An authentic Florida dude ranch and full-service resort in River Ranch, Florida, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers guests the opportunity to experience “Old Florida.” Encompassing 1,700 beautiful acres, Westgate River Ranch features horseback riding, wildlife airboat and swamp buggy rides, Saturday night championship rodeo, trap/skeet range, nature hikes, petting farm, marina, Adventure Park with zip line and rock climbing wall, Westgate Smokehouse Grill and River Ranch Saloon and much more. Cowboy-themed accommodations range from ranch-themed lodge guestrooms and deluxe lodge suites to spacious cottages, two-bedroom cabins, Glamping and Luxe Teepees.
Location
Certified by Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo • Apr 05, 2026
Certified by Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo • Apr 05, 2026
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours
Reviews
4.3
4,655 reviews
5 stars
3,187
4 stars
616
3 stars
324
2 stars
192
1 star
336
AR
Annie Rodriguez
5 days ago
5.0
The location is fantastic there is all kind of activity for all ages. Free petting animals, play room, Pool and laundry. We stayed in a rented RV for the weekend of Easter 🐣 River Ranch had different time activities fort different age groups for kiddos to enjoy. Love that there was a grocery store with all you could need, the in side pizza 🍕 was great 😊 waterpark small but still worth $ my 9 years old that loves water had a blast on the waterslide. The rodeo was fun it was adorable to see how they included young children. Love the bender they had at the rodeo could thinks for adults and children. We also when on the WESTGATE Dirt Digger our driver on Easter Sunday was the best fun friendly driver had not only the kids having fun the adults where all enjoyed the ride.
Thank you for having us and making the River Ranch a safe and fun family place.
IB
Ian Belanger
6 days ago
2.0
We recently stayed at Westgate River Ranch in our RV for a second visit, and while the property itself has a lot to offer, the overall experience this time was disappointing. The amenities, especially the water park and saloon, are great and were highlights for our family. However, the execution and guest experience fell short. We encountered repeated issues with inconsistent processes, most notably being asked to verify activity waivers multiple times despite completing them in advance and receiving wristbands. There was also a billing error for a golf cart we never rented, which required time away from our family to resolve.
The biggest concern was how policies were enforced. Lifeguards at the pool were overly aggressive in their movements and constant whistle use, creating a tense and uncomfortable environment rather than a relaxing one. In the adventure park, staff interactions with kids often felt unnecessarily harsh or inconsistent, with rules being enforced that were not clearly posted. Even in the campground, rules around e-bikes were suddenly enforced without clear communication. Overall, it felt like the focus was more on enforcement than hospitality. There’s a lot of potential here, but better staff training, consistency, and a more guest-friendly approach would go a long way before we consider returning.
AM
Alice Moskola
6 days ago
1.0
What a mess.
My husband grew up going to River Ranch on family vacations as a child. I took him back about 6 years ago and we had a fantastic time. The property was friendly, well kept and pleasant overall.
We returned yesterday with our toddler son for a one night stay for Easter. I’m so glad we only booked one night.
This might be a long post- but trust me, I’m going to keep it short.
Check in was tedious. One person struggling at the desk to greet a large line of guests and do the job of 3 people. Two concierge employees at their desk with no line who answered “I don’t know, you’ll have to wait in line and ask her” pointing at the front desk attendant. A very friendly and professional greeter at the door (9am Eater morning- please praise her) who gave us hope that maybe the rest of the staff would have it together. We were wrong.
The Easter event was a complete mess. The manager or leader involved was quiet- clearly dodging the mess off a crowd and had no idea what was going on in a swarm of hundreds in the blazing sun. There was one giant mosh pit of people that the employees kept saying “uhhh there are 2 lines , one for little kids and one for older kids but people won’t even back up from the gate so…we don’t know where that will be”. The leader didn’t answer any questions, take control to separate the lines for the safety of the visitors and continently … wasn’t wearing a nametag. He’d quickly whisper something about lines to one family every now and again and then dodge away. This never resolved. The “time before letting the big kids in” once we did squeeze our way in was only about 2 minutes. Absurd. Dangerous. This needs major work.
We got a call that our room was ready- we returned to wait in an even longer line for our keys and without explaining every detail- the person at the desk circled the wrong building on the map and when we called to get help after walking flights of stairs in multiple buildings with our toddler in the blazing sun- they said they’re “sorry and didn’t know- but it was building 5 and by the tennis court and pool”. They all are by the tennis court and pool. There were no visible numbers. We asked an employee on a golf cart where building 5 was and he laughed at us and said “sorry no English “.
We found it on our own. The room smelled like cigarettes and someone’s animal crossing game was still on the TV.
Additionally- my son almost picked up someone’s used maxi pad next to a park bench in a main area. The restaurant on the water said open at 8am - the doors were completely unlocked with an open sign and when we entered it only served lunch and was clearly closed. With the alcohol in open access - They really need to watch this. We couldn’t believe it.
The Starbucks staff….need help. A huge tip wouldn’t begin to cover the work that those overworked women are busting out. It was like watching I love Lucy in the chocolate factory. There are no other breakfast options. Please resolve this. It was too sad. To them- we see you and we thank you. You rock. Our coffee was great.
Additionally: everyone but the woman at the general store and the front desk door greeter answered questions with either very wrong answers to make us go away (which REALLY bit us a few times with our disappointed little guy eager to play) or “I don’t know”. I wish I was exaggerating. We are so exhausted.
Ps- changing tables please….please. We changed our son on the floor.
We’re very sad and frankly- surprised. This was a milestone celebration and goal for our family to visit with a child someday.The new additions might be great but when the staff doesn’t know, care or is miserable…none of that can be enjoyed. Frankly- the employees ruined our very special visit. Please staff them properly. It’s just not right.
AA
Ally Aboud
Apr 2, 2026
2.0
This was our second trip here. The first trip was amazing and we all had a blast. This trip was a completely different experience. We booked the rail car and there were so many things wrong with it. The kitchen and shower drains were backed up. The grill wasn’t working because it’s propane and clearly someone stuffed it with charcoal prior so it wouldn’t even ignite. The remote was missing from the front room tv and it felt so humid inside even with the air on full blast. According to the rep I spoke with tho we should have checked everything and been proactive on letting them know instead of it being ready for us upon our arrival (even tho this is suppose to be an expensive luxury experience.) Woops. I’ll make sure to make my own checklist if we even decide to come again.
The adventure park was so disappointing! We have toddlers so we thought this would be a great spot for them to hang out. But instead there are teenager workers who like to group up and chat or sit on their phones. A bunch of little kids wanted to ride the train and the attendant did come and start it up for about 2 min until she parked it back up and went back to the other 4 attendants at the entrance. What a fun ride..
the blonde lady working the bouncy area was horrible!! So much attitude to this other little boy jumping that he actually left. And my 3 year old was playing with some sand and it was flying around since it was windy and she got yelled at also. Killed her mood playing with the sand so she left and retreated back to us.
I did call but it honestly seemed like no one cared a bit. So we spent hundreds of dollars on this vacation to feel super disappointed on the way home.
I wanted this place to be an annual thing for us but not sure we will be returning.
ES
Ed Springer
Mar 21, 2026
1.0
BEWARE! THIS PLACE HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND SECURITY ISSUE! We stayed in a Deluxe Lodge Suite and my 85 lb son was able to push open a locked door. When he pushed on the locked door the latch plate failed and the door opened. The latch plate, screws, and some of the wood frame fell to the floor. The plate was installed with cheap wood screws of different lengths, the shorter wood screw being about 1 inch (short of 2" standard #8 type screw), and the frame lacked adequate reinforcement. I reported this immediately and we were moved to a different room. After our stay I was charged $620 for door repair and was told the room recently went through inspection and everything was fine. This was after I received a call from Jackson and was told my credit card had not been charged for the door yet and I could talk to Angela the manager. I placed several calls to Angela and she was always busy/unavailable and didn't call me back (even coordinated a time for a call with staff), yet they processed the $620 charge anyway. So be advised locked lodge doors can be pushed open by an 85 lb kid and the resort says these doors are fine. I will never go back as my family and belongings are not safe in locked rooms. See other 1 star reviews for other reports of door and locking issues, creating safety concerns. In my case they charged me $620 for their shortcomings.
Response to Social Media Support: I respectfully disagree with the info you received from the front desk. There was no acknowledgement of payment during our stay. In fact the repair cost wasn’t known until a day or so after our stay when someone came out to provide a quote, and then I received a call 3 days after our stay regarding the door. I never agreed to pay for the feeble door and asked to speak to Angela, whom I never spoke to despite multiple calls. The charge was processed without my acknowledgment/concurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Does Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offer concierge services?
Yes, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo provides concierge services to assist guests during their stay.
Is there a convenience store available at the resort?
Yes, there is a convenience store on-site for guests' needs.
What types of accommodations are available at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo?
Accommodations include ranch-themed lodge guestrooms, deluxe lodge suites, spacious cottages, two-bedroom cabins, glamping tents, and luxe teepees.
Are pets allowed at the resort?
Yes, pets are welcome at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.
Does the resort have swimming pools and lifeguards?
Yes, the resort features outdoor pools with lifeguards on duty, but no indoor pools.
What dining options are available at or near Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo?
The resort offers dining at Westgate Smokehouse Grill and River Ranch Saloon. Nearby, guests can also visit River Ranch Cattle Company steakhouse and Smokehouse On The River barbecue restaurant.
What are some nearby attractions guests can visit before or after their stay?
Guests can experience The Haunting of River Ranch attraction, visit Cowboy Adventure Park for outdoor fun, or explore the River Ranch Petting Farm for family-friendly activities.
Is there a social hour or similar gathering event at the resort?
Yes, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo hosts a social hour for guests to enjoy.
How can guests manage laundry during their stay?
The resort offers self-service laundry facilities for guest convenience.
Are there venues nearby for events such as weddings or meetings?
Yes, the River Ranch Chapel nearby can be a venue for weddings, and the resort itself offers wedding packages and group event accommodations.
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