Westgate River Ranch: Glamping in Florida

Thank you to Westgate for hosting us on this unforgettable Florida travel getaway!

Can you believe I have never gone camping?! It’s always been on my to-do list, but living in Florida, I wasn’t sure how it would be. Would it be full of bugs or too hot? Would the humidity ruin it? We were so blessed to be invited to Westgate River Ranch to enjoy the amenities, and let me just say, that I’m a convert! From primitive camping sites to luxury glamping accommodations, there is something for everyone and every budget. 

Westgate River Ranch Glamping in Florida

There are so many options when you stay at the River Ranch property. You have to try one of their Luxe tents!

Our room was to die for! Glamping was done up to the nines here. We had a luxurious bed with plenty of pillows, a heater and AC unit for our comfort, hardwood floors and a big stand-up shower, all to ourselves. The Ranch, which lies on 1,700 acres overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River, features horseback riding, an award-winning Saturday night rodeo and much more. It’s the ideal destination for an unforgettable family vacation getaway!

With over 500 square feet of fully furnished, climate controlled, camping space, including your own private en suite (tre magnifique!), you and your family will be able to get even closer to nature, surrounded by the Ranch’s scenic beauty, without ever having to use an out-house! Roughing it has never been so relaxing!

Our room was perfect at 505 square feet with room to sleep four. Along with AC and heating (And yes, we actually used that heater during our trip in January to warm up!), there’s a full bathroom with a walk-in shower. There are two rocking chairs out front along with a hammock and picnic tables. There’s room for s’mores and a fire pit of course too.

Our room also came with a Resort Golf Cart that we loved. It made it SO easy to grab a Starbucks on the property at the store. The resort provided us with snacks and coffee, plus a golf cart to drive around the whole place with!

Westgate River Ranch Activities

When we checked in, we could select a few activities to enjoy. We knew we wanted to ride the swamp buggy, go horseback riding, and try something new. I’ve never used a gun before, and I thought this would be a safe environment for me to try it out. So, skeet shooting or trap shooting it is! 

Swamp Buggy

You can get ready to adventure off the beaten path on a rugged 40-minute Swamp Buggy ride across Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo’s scenic wilderness located near Orlando, Florida.

Swamp buggy was such a cool ride! I loved seeing the beauty of Florida and being out in nature. It felt so adventurous to be on this big truck with huge tires that drove us right through the water. Plus, when do you have time to ride in a vehicle with HUGE tires like this!?

Horseback Riding

I was so excited to go horseback riding. I couldn’t tell you the last time I was close to a horse. This environment made me feel safe to get on the saddle and enjoy it.

The horseback riding was so romantic too. I feel lucky to have gotten to do that with my partner, and it was quiet but fun too. Experienced riders will guide you on a 45-minute horseback ride through the property.

We visited on a beautiful sunny January week, so the weather was warm during the day with a little chill at night. It was so perfect! If you’re trying to decide when is the best time to visit Florida, you can’t really go wrong with a fall or winter trip.

Trap Shooting

My favorite part was the shooting! I never thought I’d be able to hit a moving target like that. I had a great coach who helped me tap into skills I haven’t used in years. 

We were provided with all the materials needed for a safe day at the range. My partner, Ness, is a veteran so was well-versed in gun safety. Between Ness and our guide, I felt super safe and comfortable shooting a gun for the first time. It was one of those bucket list items that I never thought I’d cross off my list. But, here we are!

All the equipment and supplies you need are available for rent, but feel free to bring your own. The range is also available for hosting your next trap and/or skeet association or group event.

Westgate River Ranch Food: Westgate Smokehouse Grill

A charming waterfront eatery, the Westgate Smokehouse Grill overlooks the scenic Kissimmee River and provides family-friendly dining and a diverse menu that features mouthwatering steaks, seafood, baby back ribs, burgers, sandwiches, salads and appetizers, as well as an abundant breakfast buffet and children’s menu

Dinner at the Westgate smokehouse grill was deliciously done. We shared a steak and salad and left happy and full! Our waitstaff was attentive, kind, and helpful. On another trip, I want to try their burgers!

Petting Zoo

One thing we did in between all our activities was visiting the petting zoo. We could get up close and personal with a peacock, a donkey, some horses, and other furry friends.

Entertainment

The Nashville Singer Songwriter event was a BLAST and the perfect way to end our trip. We were there for the singer song-writer series with Craig Campbell and Chris Weaver.

So, when are you booking your trip? I’m happy to give you ideas and help you decide between their lodging… from wagon wheel rooms, teepees, or luxury glamping, there are SO many choices. Plus, they have primitive and RV campsites and more traditional rooms too to fit any budget.

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