Written Review
"Glamping"
We had the best time.Hay ride with BBQ, Airboat ride, rodeo. Loved every minute. They brought coffee and fruit and cinnamon buns every morning, every night they lit a fire in the firepit. Each tent got a S'more kit.
"Alot to do on the property"
First time visiting the resort. Its in the middle of the state so you feel as if you are away from it all. Alot to do on the property. Some comes at a price. We did the airboat ride and its just a ride of about 30 min through the river basin. It will highlight how an airboat can go over heavy foliage. Don't expect a tour guide explaining the eco system and wildlife in the area.
We were in the RV area so we didnt try any restaurants. The rodeo was good and last about an hour.
I did price out staying there in the lodge and teepee's. Be prepared to spend a good amount.
"3 year anniversary stay"
A very nice place to stay basically in the middle of nowhere in Florida. We stayed in a very nice deLuxe 1-bedroom cabin. We came in the middle of June so it was very hard but there is a nice big fireplace a big living room a joint washer and dryer a big kitchen a nice big bedroom with a nice jacuzzi and there was actually two bathrooms the couch pulls out into a queen size bed so actually two couples could come into the one bedroom. As we stepped out on our front porch there are buffalo just grazing in the grass that are actually very pretty. There are lots of things to do at the ranch. We went to the rodeo on Saturday night which was entertaining and also my husband went to the shooting range that he enjoyed a lot. You get a 15% discount on all activities if you are an owner and we thought the prices of things were Fair. Overall it is a very very nice place to stay especially for the price if you are an owner I would definitely come back a second time.
"Fun but go on the weekend!"
We stayed on a Wednesday night and left on Thursday. The mosquitos were numerous in the evening, but we found out that was because they spray on Thursday to prepare for the weekend. That being said our 2 bedroom cabin was wonderful. It was clean, spacious and nicely appointed. Dinner at the only restaurant at the Ranch was surprisingly good...must try the fried gator tail. The activities we enjoyed were the swamp buggy ride (highly recommended), archery, zip line (kids loved it) and mechanical bull riding (another kid favorite) and the petting farm. Next time we will stay in the amazing looking teepees, see if someone can take us fishing and check out the rodeo!
"Quiet and peaceful resort"
We had a great 3 day 2 night vacation at this resort. The staff was friendly and accommodating to all of our needs. From air boating on the Kissimmee River, to riding high above the ground on a swamp buggy, our experiences in rural Florida were awesome.
The resort is designed to be natural once you leave the resort buildings, so be aware of the fact that while horseback riding, air boating, and riding on the swamp buggy, you are going to see Florida in its natural state with wildlife, flowers, and fauna.
"Glamping"
We had a fabulous experience!
We had the glamping area to ourselves. I feel guilty to even call it "camping" with indoor shower, staff starting your fire at night and in the morning they bring your coffee and breakfast! (Don't leave it un-attended tho, the squirrels are quick!) Eleni was our guide for our trail ride and she was fantastic and went out of her way to make our ride special.
We did walk the grounds and loved it.
A beautiful spot with many amenities.
There is a very nice pool tho website doesn't mention.
We could've stayed in the petting area for hours....
Thank you for a memorable vacation.
"AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL"
Went Glamping! It's large canvas tent with a king sized bed and 2 twin beds in it (the pictures only show 1 bed). The beds are actually air mattresses. But they're comfortable with all the deluxe bedding on them. The Glamping section of the resort is off to itself. You have to have a gate code to get in. The bathroom situation is a bit weird. You do have your own bathroom, but it's in a separate building. It's like a trailer with nothing but bathrooms in it. Each bathroom, however, is separate and only you have the key to get into your numbered bathroom. Each tent has it's own porch, picnic table and propane grill. Inside is also a free-standing air conditioner, microwave and mini fridge. There is NO television. There's a variety of board games in the top drawer, though. The fire pit is shared by all of the Glampers. I wish there would've been a separate one for each campsite. We rented a golf cart. It's $60/day or $100 for 2 days. It's the coolest way to get around. The resort is very large so walking would take forever to get anywhere. The only thing that's free is the petting zoo and parking. We went to the rodeo, ate at the restaurant, and went on the air boat ride. There is tons of stuff to do here but plan on spending some money to do them.
"Wonderful change from Disney World"
What a great family place! Florida as it used to be landscaping (tough to recreate those huge oaks with Spanish moss)...laid back atmosphere. Fair warning...a stay here is pricey and check the website for the prices of the extra activities. We went knowing the costs and felt it was well worth it. The hayride was really low key and most of the kids on our wagon went to sleep or played games of their own. The rodeo was a great hit. The petting farm is one of the nicest I'd been to and it's free except the quarters to buy food. The staff was fantastic..the equal of Disney World staff. We did not rent a golf cart and either walked to things or drove our car. We definitely plan to go back. We were in the Lodge Deluxe Suites...could use more inside lighting and better insulation. But all in all...a wonderful weekend.
"Great Dude & Dudet ranch."
The ranch is a wonderful 1700 acre resort that has many things to do right on property.
The accommodations vary from classy Teepee's, glamping in large yurts, efficiency, one and two bedroom cabins. Oh, did I mention they have many full hook up RV spaces as well as a tent camping area. We stayed in a two bedroom cabin that was massive. Three bathrooms and lots of room all over. Wrap around porch with rocking chairs to enjoy the views. The other couple we were with had a large efficiency which was attached to the cabin.
We attended the rodeo on Saturday night. What a hoot.. They honored the military both current and retired. Opening ceremony brought tears to everyone. Bull riding, barrel riding, trick riding and many young children involved in the rodeo. Even had kids chasing a baby bull to pull ribbons from it and win a prize.
There is an airport, skeet shooting, bow and arrow, church, restaurant, saloon, general store, work out room, post office and many other places on property.They rent golf carts for about $215.00 for a week.
It has a large pool, horse back riding, pony rides, mechanical bull, fishing pond for the kids, swamp buggy rides and air boat rides. There are many other things to do also. Unless you are in one of the places that gives you all the rides for free, the whole experience is ala carte. It can get very expensive.
We had a wonderful week and would do it again. It is about an hours ride to Vero Beach. Closest airport is Orlando
"Plenty to do and see at this place"
We stayed in the campground section of this location. There are teepees glamping lodge rooms and other places to stay. it is based on a dude ranch theme including swamp buggy rides, airboat rides, petting farm, horseback rides, and don't forget to go to the rodeo on Saturday nights. There is also a marina to fish in and bait is available there. They are very efficient in there handling of all the guests that stay there.
"Birthday month"
It was a great experience to enjoy nature this way. My daughters and I celebrated our birthdates on this beautiful resort and we enjoyed it so much we are already planning going back. It is so clean, everyone is so friendly and of course, we had the best birthday celebration ever.
"Glamping was ggggrrreeaat"
Loved our glamping tent. Very comfortable for a family of 4. Staff could not have been nicer. Lovely touches like S'mores and Room Service Breakfast with coffee and cinnamon rolls. Might avoid in heat of summer but we were there in April and weather was perfect. The petting zoo also had lots of babies which made it even more fun. RODEO a MUST - awesome. All activities great.
"Amazing Experience!"
Our family had an amazing family weekend getaway off the grid making lifelong memories with great friends at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo! Glamping in their new Luxe TeePees was so much fun! The kids had a blast at all the resort activities...and the adults did too! If you're looking to reconnect and have a memorable adventure with your family and friends, I highly recommend you check it out! So Much FUN!
"Unique Day/Weekend out"
We fancied a spot of horse riding. We went to Westgate River Ranch. South on the 27 to junction with the 60 turn east and drive 25 miles with site on the right with huge horse statue outside. we were flabbergasted. Not only fabulous horse riding but Tennis courts, Trap and Skeet shooting, Archery, fishing, Golf driving range, Swamp Buggy rides, Air boat rides, Cycle rentals, Adventure park, Zip rides and so it goes on. Saturday night is a great Rodeo with pagentry, horsemanship, bull riding.There is an old fashion saloon serving beer and food and a BBQ restaurant plus shops. Accomodation is available to three standards. Barrel horse racing on Sundays. There is an all denominations church on site. Just an incredible day or days outing. Most of the staff are in cowboy/girl dress. Kids horse riding and petting also available. Too much to mention. Will be a regular haunt for us.
"Wedding"
I must say our experience at Westgate River Ranch exceeded all of our expectations. The staff was unbelievably helpful in the planning and execution of our wedding. We used the beautiful chapel on site for the service and the Longhorn Center for the Reception. Beautiful decor, food was amazing, their DJ was more like an MC. They are your wedding planners, they provide almost everything. Your stress levels will be non existent with their staff at the helm. All you literally must do is right the check and show up. I recommend this place for anyone considering marriage or any large event.
"Beautiful clean and fun"
We just got back from 3 days at the ranch. We had a great time! The manager took really good care of us after we had to have some maitenence on our first room. The workers were all so nice and helpful. We loved our horseback ride and especially loved the petting zoo and the people working there. Animals were friendly and well kept. We loved the goats! We had a family campfire each evening and felt like the only ones there. It was so quiet. Maybe because we didn't go on a busy weekend, but that was ok with us. We can't wait to go back and see the rodeo on a weekend. The only downfall was when it rained bc there wasn't anything to do. Wished the game room was open on Tuesday. However, this is a great place for a family! We will be back soon!
"Exceeded our expectations! Amazing Experience, Highly Recommend to ALL!"
We had the pleasure of spending a week at River Ranch Resort in Lake Wales, Florida.The resort far exceeded our expectations. The resort was very clean, the food was outstanding, everyone was very friendly and accommodating, we felt like a part of the family! The staff was exceptional, I do want to mention Mr. Andrew Spinner, he was EVERYWHERE! He is a very hard worker, very professional and helped us every time we needed assistance which was a lot since it was our first time!! I do hope he receives recognition for his outstanding service to your guests. We will definitely be back, we love it and feel so relaxed after our vacation. Thank you to all the staff at River Ranch!
"Awesome family-friendly ranch!"
We stayed in the primitive camping area for one night and could not have been more pleased with our experience. From the horses you can walk right up to and pet, to the clean bathroom facilities, to the exceptional service and the friendliest church I've ever been to, it was truly an enjoyable experience.
We brought our 5 year old and almost 2 year old girls and they loved the petting zoo, riding ponies, the mini golf and the close proximity to the horses.
Mommy and Daddy loved the clean facilities, convenience of the store, saloon, activities, and the dinner with the hayride was delicious. The staff are very efficient, friendly and professional. This is the perfect place to give your children the outdoor experience without having to give up the creature comforts of home.
We went to the church on Sunday and, while we were fresh off the camp site and had a VERY active little one, the people could not have been nicer and accepting of us. It was such a welcoming place that it was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
We will definitely be back!!!
"Great Place For RV Camping"
Went for a 3 day weekend. Had a blast. Rodeo was excellent and was not expensive. Restaurant is fabulous and all facilities are kept clean!! Petting zoo had lots of animals and RV area was quiet and kept nice. We will definitely go back soon.
"Glamp Away"
We stayed in the Glamping Area. Pristine location and beautiful scenery. The staff is super friendly and pays a lot of attention to your request. Very family friendly environment. It is truly camping in style. We will return.