Local Attractions
As the largest dude ranch East of the Mississippi, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Florida is packed full of outdoor activities that will have you reliving the old-fashioned days of the old West...but with fun, modern upgrades. You're sure to find something to excite everyone with over a dozen activities, including a rodeo, petting farm, mini golf, trap and skeet shooting, fishing, and more! These activities are really popular, so if you're planning to vacation at River Ranch, book ahead of time today! Local Attractions: Bok Tower Gardens - 36 minute drive Lake Kissimmee State Park: 37-minute drive
Our Hotel Planner Expert Reviews of Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Our expert hotel planners periodically visit and review the hotels we represent in person.
"VISTING LEGOLAND? YOU MUST STAY HERE! "
Overall Score5.0/ 5
The Westgate River Ranch is an authentic Dude Ranch located about an hour south of Orlando and approximately 25-30 minutes from Legoland. If you are in the area of Winter Haven or Lake Wales for any reason I highly recommend you stay here even if for just one night as it is truly a very unique & memorable experience! This ranch offers a variety of cowboy themed accommodations ranging from standard rooms & villas to spacious two bedroom cabins with a multitude of recreational activities. All rooms are Western themed and the cabins & villas are generously equipped with washer/dryer, kitchenette or full kitchens, separate living area and bedrooms….and in my case, a screened in patio with a close up view of the grazing buffalo right out my back door! There is also an option to rent a personal golf cart which adds to your experience & is very convenient to navigate between all of the different areas the ranch has to offer. The Weekend Rodeo is a fun filled and exciting experience with great crowd turn outs including the locals. The petting farm is full of different species of animals for up close encounters and is a free attraction within the resort. There is also a zip line attraction located next to the mini golf course outside of the Saloon area. The Airboat rides are a great way to get out on the water, see the everglades and experience wildlife in the raw. They also offer swamp buggy tours which feels like riding in an open air monster truck that journeys through the swamps and lands of Florida. They also offer a catch & release fishing pond and a fun trap and skeet facility for target shooting. They also offer horseback riding which is a great way to get out and journey through the land for horse lovers. The tour guides are very friendly and helpful. The Smokehouse Grill is the main restaurant on property and offers award winning ribs and other varieties of delicious meals. There is also a full swimming pool and banquet space is available in the main resort area. For the more adventurous, there is a camping site where guests can enjoy their stay in an air conditioned tent and somewhat “rough it.” There is also a golf course and hay rides for the little ones to enjoy. The resort has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation and celebrated their RE-Grand Opening in October of this year.
Sina K, a local HotelPlanner River Ranch expert from
31-Oct-2013 Verified Review
Verified Reviews of Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Below are the verified reviews from guests that we have booked recently:
"Rooms near the pool are antiquated!"
Overall Score4.0/ 5
Rodeo is great. Lots to do for the kids. Not much of a restaurant offering. The rooms near the pool ( haven't seen the others ) are so old and depressing. I gave it a very good because of the rodeo and for lots of activities.
Daphne G. (Group coordinator, booked 2 rooms), from
15-Jun-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Sat Jun 14 to Mon Jun 16 2025 at a $155.99 average nightly rate. 4.0 out of 5.
Based on 475 guest reviews Property Description
Whether your family designated you to plan the next reunion, you need to arrange accommodations for a youth athletic team, your church wants to plan a retreat or you're appointed in charge of planning for your next big convention and team retreat, Westgate Resorts is the right backdrop for your next special event. Let our group sales team assist you with reserving 5 rooms or more. Live like a cowboy in one of the many accommodation options available at River Ranch.. There are options to suit everyone's needs, from cozy suites and luxe teepees to RV and tent camping, giving you the chance to create the perfect vacation getaway.We offer a location where your team can strengthen their teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills in an interactive and engaging environment. Team members will be able to connect with each other while finding their inner cowboy through our fun and challenging list of team-building activities–combined with the beautiful 1,700 acres of natural surroundings of Westgate River Ranch.Our team of catering & convention services professionals will assist you every step of the way to create an exceptional experience that will long be remembered. Whether you've imagined of a small church wedding, getting married in a beautiful field under an old oak tree or if you have dreamed of getting married on horse back, River Ranch can help make all your dreams come true. Westgate River Ranch can handle every detail of your special day. Check out our wedding ceremony locations, from the white chapel and outside wedding locations to our wedding gazebo and the beautiful horse and carriage. Tour the overnight accommodations for family and friends, as well as the wedding reception set-ups and our dinner option samples!
Details / Other Expenses
Check In: | 4:00pm |
Check Out: | 10:00am |
Year of Last Renovation: | 2013 |
Floors: | 2 |
Rooms: | 191 |
Corridors: | All Rooms Have Exterior Hallways |
Non Smoking Rooms: | 191 |
Handicap Rooms: | 5 |
Rooms with 1 Bed: | 18 |
Rooms with 2 Beds: | 173 |
Suites: | 75 |
Room Windows: | Windows Do Open |
Cleaning Frequency: | As Needed |
Meeting Rooms: | 4 View Spaces |
Meeting Space: | 818591 sq. feet |
Banquet Space: | Holds 366 people |
Dist. to Food/Bars: | On-site |
Dist. to 24hr Restaurant: | 25.0 Mi |
Dist. to Nearest Gym: | On-site |
Lounge/Bar Hours: | 6 PM - 12 AM Friday and Saturday |
Pool Info: One outdoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. |
Policies / Expenses Cancellation: Rooming List & Prepaid Groups will have a 30 day prior to arrival cancellation policyIndividual Booking Groups will have a 7 day prior to arrival cancellation policy. |
Nightly Parking: | 0 |
Typical Group Deposit: | 1 nights deposit per room |
Total Taxes: | 12.00% |
Total Misc Fees: | $24.99 USD (mandatory resort fees/taxes) |
State Tax: | 7.00% |
Occupancy Tax: | 5.00% |
Food and Beverage Tax: | 7.00% |
Audio Visual Tax: | 7.00% |
Resort/Hotel Fee: | 24.99 Per Night |
Shipping Handling Fee: | 2.50 Per Item |
Rooms Wireless Internet Fee: | 0.00 Per Day (included in Resort Fee) |
Banquet Bartender Fees: | 100.00 Per Function (up to 4 hours) |
Chef Attendant Fees: | 75.00 Per Function (up to 4 hours) |
Avg. Continental Breakfast Cost: | 24.95 Per Person |
Avg. Buffet Breakfast Cost: | 36.95 Per Person |
Avg. Boxed Lunch Cost: | 20.95 Per Person |
Avg. Buffet Dinner Cost: | 57.95 Per Person |
Banquet Gallon of Coffee: | 65.00 Per Item |
Banquet Soda: | 4.00 Per Person |
Banquet Bottled Water: | 4.00 Per Person |
Banquet Hosted Bar: | 20.00 Per Person/Per Hour |
Amenities / Features
Airport & Shuttle Information
5,000 foot lighted airstrip on property.Orlando International Airport approximately 1 1/2 hour north or Tampa International Airport 1 1/2 hours away.
Airport Shuttle?
Sorry,
no airport shuttle available.
Breakfast Information
Located inside the Village Shops, Coffee Corral will be serving fresh Starbucks coffee, delicious Hershey's ice cream and breakfast items sure to jump-start your day.Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo features several onsite dining and restaurant options, from our newest fine dining steakhouse, the River Ranch Cattle Company, to a waterfront eatery that overlooks the beautiful Kissimmee River at Smokehouse on the River, from the satisfying country charm of the River Ranch Saloon and our top-notch services for your group needs.*Hours may vary
Pet Friendly?
Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.
Yes! Pets are allowed.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rode is Dog Friendly!A mandatory, non-refundable Pet Dog Fee of $150.00 USD per reservation will be charged at check-in for Pet Dogs reported at the time of check-in. Service Animals are not subject to the Pet Dog Fee or Unauthorized Pet Dog Penalty Fee. *Restrictions may apply Parking Info
Complimentary self-parking, RV, Bus, Truck, and Private Air Strip .
Internet / WiFI
Wi-Fi is included in the Nightly Resort Fee in all accommodations.Groups with Meeting Space will be provided complimentary WIFI.
Cleaning Policies
Updated Housekeeping Policies Our housekeeping policies have been modified to support the health and safety of our guests and team members. Housekeeping services will be limited to essential guest needs only. Housekeepers will not enter the unit when guests are present.Daily housekeeping, turndown services and amenity baskets are suspended for the time being.When delivering requested items, housekeepers will wear gloves and mask and will not be permitted to enter rooms.For any housekeeping requests, such as a plumbing issue, guests will be requested to leave the unit and the housekeeper will sanitize your unit prior to leaving.Please visit westgatecares for more information.
About Westgate Resorts
- At Westgate Resorts, you enjoy more than just a hotel room. You’ll vacation in style at 5-star resorts featuring spacious and luxurious villas
The Westgate Resorts highlights above are subject to change without notice.
Suggested AI Generated Itinerary
Day 1
- Breakfast: The Bistro - Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this cozy cafe. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it is conveniently located near your hotel.
- Lunch: The Grove - Indulge in fresh and flavorful dishes at this casual restaurant. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it is a convenient option for lunch.
- Dinner: Westgate Smokehouse Grill - Enjoy delicious BBQ and Southern cuisine at this on-site restaurant. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it is just a short walk from your hotel.
- Activity: Horseback Riding - Experience the thrill of horseback riding through scenic trails. The stables are located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, just a short distance from your hotel.
Day 2
- Breakfast: The General Store - Grab a quick breakfast at this charming store. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it offers a variety of breakfast options.
- Lunch: The Smokehouse - Enjoy mouthwatering BBQ and smoked meats at this rustic eatery. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it is a great spot for a satisfying lunch.
- Dinner: The Brahma - Savor a steakhouse dining experience with a Western twist. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it offers a unique atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
- Activity: Airboat Ride - Embark on an exciting airboat ride through the Florida Everglades. The airboat launch is located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, just a short distance from your hotel.
Day 3
- Breakfast: The Deli - Grab a quick and delicious breakfast sandwich at this convenient deli. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it is perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Lunch: The Saloon - Enjoy a casual lunch at this Western-style saloon. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it offers a variety of pub-style dishes.
- Dinner: Westgate River Ranch Rodeo - Experience an authentic rodeo show with bull riding, barrel racing, and more. Located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, it is a must-see evening activity.
- Activity: Trap & Skeet Shooting - Test your shooting skills with a session of trap and skeet shooting. The shooting range is located at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, just a short distance from your hotel.