The Complete Guide to Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Looking for a Florida vacation that’s a little different from theme parks and beaches? Then Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo needs to be on your radar.

Tucked away in Central Florida, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle most people associate with a Florida vacation. Here you’ll trade roller coasters for horseback rides, character breakfasts for campfires and crowded theme parks for wide-open spaces.

And you don’t exactly have to rough it either.

From luxury glamping tents and teepees to Conestoga wagons, cabins and traditional lodge rooms, there are accommodations for just about every type of traveler. Add in horseback riding, airboat rides, a weekly rodeo, a water park, animals and plenty of outdoor adventures, and you have the makings of a pretty memorable Florida getaway.

Whether you’re planning a family trip, a weekend getaway or just looking for something completely different to do in Florida, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo and why it’s a must for your family travel bucket list.

Where is Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo?

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is located at 3200 River Ranch Boulevard in River Ranch, Florida, along the Kissimmee River.

This isn’t your typical Orlando resort, and that’s part of the appeal.

Once you arrive, the resort really becomes the destination. Instead of planning your days around leaving the property, you’ll find enough activities, restaurants and entertainment right at the ranch to keep everyone busy. We never left the ranch once during our stay.

If you’re adding River Ranch to a longer Florida vacation, I’d personally treat it as its own two- or three-night getaway rather than somewhere to stay while visiting Orlando attractions.

There’s simply too much to do here to use it only as a place to sleep.

What is Westgate River Ranch?

Think Florida dude ranch meets family resort.

Westgate River Ranch brings a little bit of the Wild West to Central Florida with horses, rodeos, campfires and outdoor adventures, but mixes those experiences with modern resort amenities.

You can spend your morning riding a horse, hop aboard an airboat in the afternoon and watch bull riding at the rodeo that evening.

Or, new for 2025, you can spend half the day at the River Country Water Park . Sadly this wasn’t open during our stay but it looks like a fabulous addition to an already magical place. 

It’s that kind of place.

Where to Stay at Westgate River Ranch

Choosing your accommodations is one of the most important decisions you’ll make because there are some seriously unique places to sleep here.

Westgate offers everything from traditional lodge rooms and cabins to RV and tent camping, glamping tents, Luxe Teepees and Conestoga Wagons.

Glamping Tents

If sleeping under canvas sounds fun but sleeping on the ground absolutely does not, this is your answer.

Westgate’s glamping tents sleep up to four and feature real beds, linens, heating and air conditioning, a microwave and refrigerator. Guests also receive access to their own locked private bathroom facility with a shower a short walk from the tent.

There’s even a glamping concierge, morning beverage service and a nightly campfire prepared by staff.

Basically, camping without most of the parts I don’t like about camping.

Luxury Glamping

Want to take things up another notch?

The Luxury Glamping accommodations offer more than 500 square feet of climate-controlled space and, importantly, a private en-suite bathroom.

Guests also receive extra perks including a personal glamping concierge, golf cart and morning coffee and pastry delivery.

If you’re someone who loves the idea of glamping but needs your own bathroom five feet away, this would be my pick.

Luxe Teepees

Then there are the teepees.

These take the whole “sleep somewhere memorable” concept to another level.

The Luxe Teepees give you that unique outdoor experience but with the comforts you’d expect from a luxury stay.

They’re exactly the kind of accommodations kids are going to remember long after the vacation is over.

And let’s be honest, they’re pretty fun for adults too.

Luxe Conestoga Wagons

You can even sleep in a covered wagon. This is where we stayed during our trip and we absolutely loved them. 

The Luxe Conestoga Wagons sleep up to six guests and are climate controlled.  The kids had their own, separate bunk bed sleeping area which they absolutely loved.

Guests staying in the Luxe Wagons also receive several extra perks, including a personal concierge, golf cart, morning coffee and pastry delivery, nightly campfire and VIP rodeo benefits. All must dos. 

The golf carts made getting around the expansive resort so easy and the morning breakfast delivery and nightly campfire made sure we started and ended each day perfectly. 

if you’re booking a trip, I highly recommend  staying at the Conestoga Wagons just for the additional amenities. This would be such a fun option for a family or multigenerational trip.

Cabins, Lodge Rooms, RV & Tent Camping

If themed accommodations aren’t your thing, don’t worry.

Westgate also has more traditional cabins and lodge rooms, along with RV and tent camping.

That’s one thing I really like about this resort: you can have two families visit the same property with completely different vacation budgets and completely different ideas of “camping.”

Things to Do at Westgate River Ranch

This is where Westgate River Ranch really shines.

There are A LOT of activities, and many of them are things you simply aren’t doing at a normal Florida hotel.

Some activities cost extra and reservations may be required, so don’t arrive assuming everything is automatically included with your room.

I’d actually look through the activities before your trip and decide which ones are must-dos for your family.

Go Horseback Riding

You can’t visit a dude ranch without getting on a horse.

Guided horseback rides take guests along the ranch’s trails and last about 45 minutes.

For me, this is one of those experiences that makes the trip feel like an actual ranch vacation instead of simply staying at a Western-themed resort.

Make reservations in advance if horseback riding is high on your list, and don’t forget closed-toe shoes.

Also be sure and say high to Annie during your stay. We loved Annie and made sure to visit with her each day, several times a day. All we had to do was call her name and she ran to the fence to greet us. 

Take an Airboat Ride

This one screams Florida and was an absolute blast. 

Westgate offers guided airboat rides along the Kissimmee River where you may spot alligators, turtles, bald eagles and other Florida wildlife. We say them all during our ride. 

It’s a fun way to experience the completely different, wild side of Florida that you don’t see inside the theme parks.

And if you’ve never been on an airboat before, add it to your list. You won’t regret it. 

Ride a Swamp Buggy

You can also climb aboard a swamp buggy for an off-road adventure through the property. There was a bit of a drought while we were visiting so we didn’t get the full “swamp” effect but we still had a blast! 

The girls still talk about this. 

The elevated vehicles can tackle rough terrain while giving riders a better view of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.

It’s another experience that makes Westgate River Ranch feel completely different from the typical Florida resort.

Visit the Petting Farm

Traveling with younger kids?

Make time for the petting farm.

You’ll find familiar farm animals along with some more unusual residents, and it’s an easy activity to fit into your day between some of the bigger adventures.

And obviously bring your camera.

Spend the Day at River Country Water Park (new for 2025)

One of the biggest additions to Westgate River Ranch is River Country Water Park.

The water park features three waterslides, a large lagoon-style pool and a children’s splash area with mini slides, spray cannons and dump buckets.

There are also themed cabanas available and food and drinks nearby.

This changes the resort quite a bit for families because you can now balance horseback riding, ranch activities and outdoor adventures with a water park day.

Especially in the Florida heat, I’m not complaining.

If you’re staying several nights, I’d absolutely leave part of one day open just for the water park. 

I’ve already told the family we need another trip back just for the water park! 

Don’t Miss the Saturday Night Rodeo

If you’re deciding which days to book your trip, I’d strongly consider including a Saturday night.  I didn’t know the rodeo only happens on Saturday so we sadly missed this during our stay,  I’m still bummed about it. 

The Saturday Night Rodeo is one of Westgate River Ranch’s signature experiences.

Every Saturday evening, riders compete in events including barrel racing, trick riding and bull riding in a family-friendly rodeo experience.

Even if you’ve never considered yourself a rodeo person, this is one of those experiences I’d do at least once simply because you’re here.

You’re staying at a dude ranch.

Go to the rodeo.

Check Out Cowboy Adventure Park

For even more to do, head over to Cowboy Adventure Park.

You’ll find activities including a mechanical bull, rock climbing, gel blasters and gem mining.

Some attractions require an additional fee and may have age, height or weight restrictions, so check those before promising the kids anything.

Between Cowboy Adventure Park, the water park and all the outdoor activities, I don’t think you’ll hear “I’m bored” very often.

Cowboy Dinner & Hayride

For another Western-style experience, book the Cowboy Dinner & Hayride.

The experience combines a tractor-pulled hayride with live country music followed by a barbecue dinner.

It’s exactly the kind of activity I’d add to an itinerary when you want the entire weekend to feel like part of the ranch experience.

Instead of simply eating dinner at another restaurant, you’re turning dinner into another vacation memory.

Where to Eat at Westgate River Ranch

You don’t need to leave the ranch every time everyone gets hungry.

There are several dining options right on the property, which is especially convenient since this is the kind of resort where you’ll probably spend most of your trip.

River Ranch Cattle Company

For a sit-down dinner, River Ranch Cattle Company serves steaks, barbecue, seafood and classic sides and desserts.

This would be my pick for one of your nicer dinners during the trip.

And really, if you’re staying at a dude ranch, ordering a steak just seems appropriate.

Smokehouse on the River

If BBQ with a view sounds more your speed, Smokehouse on the River overlooks the Kissimmee River and serves lunch and dinner.

We ate here several times during our trip and it was fabulous each and every time. 

This is another easy option when you don’t want to leave the resort in the middle of your day.

River Ranch Saloon

And because this is a dude ranch, of course there’s a saloon.

The River Ranch Saloon is located near the rodeo arena and hosts country-western entertainment and line dancing on select nights.

That’s another reason I’d plan a weekend stay if your schedule allows.

How Many Nights Do You Need at Westgate River Ranch?

I’d plan on at least two nights, preferably with a Saturday included. If you can swing it,  stay 3 nights to really take everything in. 

Two nights gives you enough time to experience several ranch activities, enjoy the property and attend the Saturday Night Rodeo without feeling like you’re racing from one reservation to another.

For families who want a water park day plus horseback riding, an airboat or swamp buggy adventure and plenty of downtime, three nights would be even better.

This isn’t a resort I’d personally book for one night unless it was simply a quick stop on a longer road trip.

There’s too much here to do and enjoy..

Is Westgate River Ranch Good for Kids?

Absolutely. It is the best for kids. Our trip was in April of 2024. It’s now a year later I’m updating this article and the girls still talk about this trip and how bad they want to go back. 

Between the horses, petting farm, water park, Cowboy Adventure Park, outdoor activities and rodeo, there’s plenty here for families.

What I especially like is that it isn’t another screen-based or ride-heavy vacation.

Kids can get dirty.

They can see animals.

They can spend time outside.

They can try something they’ve probably never done before.

Everybody wins.

Is Westgate River Ranch Close to Disney World?

Westgate River Ranch is in Central Florida, but this isn’t a Disney-area hotel.  In fact, it’s about 2 hours outside of Walt Disney World.

If your primary goal is spending every day at the Orlando theme parks, I’d stay closer to Orlando for that portion of the trip and then move to Westgate River Ranch for a couple of nights.

Think of it as a vacation within your vacation.  We started our vacation at Westgate River Ranch for a few days before moving into Orlando for the second half. 

Spend several days doing Disney or Universal, then trade the crowds and theme parks for horses, campfires and wide-open spaces. 

It’s a pretty fun way to experience two completely different sides of Florida on the same trip.

What Should You Pack for Westgate River Ranch?

Pack for the activities you actually plan on doing.

I’d bring comfortable clothes, sneakers, closed-toe shoes for horseback riding, swimsuits and sunscreen for River Country, bug spray, hats and plenty of casual clothes.

I’d also bring something a little Western for the rodeo because when else are you going to have the excuse?

If you’re staying in one of the glamping accommodations, check exactly what’s included with your particular room category before packing.

The amenities vary quite a bit between standard glamping and the Luxe experiences.

Is Westgate River Ranch Worth It?

If you’re looking for a Florida vacation that feels completely different from Disney, Universal and the beach, I think that’s exactly where Westgate River Ranch fits.

It’s not simply a hotel with a Western theme slapped on it.

The experience is the reason you go.

You’re horseback riding, watching a rodeo, riding an airboat, hanging around a campfire, visiting animals and sleeping in accommodations you probably won’t find on a typical family vacation.

And somehow you’re doing all of this in Florida.

That’s what makes it interesting.

I’d especially consider Westgate River Ranch for families who have already taken the traditional Orlando vacation and want to see another side of Central Florida – or anyone looking for a unique Florida weekend getaway that feels much farther away from Orlando than it actually is.

Sometimes the best trips are the ones that look nothing like your usual vacation.

And trading the theme parks for horses, campfires and a little Wild West adventure sounds pretty good to me.