An Inside Look at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo

Looking for a vacation experience that takes you away from the crowds? How about one that takes you away from the 21st century! The Old West is alive and well in… Central Florida? That’s right. Located around an hour south of Walt Disney World, Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo is an authentic Florida dude ranch that’s close to the Orlando attractions but closer in spirit to the American frontier. From the Saturday Rodeo to the shooting range to covered wagons you can sleep in, River Ranch offers an immersive Wild West experience. But don’t be fooled, because this Westgate resort has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable stay. We’ve rounded up the best highlights from Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo to help you plan the perfect vacation. Let’s take a look!

About Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo

Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo occupies 1,700 unspoiled acres on the banks of the Kissimmee River. Centrally located in Polk County, Florida, the resort boasts a remote location in the Florida wilderness while offering convenience to Florida’s best attractions. The Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Orlando, and Miami are all just a short day trip away!

The largest dude ranch in Florida, Westgate River Ranch boasts a full-service marina, a shopping area, and even its own private airstrip. Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodations and enjoy endless on-site activities.

River Ranch has been the recipient of several awards and recognitions. In 2023, it was voted the #1 luxury glamping resort in America by USA Today. In 2021, InternetVibes.com ranked the River Ranch Rodeo, America’s longest-running Saturday night rodeo, one of the top ten in Florida. Moreover, in 2013 and -14, the resort won the coveted World’s Best Ranches Award from RanchWeb.com.

Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo Accommodations

Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo boasts a wide array of top-notch accommodations catering to travel parties and budgets of every size. So, whether you’re looking for the familiarity of a traditional Lodge Unit or the adventurousness of a glamping tent, River Ranch has the lodging option for you.

Lodge Units

The lodge units at Westgate River Ranch Resort range from cozy guest rooms to Deluxe Lodge Suites with all the comforts of home.

Lodge Guest Room | Sleeps 4

Right next door to the River Ranch saloon and just a short walk away from the Rodeo, the Lodge Guest Room is one of the best located and most popular accommodations at River Ranch Resort. Here is what the Lodge Guest Rooms feature:

• 2 Double Beds
• Full Bathroom with Shower/Tub Combo
• Kitchenette

Lodge Suite | Sleeps 2

The newly renovated Lodge Suite features everything you need to feel at home during your stay, including:

• 1 Queen Bed
• Full Bathroom with Shower/Tub Combo
• Kitchenette
• Mini Range (Stove Top & Oven)
• Screened-in Patio

Deluxe Lodge Suite | Sleeps 4

Located next to the swimming pool and sports courts, the deluxe lodge suite is the perfect lodging option for any family. Inside, guests will find a range of luxurious private amenities, such as:

• 1 Queen Bed
• Full Bathroom With Shower/Tub Combo
• Kitchenette
• Range (Stove Top and Oven)
• Private Patio Deck

Luxury Glamping Accommodations

Glamping combines the natural charms of camping with the glamor of a luxury resort. But why glamp just anywhere when you can do it at USA Today’s #1 glamping resort in America! Glamping guests enjoy luxury linens, concierge services, as well as air conditioning. But the thing that really helped River Ranch claim USA Today’s #1 spot is the uniqueness of its glamorous camping accommodations. Check them out!

Luxe Teepee | Sleeps 4

With a Luxe Concierge, complimentary resort activities, fine furnishings, as well as a fireplace, these aren’t your average teepees. Here’s what travelers will find inside the Luxe Teepees:

Luxe Conestoga Wagon | Sleeps 6

Covered wagons used to carry pioneers to the new frontier. At River Ranch, they carry you to the frontiers of camping luxury. Here’s just some of what you’ll find inside:

Luxury Glamping | Sleeps 4

With a private ensuite bathroom and over 500 square feet of fully furnished floor space, the Luxury Glamping tent is the ultimate way to enjoy nature. Every Luxury Glamping tent includes:

Florida Glamping | Sleeps 4

Shaded by trees and hidden away from the hustle and bustle, the Florida Glamping tents are perfect for couples and anyone who wants to enjoy the tranquility of nature. The Florida Glamping tent comes with:

• 1 King Bed
• 2 Twin Beds
• Private Bathroom Facility With Shower
• Kitchenette
• Morning Coffee Delivery

So, what exactly is glamping? Find out in our blog, “Luxury Glamping: Will I Actually Enjoy It?”

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Saddle Club Cabins

Looking for the luxury of a standalone unit with the rusticity of the frontier? Then, the Studio and One-Bedroom Grand Cabins at River Ranch are just the ticket!

Studio Cabin | Sleeps 4

Featuring new dark-wood furniture and homey amenities, the recently renovated Studio Cabins at River Ranch are as comfortable as they are cozy. Travelers staying in the Studio Cabin will enjoy:

• 1 Queen Bed
• 1 Queen Sleeper Sofa
• Full Bathroom With Shower/Jetted Tub Combo
• Kitchenette

One-Bedroom Grand Cabin | Sleeps 4

Remarkably spacious and featuring a fully equipped kitchen, this is one of the most luxurious accommodations at River Ranch Resort and Rodeo. Each One-Bedroom Grand Cabin comes generously appointed with the following:

• 1 King Bed
• 1 Queen Sleeper Sofa
• Full Bathroom With Walk-In Shower and Jetted Tub
• Full Kitchen
• Screened-In Patio or Wraparound Porch

Looking for a venue for your corporate retreat, friends’ getaway, or family reunion? Check out the group booking options on Nook!

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Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo Amenities

Located in rural Polk County, River Ranch is off the beaten path. But while you’ll need to drive to get to Florida’s more popular attractions, the resort offers everything you need to have a memorable vacation right on the property. From outdoor activities to on-site dining to America’s longest-running Saturday rodeo, here are some of the many amenities you’ll find at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo.

Outdoor Activities and Adventures

As you might expect from a dude ranch, outdoor activities and adventures are the order of the day at Westgate River Ranch Resort. A horseback riding stable lets you explore the Florida wilderness like a real cowboy, while a full-service marina lets you explore the scenic Kissimmee River with ease. There’s a nightly campfire lit by resort staff where you and your family can swap ghost stories and roast marshmallows. Or, you can attend the S’mores and Pours experience for a more adult-friendly affair. Other outdoor activities and adventures include the Cowboy Adventure Park, hiking trails, bike rentals, tennis and basketball courts, a mini-golf course, airboat and swamp buggy rides, trap shooting, a petting farm, and more!

Outdoor Pool

Florida is hot. And at a resort where the great outdoors is the main attraction, you need a way to beat the subtropical heat. No worries! Because at Westgate River Ranch, you can make a splash anytime at the outdoor pool. The pool makes the perfect central hub for your River Ranch vacation, giving your family a place to hang out in the evening, a refreshing way to start the day, as well as a great place to regroup after hot outdoor activities. Want to look like a real ranch hand? The pool also makes the perfect place to work on your tan!

Westgate Rodeo

The River Ranch Rodeo is the longest-running Saturday night rodeo in the United States. Held every Saturday at 7:30 pm, this award-winning rodeo will dazzle your family with bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding, as well as a patriotic tribute to America’s armed forces. Tickets are $32.05 for adults and $26.70 for children. However, rodeo tickets are included gratis when you book certain accommodations.

Shopping

Westgate River Ranch Resort boasts an enticing shopping area catering to a range of needs. Stop by the general store to stock up on essentials such as toiletries and food. Or, treat yourself to a cowboy makeover at the Western Store, which is open on weekends. Whether you need necessities or accessories, you’ll find what you’re looking for at River Ranch!

Dining

River Ranch boasts several on-site dining options with a variety of delicious grub, sure to please your whole posse. Book a table at the River Ranch Cattle Company for a night-out experience without the night-out hassle. This “ranch chic” steakhouse serves choice cuts of beef cooked to your specifications, as well as fresh seafood, all prepared with local Florida ingredients. In the mood for barbecue? At Smokehouse on the River, you can get your fill of pulled pork, smoked chicken, sausage and more, all while enjoying scenic waterfront views. Other food and drink outlets include Rodeo Ray’s Pizza, Graze (located in the Cowboy Adventure Park), the Coffee Coral, and the popular River Ranch Saloon, featuring live entertainment, line dancing, as well as a mechanical bull!

Book Your Westgate River Ranch Resort Vacation Today!

So, are you ready to book your Wild West vacation? Nook makes it easy to find available bookings. Simply follow the link below to secure your dates. Then, slip on your boots, saddle up, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Browse Our Full Lineup of Outdoor Vacation Accommodations!

On the fence about River Ranch? Nook is your one-stop shop for the best outdoor vacation destinations in America. We believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy nature, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice convenience to find your perfect outdoor hotel. Therefore, we’ve curated the country’s top outdoor properties and assembled them in one easy-to-navigate platform. So what are you waiting for?