Guide to Westgate River Ranch with Kids
If you are looking for a dude ranch in Florida, or just a fun place to spend time with family or friends, check out Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo.
Though it feels remote, Westgate River Ranch is located just an hour and a half from Orlando and less than 2 hours from Tampa.
Whether you want to relax by the pool or fill your days with activities such as horseback riding, riding on a swamp buggy, or line dancing, Westgate River Ranch is a fun place to stay.
We visited Westgate River Ranch with 3 generations, including 6 kids ages 7-11.
Keep reading for our guide to Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo.
Map of Westgate River Ranch
Each room receives a map of Westgate River Ranch at check-in, and more maps are available in the shops throughout the resort.
Beware that sometimes things move before the map is updated. We had to ask where to find guest services, which was moved behind the Lodge, where check-in is.
Westgate River Ranch Accommodations
With a variety of accommodations to fit your budget and cater to the type of vacation your group wants, there are many options for where to stay at Westgate River Ranch.
We weren’t quite sure where to stay, though first, we had to choose something in our price range.
Here is our guide to accommodations at Westgate River Ranch so you can make the best choice for your group.
Find current prices on their website or through Booking.com.
Camping
Tent Camping
Bring your own tent and set up your tent close to the bathrooms and under the shady trees. This is the most budget-friendly option to stay at Westgate River Ranch.
Platform Camping
A 6-person tent is already set up for you, located on a platform in the camping section of Westgate River Ranch.
Each campsite includes parking for 2 cars, a charcoal grill, a picnic table, and electricity.
RV
RV spots are available at Westgate River Ranch, and they include a picnic table.
A dump station is available, but there is no sewer hookup. Spots are close to the bathrooms and showers.
Glamping
Glamping Tents are 384 square feet and have a king bed and 2 twin beds inside, as well as a portable air conditioner and heater.
Linens are included, as are towels and toiletries, a private picnic table, rocking chairs on a porch, board games, and coffee delivered each morning.
Luxury Glamping
For those who want to camp, but with the luxury of a hotel, luxury glamping is for you.
The glamping tents are more than 500 square feet and include a bathroom and sleeping for up to 4 guests. Beds include a king bed and a queen sleeper sofa.
Glamping tents at Westgate River Ranch have heat and air conditioning.
Included with a stay in a Luxury Glamping Tent are a personal concierge, coffee delivered each morning, and a golf cart.
Westgate River Ranch Lodge
There are 4 different types of rooms located inside Westgate River Ranch Lodge. The Lodge is a 2-story building near the center of Westgate River Ranch, though one of the rooms we booked at the lodge ended up being with the cottages.
Be sure to book the type of room you want, not necessarily the location.
Lodge Suite
The lodge suite inside Westgate River Ranch Lodge has a queen bed and sleeps 2. The lodge suite also has a patio and a kitchen.
Lodge Guest Room
Slightly smaller than the lodge suite, a lodge guest room has 2 double beds and sleeps 4. The guest room does not have a kitchen, though there is a mini-fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.
Deluxe Lodge Suite
The deluxe lodge suite sleeps 4 with 2 queen beds. It also includes a screened-in patio and a kitchen, as well as a table with 2 chairs.
Premium Lodge Suite
The largest room in the lodge, the premium lodge suite, is more than 600 square feet and sleeps up to 6 guests with 2 queen beds and a queen sleeper sofa, and they have a kitchen.
Cottages
Lodge 1-Bedroom Cottage
More than 700 square feet, the 1-bedroom lodge cottage sleeps up to 4 guests with a king bed and a double sleeper sofa.
Included in the 1-bedroom cottage are a living area, dining area, screened-in porch, and a kitchen that includes a stovetop but not an oven.
Lodge 2-Bedroom Cottage
The 2-bedroom cottage sleeps 6 guests in a 1,548 square foot cottage that includes a king bed, 2 twin beds, and a double sleeper sofa.
Inside the 2-bedroom cottage is a living area, dining area, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, and a screened-in patio.
Saddle Club
The Saddle Club is located near the Luxe Teepees and Luxe Conestoga Wagons at the front end of Westgate River Ranch. Unlike the Luxe accommodations, they are not gated and do not come with a golf cart, though it is a bit of a walk to the restaurants and activities.
Saddle Club Studio Cabin
With 1 queen bed and 1 sleeper sofa, the Saddle Club studio cabin sleeps up to 4. Each studio cabin includes a microwave, toaster, mini-fridge, and coffee maker.
Saddle Club Rail Car
Saddle Club rail cars are long and narrow. They include a queen bed, 2 twin beds, a living area, a dining area, a kitchen, and a porch.
A picnic table and gas grill are located outside of the Saddle Club rail cars, and there is a large field out back.
Saddle Club 1-Bedroom Grand Cabin
This 900-square-foot cabin sleeps up to 4 guests with a king bed and a queen sleeper sofa. There is a living area, dining area, screened-in porch, and a full kitchen.
The Saddle Club 1-bedroom grand cabin is accessible with an exterior ramp, wide doorways, lowered countertops, a roll-in shower, and a raised toilet seat with handrails.
Saddle Club 2-Bedroom Cabin
Accommodating up to 8 guests, the Saddle Club 2-bedroom cabin is the largest accommodation at Westgate River Ranch.
Guests can sleep on 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, and 2 queen sleeper sofas.
The 2-bedroom cabin also includes a living area, dining area, porch, and kitchen.
Luxe Teepees
Located behind a gate at the front of Westgate River Ranch, the Luxe Tee Pees are more than 650 square feet inside and include a king bed and a queen sleeper sofa.
The teepees include a bathroom, living room, and dining area.
In addition to linens, towels, and toiletries, each stay in a luxury teepee includes a personal concierge, coffee delivered each morning, and a golf cart.
Luxe Conestoga Wagon
Also located behind a gate at the front of Westgate River Ranch, the Luxe Conestoga Wagons are almost 500 square feet and offer beds for up to 6 guests.
Inside each of the Luxe Wagons is a king-sized bed, a queen-sized sleeper sofa, and twin bunk beds.
Included in the Luxe Wagon Stay are a personal concierge, coffee delivered each morning, and a golf cart.
Accommodation at Westgate River Ranch Wrap-Up
We traveled to Westgate River Ranch with a group and booked 4 separate accommodations. We chose 3 cottages and 1 room in the lodge, though in the end, 3 of the rooms were nearby (though not next door), and 1 of the families in our group ended up in a Saddle Club cabin.
Even though all rooms were booked together, months in advance, not even 2 of the 4 rooms were located together.
The pros of staying in the cottages are that they are closer to the restaurants and activities.
Pros of staying in the Saddle Club are more space for the kids to play and ride bikes. Plus, they have a nicer view.
The Saddle Club is near the teepees and wagons, which include golf carts with each stay. While you can walk, or even drive from Saddle Club accommodations to the activities and restaurants, it would be nicer to ride bikes or rent a golf cart.
The cons of the lodge, depending on which room you get, are that it could be loud on the weekends. Some of the rooms are close to the saloon, which is also where the outdoor street party is held.
Westgate River Ranch Accommodation Comparison Table
| type of room | # of people | types of beds | room size |
| camping | up to you | up to you | up to you |
| glamping | up to 4 | king bed, 2 twin beds | 384 |
| luxury glamping | up to 4 | king bed, queen sleeper sofa | 505 |
| lodge suite | up to 2 | Queen bed | 329 |
| lodge guest room | up to 4 | 2 double beds | 279 |
| deluxe lodge suite | up to 4 | 2 queen beds | 382 |
| premium lodge suite | up to 6 | 2 queen beds, queen sleeper sofa | 611 |
| 1-bedroom cottage | up to 4 | king bed, double sleeper sofa | 705 |
| 2-bedroom cottage | up to 6 | king bed, 2 twin beds, double sleeper sofa | 1,548 |
| Saddle Club studio cabin | up to 4 | queen bed, queen sleeper sofa | 329 |
| Saddle Club rail car | up to 4 | queen bed, 2 twin beds | 399 |
| Saddle Club 1-bedroom grand cabin | up to 6 | king bed, | 900 |
| Saddle Club 2-bedroom grand cabin | up to 8 | king bed, 2 queen beds, 2 queen sleeper sofas | 1,400 |
| Luxe Teepee | up to 4 | king bed, double sleeper sofa | 651 |
| Luxe Wagon | up to 6 | king bed, queen bed, twin bunk beds | 495 |
Things to do at Westgate River Ranch
Free Things to Do at Westgate River Ranch
Swim
After our visit, a water park was built, complete with slides and a splash pad.
Petting Zoo
The petting zoo is near the horse stable and includes pigs, llamas, goats, deer, and a variety of other animals.
While it is free to enter the petting zoo, if you want to feed the animals, it costs a quarter for a small amount of food, available in a machine.
In front of the petting zoo, there is a tractor that kids can ride on.
Line Dancing
On certain nights, there are line dancing lessons in the saloon. Kids are allowed into the saloon for line dancing lessons.
Catch and Release Fishing
An area to fish is near the marina. Fishing poles and bait are available inside the Bait and Tackle shop to purchase or rent if you don’t have your own.
For those without a fishing license in Florida, one can be granted inside the shop.
Horse Shoes
Head to the General Store to borrow Horse Shoes, which can be played anywhere you find space.
Board Games
Board games are available to borrow from Guest Services. They have boxes filled with games you can check out and keep overnight.
A few games are also located inside the Game Room.
Sports Equipment Rental
Sporting equipment is also available to borrow from Guest Services.
Tennis
Tennis Courts are located near the pool. Head to Guest Services to enquire about borrowing equipment.
Street Party
Music and dancing on the “street” outside of the saloon happen on Saturday nights after the rodeo.
The Saturday night Street Party is a family-friendly free event.
Outdoor Movies
Sometimes, there are outdoor movie nights at Westgate River Ranch. Check the schedule you receive at check-in to see what is on during your visit.
Church
A nondenominational church service is held each Sunday morning.
Look at the Animals
Besides the petting zoo and horse stable, there are plenty of animals located throughout the grounds.
We saw buffalo on our way into Westgate River Ranch as well as cows, longhorns, chickens, and an owl.
If you want to see even more animals, especially alligators, go on the airboat ride.
Climb a Tree
I know, I don’t usually consider climbing a tree to be an activity, but my kids sure do. They loved climbing the trees, especially the one near the tables near Guest Services.
Hang out by the Fire
Fire pits are located all around the grounds, and some are lit by the staff. We brought our s’mores supplies to the fire pit located outside the saloon after the rodeo.
More Things to Do at Westgate River Ranch
Airboat Ride
One of our favorite activities was a 40-minute airboat ride down the Kissimmee River.
The airboat driver talks a bit about the area and stops to point out wildlife. We saw a lot of alligators, both in the water and out, sunning themselves on land.
Going fast at times, the airboat is loud, and each rider is given a pair of headphones before boarding to help block out the noise.
Swamp Buggy Ride
Another activity that our group enjoyed at Westgate River Ranch was the Swamp Buggy Ride.
A bit bumpy at times, the swamp buggy drives around the grounds, through mud and water.
The swamp buggy driver talks a bit about the area and stops to point out wildlife during the 40-minute ride.
Horseback Riding
Kids 8+ and adults below a certain weight can go horseback riding at Westgate River Ranch.
Most of the kids in our group participated, as did a few of the adults. Some of the kids were 1st-time riders. The horses go slowly, and a guide is there to assist.
Horseback riding lasts about 45 minutes, and participants need to wear long pants and closed-in shoes.
Pony Rides
For the little ones, pony rides take place near the horse stables and petting zoo.
The ponies are attached and walk around, so it looks kind of like a merry-go-round.
Escape Room
An escape room is located in the buildings near the General Store. All ages can join in, and kids under 4 are free.
Be sure to sign up early if you want a space in the escape room. Groups are not private, so unless you book each spot in the room, there could be another group with you.
We opted not to do the escape room as we wanted a room for ourselves. I planned to take my 7-year-old, who was too young to ride a horse, but it didn’t make sense to join another group, which would mean he couldn’t participate as much.
#20 Trap Shooting
Bring your own equipment, or rent some. You do not have to be an expert to participate, beginners are welcome. Anyone 13+ can participate in trap shooting.
In trap shooting, a machine launches targets out or away. There are 2 trap fields at Westgate River Ranch.
Skeet Shooting
On the 5 skeet shooting ranges, 2 machines located on either side of the shooter launch targets that cross in front.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own equipment or rent equipment.
Kids must be at least 13 years old to participate in skeet shooting.
Air Riffle Range
Visitors 10+ can participate in a 45-minute air rifle session.
Participants are given a BB gun and can shoot items at various heights and distances.
Archery Range
All ages can aim for the bullseye on the archery range. Reservations can be made at the front desk.
Game Room
Right next to the saloon is a game room filled with a pool table and video games. There are a few free games, such as Giant Jenga, available in the game room as well.
To play the games, you need tokens. Each token costs $0.25, and the machine does not take coins or credit cards. Most games cost 2-4 tokens to play.
Rock Climbing
A rock climbing tower is available for all skill levels and for anyone above 42 inches who weighs between 45 and 250 pounds.
For those who want to climb more than once a day, rock climbing is part of an Adventure Package where you receive a wristband and can participate in some of the activities at Westgate River Ranch unlimited times in a day.
Mechanical Bull Riding
Much to my kid’s dismay, you need to be at least 55 inches tall to ride the Mechanical Bull. Exceptions are not made for kids 54 inches tall, for good reason. They need to be able to jump up onto the bull on their own.
The bull starts slowly, but quickly gains speed and throws off the rider.
For those who want to try again, the Mechanical Bull is part of the unlimited Adventure Package.
Bike Rental
Bicycles for kids and adults are available to rent by the day. Visit Guest Services for more information and to rent a bicycle.
Art Projects
Also available at Guest Services are DIY art projects.
When we visited, the kids had a choice between painting a ceramic bank or birdhouse, painting a visor, or painting a wind chime. Projects cost $5-7.
My kid chose to paint a wind chime. We got a bag with 2 paint colors and a paintbrush to take with us.
Mini Golf
Another activity that is part of the adventure pass is mini golf. The mini golf course is located near the rock climbing and mechanical bull right out front of the game room and saloon.
Rodeo
Saturday night at 7:30 is the rodeo.
The stadium accommodates 1,200 people, and it was almost full during our visit.
We entered the stadium at 7 pm, and already the middle sections were almost full. There are a couple of reserved areas for members and those staying in the Luxe Teepees and Luxe Cabins.
There is a concession stand inside, though I did not see what they sell as there was a long line. Picnic tables are also located inside for guests to enjoy their meals.
Westgate River Ranch’s Rodeo includes bull riding, trick riding, and races.
Nashville Series
Westgate River Ranch hosts country music concerts with its Nashville Singer-Songwriter series. Check their schedule to find out if there is a performance during your visit.
Holiday Activities
Westgate River Ranch likes to celebrate, and they often have different events happening for different holidays.
Though our visit was not until January, there were still Christmas activities, including a hayride and a holiday maze.
Kissimmee River Boat Cruise
Take a 1-hour boat ride down the Kissimmee River. Smoother than an airboat and less noisy, the Kissimmee River Boat Cruise is good for all ages.
Bars and Restaurants at Westgate River Ranch
River Ranch Cattle Company
Located in the lobby to the left of check-in is the River Ranch Cattle Company, a fine-dining steakhouse.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, the River Ranch Cattle Company has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Westgate Smokehouse Grill
Smokehouse Grill is located near the marina.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the weekends and dinner during the week, Smokehouse Grill offers BBQ, steaks, burgers, and a wide variety of other options.
We visited Smokehouse Grill for dinner one night, and there was a buffet filled with BBQ and sides.
Coffee Corral
One of the Village Shops, Coffee Corral, sells Starbucks coffee and treats as well as ice cream.
Deli at the General Store
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, the General Store sells pizza, sandwiches, and coffee.
General groceries can be purchased at the General Store.
River Ranch Saloon
River Ranch Saloon has a full bar, plenty of seating, and a dance floor.
Line dancing happens at River Ranch Saloon, and there is often live country music played there.
Dining at Westgate River Ranch Wrap-Up
We opted to bring food for breakfast and lunch each day. Groceries can be purchased in the General Store, but it is cheaper to bring your own if that is an option.
Most of the accommodations have a kitchen. Need ideas on what to cook on vacation? Check out these easy meal options.
A few of us opted to get coffee in the mornings. The first morning, Coffee Corral opened late. We didn’t realize the General Store sold coffee as well (though just basic coffee, not espresso drinks).
Our first dinner was at Westgate Smokehouse Grill. We wanted to eat outside, which wasn’t an option, so we ordered to go. That meant 1 trip to the buffet.
On the second night, we ended up getting takeout from River Ranch Cattle Company and eating it at their tables outside, which weren’t being used.
While we enjoyed both of our meals out, I was glad we thought ahead and brought breakfast and lunch with us. Not only was it more cost-efficient, but there aren’t too many options at Westgate River Ranch, and it would be repetitive.
For dessert, we brought s’mores supplies and roasted our marshmallows in the fire lit outside River Ranch Saloon.
Shops at Westgate River Ranch
Don’t worry about forgetting anything, the shops at Westgate River Ranch have just about anything you could want.
General Store
The General Store has coffee, groceries, and souvenirs. If you need anything basic, check out the General Store.
Western Store
For those who want to dress the part, this Florida dude ranch has everything a cowboy and cowgirl could want.
From cowboy hats to belt buckles, cowboy boots to jackets with fringe, the Western Store is the place to find the perfect outfit for the Saturday night rodeo.
Bait and Tackle Shop
Located by the marina, the Bait and Tackle shop sells a lot more than just bait and fishing supplies. T-shirts, shoes, hats, and lots more are sold in this small shop.
Gift Shop by the Stables
The smallest shop at Westgate River Ranch, the gift shop by the petting zoo and stables, sells souvenirs and toys. Most of the items are horse, cowboy, and dude ranch-themed.
Campground Store
We didn’t visit the campground store, but you can head that way for basic groceries and camping supplies.
How to Get Around Westgate River Ranch
While visitors can walk or drive around Westgate River Ranch, there are fun ways to get around.
Parking is available at the marina, by the lobby, and near the stables.
I walked almost 20,000 steps in one day. The grounds are bigger than they appear.
Golf Cart Rentals
Golf carts are available to rent. They are included in a stay in a Luxe Teepee and a Luxe Wagon, though anyone can rent a golf cart.
Golf carts come in a variety of sizes. Parking is available throughout the grounds.
Bicycle Rentals
Visitors are welcome to bring their own bicycles, or they are available for rent daily through Guest Services.
Westgate River Ranch FAQ
The drive from Westgate River Ranch to Disney World takes about an hour and twenty minutes.
Spend at least 2 nights at Westgate River Ranch to get the whole Florida dude ranch feel. The rodeo only takes place on Saturday nights, so make sure you are there on a Saturday if that is a must-do.
I would consider a long weekend of 3-5 days the perfect amount of time to spend at Westgate River Ranch to see and do everything you are interested in and still have time to relax.
Westgate River Ranch Wrap-Up
We went to Westgate River Ranch to celebrate my parents’ 50th anniversary. For a variety of reasons, they needed to choose a place near home. Westgate River Ranch is unlike any place any of us has been before.
13 of us were there in total, including my parents, siblings, kids, and nieces. The kids ranged in age from 7 to 11.
Everyone chose what they wanted to do, and some of us went on the airboat, the swamp buggy, and horseback riding.
The kids went rock climbing or on the mechanical bull. They all went to the petting zoo, played games from Guest Services, and roasted marshmallows by the fire.
Some of the kids played mini golf while the rest were at the rodeo.
Westgate River Ranch is small enough to walk in between activities, though I walked back and forth a lot one day.
We would have loved to stay in a teepee or wagon, but the cottages were more budget-friendly. In the end, we spent very little time inside our rooms.
A dude ranch is not my typical vacation, but we all had fun at Westgate River Ranch in Central Florida.
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