Westgate River Ranch
Westgate River Ranch
If you think of Florida as beaches and theme parks, Westgate River Ranch will surprise you. About an hour south of Orlando, it's 1,700 acres of pasture, century-old oaks, and cattle, with a rodeo every Saturday night.
The ranch sits in the Kissimmee River region, and it's big enough to feel like a small ranch community: pastures, a marina, restaurants, and a rodeo arena spread across the property. Winter is an easy time to go. Mornings are cool, afternoons are warm, humidity drops, and you can spend most of the day outside.
What the stay is actually like
There are three glamping options, and each feels different. The Luxury Glamping Tents are safari-style canvas on raised decks, with a king bed, a sleeper sofa, a ceiling fan, heating and air-conditioning, and an en suite bathroom.
The Luxe Teepees look simple from outside but open into a big room finished in wood, leather, and cowhide, built around a stone fireplace. Inside you'll find a king bed, sitting and dining areas, a private bathroom, and a claw-foot tub.
The Luxe Conestoga Wagons take the shape of frontier covered wagons. Under the curved white canopy there's a king bed, a sleeper sofa, and twin bunks for up to six, plus climate control, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Depending on the category you book, a concierge, a golf cart, morning coffee and pastries delivered to your door, and a campfire with s'mores supplies may be included.
Your days here
Start with a trail ride through open pasture and under the oaks. It's the best way to understand how big the ranch is. Then try an airboat out into the Kissimmee River region and the headwaters of the Everglades. Archery, trap and skeet shooting, fishing, swamp-buggy rides, hiking, and the petting farm fill out the list, and families can head to River Country Water Park or the Adventure Park for mini golf, rock climbing, zip lining, and a mechanical bull.
In late afternoon, watch for the horses making their evening run across the pasture. On Saturdays, the 1,200-seat arena hosts the weekly rodeo, with bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding, and team roping, followed by the Saturday Night Street Party with live country music and line dancing.
For meals, the River Ranch Cattle Company does hand-cut steaks and seafood, Smokehouse on the River serves barbecue by the marina, and the General Store and Deli covers quick bites.
Getting there and when to go
The ranch is about an hour south of Orlando. There's parking on site, and a private paved airstrip if you're flying in on a small plane. The property is spread out, so most guests get around by golf cart.
Winter is mild but not guaranteed. Bring light clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a layer for cool evenings, and expect insects near the water and after rain. Activities, rodeo tickets, and concierge services vary by accommodation and package, so confirm what's included when you book.
The property
