning.
• Amenities vs. Atmosphere: Some families crave resort-style pools and slide towers; others prefer hammock-hung serenity. Decide if you’re here for neighborly bingo night or a quiet campfire.
• Space & Setup: Consider your RV’s length and slide-outs. Pull-through sites save you the hassle, especially when kids are redirecting you at check-in.

Booking Tips & Timing

Disney’s own campground books at 499 days out—mark your calendar the moment your kids start asking, “When are we going to Disney again?” For private parks, midweek arrivals often score lower rates and the best sites. Always read cancellation policies—Florida weather can be unpredictable, and flexibility is your friend.

Packing Checklist for RV Families

• Outdoor rug and camp chairs—defines “front porch” space.
• Extension cords and surge protector for hookups.
• Black-tank cleaner and RV‐specific toilet paper.
• Board games, glow sticks, and headlamps for rainy afternoons.
• Portable grill or slide‐out camp kitchen accessories.

Making Memories Beyond the Parks

Walt Disney World provides the thrills, but your RV campground delivers the unscripted moments: pancake breakfasts cooked by little hands, fireflies dancing through the pines, and that satisfied exhaustion when everyone finally collapses after a day of rides and nature walks. When you combine the convenience of Disney proximity with the freedom of your own rolling home, you create a vacation that truly has it all.

Ready to roll? Hit the road, find that perfect campsite, and let your family’s Disney story unfold under a canopy of stars.

For a deeper dive on planning your Orlando camping adventure, see our comprehensive Orlando camping guide.