RIVER RANCH, Florida – Experience the old wild west with a modern twist at the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers glamping, horse riding, an authentic rodeo, and more!
“Westgate River Ranch is the most unique vacation experience in the state of Florida,” said Ray Duncan, executive general manager of the resort.
The ranch sits on the Kissimmee River and occupies 1,700 acres of central Florida. From the petting zoo to trips with the swap buggy, there is no shortage of activities.
“It’s a way to reconnect with nature and relive the story of the American cowboy – something a lot of people don’t know is that it started right here in the great state of Florida,” said Duncan.
Accommodations
Whether you want to rough it up with a primitive tent or indulge yourself with a two bedroom cabin, this resort has something for every comfort.
Westgate River Ranch is known for its glamping options. You can keep it simple with a glamping tent, or opt for the Luxe Tipi, which has a fireplace and attached bathroom.
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Glamping tent on the Westgate River Ranch
Starting in March, the resort will also be offering luxury glamping (121 square meters larger than the normal glamping tent and with attached bathroom) and Luxe Conestoga Wagons (seating six guests versus four for the other glamping options).
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Rendering of Conestoga Wagons coming to Westgate River Ranch in March 2021
Both the tee pees and wagons come with a golf cart for navigating the large resort, a personal concierge with breakfast and ice delivery, VIP tickets and seating for the rodeo, Adventure Park passes and complementary resort activities.
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Luxe teepee on the Westgate River Ranch
Additional accommodations include platform camping (tent on a platform), RV sites and lodge rooms / suites.
activities
Zip lining, archery and rock climbing – oh my god! This dude ranch is full of outdoor family activities.
The adventure park is a great place to do so much in one place:
- Bungee jumper
- Mini golf
- Mechanical bull
- Zip line
- Rock climbing
There are many activities throughout the property that you can enjoy as well:
- Horse riding (45-minute guided ride)
- Pony riding
- Petting zoo (pigs, goats, llamas, ponies, horses and more!)
- Airboat Rides (40-minute ride along the Kissimmee River with lots of alligators and birds)
- Bow and arrow shooting range
- Full service marina and boat rental
- Fishing (you can get your fishing license by phone at the marina and there is also a catch and release pond)
- Swamp Buggy Rides (40-minute ride that gives you elevated views of Florida’s natural terrain)
- Trap and Skeet shooting range
The Westgate River Ranch also has a pool, tennis and basketball courts.
rodeo
The Westgate River Ranch has one of the oldest rodeos in Florida. The rodeo takes place every Saturday evening at 7:30 am. Bull riders from across the country come over to compete and try to stay on a jerking bull for at least 8 seconds.
The show also has a barrel racing competition, where riders try to get their horses through the barrels quickly without knocking them over, as well as trick rides and a trick roper to add to the entertainment.
After the rodeo, head over to the River Ranch Saloon for a drink and line dance.
Dining options
More restaurants are in the works for later this year.
COVID policy
Masks are required in all indoor spaces and wherever social distancing is not possible (e.g. airboat rides, buggy rides, rodeo, etc.).
The rodeo is not fully used for safety reasons. For more information on the advanced cleaning process and other security protocols, see WestgateCARES.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is located on 3200 River Ranch Boulevard in River Ranch, Florida. The Dude Ranch also offers corporate retreats, team building, and weddings / receptions.
This resort prides itself on delivering a unique experience.
“Nowhere in the United States can you get the vacation experience you get here at the Westgate River Ranch,” said Duncan.
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