Where to get rental tent camping equipment (or buy cheap stuff)?

[MalkaR]

Back in 2017, we stayed at Fort Wilderness in a tent with cots that we rented directly from the campground. It was our first time camping and we were hooked; been tent camping locally since then! We'll be back in a couple months so I just asked on the chat and was told they no longer rent out tents and cots. Does anyone know of a service that would do that or would it be more cost efficient to pick up cheap stuff from Walmart? We're flying in so I can't bring my extensive camping supplies from home.

 

[bama_ed]

No service rents tent camping gear that I'm aware of.

I would suggest looking into ground shipments ahead of your arrival (UPS, etc.) for things allowed (no fuel cannisters for example). Put name and arrival date and FW Guest Services will store them for you until you check in. Don't know if you're going to rent a car but save the shipping box and use it to return ship your stuff home and drop off at a UPS store on the way back to the airport. Don't forget to bring the roll of tape. Probably cheaper than paying the airline for a second luggage piece full of stuff.

And you will likely need to buy some gear/things while there of course.

I'm glad to hear your family had a good experience years ago and are willing to try it again.

Bama Ed

 

[MalkaR]

No service rents tent camping gear that I'm aware of.

I would suggest looking into ground shipments ahead of your arrival (UPS, etc.) for things allowed (no fuel cannisters for example). Put name and arrival date and FW Guest Services will store them for you until you check in. Don't know if you're going to rent a car but save the shipping box and use it to return ship your stuff home and drop off at a UPS store on the way back to the airport. Don't forget to bring the roll of tape. Probably cheaper than paying the airline for a second luggage piece full of stuff.

And you will likely need to buy some gear/things while there of course.

I'm glad to hear your family had a good experience years ago and are willing to try it again.

Bama Ed

Thank you for all of the helpful tips!

 

[tinkerjo]

Personally, while I love tent camping, I would rent a camper. They have some smaller, more affordable campers that you can use in the tent loops. There is just so much gear you need when you tent camp that you may have as much money tied up in gear that you can’t take back home on a plane anyway. Plus the bonus is you get a bathroom!! As I get older, I find this important. Not at the Fort, but I have camped some places I didn’t think I would make it to tinkle in time d/t the long walk to the bathrooms which is not pleasant at 2 AM. The rental company sets everything up and you’re ready to go when you get there. Just something to consider.

 

[StormyCA]

Shipping can get really pricy for larger or 'irregular' items plus if you have really nice gear, do you want to take the chance that it gets lost or damaged? Walmart & Target usually have inexpensive cheap tents, sleeping bags, & misc camping gear. I expect stock would depend on when you're going. Plus you'd have to make your way from Ft W to the store to stock up so unless you're renting a car you'd have to figure in the cost of an Uber.

I'd compare the cost of shipping vs the cost of buying cheap gear. If you go with 'cheap and cheerful' when you're done you could always ask your Fort 'neighbors' if they want anything or donate the gear to a local charity so the expense isn't a total waste.

 

[jimmymc]

There isn't a good rental place in Orlando that I know of. I fly with my camping equipment all the time. Wrap the tent in sleeping bags and put it in checked luggage. You'd still have to make a supply stop, but it's better than buying all new gear.

 

[redrosesix]

you said you do a lot of camping so you likely have all of the gear you need. it would be easier just to put it in checked baggage in a suitcase

we have flown with our gear and are able to easily fit 2 backpacking tents, 4 sleeping bags, our small camp stove but no fuel, and pots and dishes because they're very light. not a surprise because a lot of this travels in one large backpack on our backcountry trips

 

[MalkaR]

you said you do a lot of camping so you likely have all of the gear you need. it would be easier just to put it in checked baggage in a suitcase

we have flown with our gear and are able to easily fit 2 backpacking tents, 4 sleeping bags, our small camp stove but no fuel, and pots and dishes because they're very light. not a surprise because a lot of this travels in one large backpack on our backcountry trips

I wish! I fill an entire minivan with our supplies! I doubt we'd be able pack it all.

 

[BarlowFamily]

We were at the Fort for Thanksgiving and our neighbor mentioned a facebook group for odds and ends that people rotate and share around the fort. We were specifically talking about fire pits. There's a handful that keep moving around as folks share the communal/left behind items. I'm not on facebook, but if you are it might be worth a look to see if you could supplement your own checked baggage gear with things already going around. Otherwise, it sounds like renting a pop-up from a company might be a good idea.