In the heart of Walt Disney World is a rustic setting known as Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Unlike Disney’s other luxury resorts, or even their more modestly-priced “value” resorts, Fort Wilderness is, well, pretty much just wilderness.

The accommodations at Fort Wilderness are simple - there are camping sites designed to allow for tents and RV hook-ups, as well as rustic, yet comfortable, wilderness cabins, designed to sleep 6 people (on actual beds). The campsites offer a charcoal grill and picnic table, outlets, water and access to toilet facilities, private showers and laundry services. I am not quite that adventurous, but I do enjoy a stay in the wilderness cabins, which are basically like a mini, private hotel suite (but much more quaint, of course). They have their own bathroom, complete with shower, a bedroom with a full-size bed and bunk beds, a living room that features a neat Murphy bed that pulls down from the wall, a kitchen and dining area, and what every good hotel room needs, two television sets and running electricity. It’s a great vacation spot for larger groups and it seems more secluded, and fun, than simply staying in your standard hotel room.

The campground itself is also a really fun place. You can go horseback riding, on a carriage ride, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, fishing, boating, go on a Segway tour, do some shopping at one of the two stores on site, attend the nightly campfire sign-a-long, roast marshmallows, watch an outdoor movie, meet Chip ‘n Dale, visit the on-site bar, play at the arcade, enjoy a game of tennis and more. There also is a buffet restaurant, as well as two dinner shows - the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, which offers singing, dancing and buckets of ribs and chicken; and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, a picnic atmosphere with Disney characters.

It’s a great place to “get back to basics” while enjoying more luxuries than your average campsite. Plus, staying at Fort Wilderness allows you all the same privileges as staying at any Disney hotel - early entry to the theme parks and free transportation anywhere on Disney property. In fact, the campground is located just a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, which serves as yet another reminder that you’re not as far away from civilization as the dense woods that engulf you would suggest.

To book a stay at Fort Wilderness visit DisneyWorld.com, or call 407-W-DISNEY.

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