To Camp or Not to Camp
Camping is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh air, nature, and sleep beneath a sky full of stars. And while that sounds like a memorable experience, that’s not how I remember my first campout.
I was eight years old. My brothers and I begged our parents to take us camping. Did they reserve a campsite in a beautiful, picturesque ranch in upstate New York? No. They borrowed a tent from a neighbor and pitched it in our tiny backyard.
At first, it felt as exciting as Christmas Day. Sleeping bags, snacks, giggles, and scary stories … and then the sun set. It was dark and humid. Insects were attacking me. Night creatures were making unrecognizable howls and shrieks. I made an excuse to use the restroom, headed straight to my bedroom and never went back outside. My camping experience ended before it even began. That is until last year …
… when a friend introduced me to “glamping.”
What is Glamping?
Glamping is a type of camping that takes the “roughing it” part out of the experience. In its place is improved accommodations and amenities. You still enjoy the sights and sounds of nature but with added style and conveniences.
I am so happy that I listened to the advice of others and booked my first glamping stay at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, near Kissimmee, Florida.
Glamping at Westgate River Ranch Resort
All I can say is “Wow” to glamping at its finest! Westgate River Ranch Resort is an authentic Florida dude ranch set upon more than 1,700 breathtaking acres of land, offering guests the opportunity to experience “Old Florida.” It truly takes glamping to the next level by offering an exciting “themed” vacation that includes many unique alternatives to a traditional tent.
At Westgate River Ranch Resort, glamping tents rest on a platform, not the dirt. Each is fully furnished with real beds and linens. You have the choice to stay in western-themed accommodations from a pre-built glamping tent to a teepee style tent, wagon train style tent or even traditional lodge rooms, RV, and tent camping. Choose from 15+ options of accommodations based on your needs, preferences and camping style.
Some upgraded glamping room types at Westgate River Ranch Resort provide air conditioning, heating, a personal concierge, a golf cart, and a private bathroom! Yes, please!
Accommodations: You Had Me at Bathroom
I can truly say that a typical campsite with a rustic bathroom in the woods or a shared bathroom does not appeal to me. So, when I heard that some glamping accommodations at Westgate River Ranch included a private bathroom, I was excited to book my 3-night weekend trip.
While I decided that the special glamping amenities were worth the extra fees for a non-traditional camper like me, there are many other accommodation options to choose from.
:: Luxury Glamping Tents
:: Luxe Teepee
:: Luxe Conestoga Wagon
:: Lodge Suite
:: Lodge Guest Room
:: Deluxe Lodge Suite
:: Premium Lodge Suite
:: Saddle Club Studio Cabin
:: Saddle Club Rail Car
:: Lodge One-Bedroom Cottage
:: Saddle Club One-Bedroom Grand Cabin
:: Lodge Two-Bedroom Cottage
:: Saddle Club Two-Bedroom Cabin
:: Platform Camping
:: RV Camping
:: Tent Camping
Westgate River Ranch Resort Offers Activities for Everyone
While the resort offers an abundance of peace and quiet, there are many activities that could keep you busy morning, afternoon, and evening. The staff suggest that your stay at Westgate River Ranch is the perfect opportunity to unplug your devices and join the fun.
As you can expect, this is a full-service dude ranch that provides the wild west experience. I packed my boots, cowboy hat, and pink bandana – saved from my line dancing phase. There are many options to plan your own unique adventure to enjoy unlimited fresh air and the great outdoors.
Recognized as the largest dude ranch East of the Mississippi, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo helps guest relive the old West, but with a modern twist. The following activities are really popular, so be sure to book ahead of time. Also note that many activities come with a fee, so you’ll want to calculate those fees in your vacation budget.
Activities include:
Horseback riding – Guides lead you on a 45-minute horseback ride along untouched trails.
Saturday Night Rodeo – 1,200-seat rodeo arena to watch competitive bull riders with impressive trick riding and barrel racing.
Street Party – Following Saturday night’s rodeo, attend a party on the stage in front of the River Ranch Saloon. Learn western line dances and sing along to tunes played by a DJ.
Airboat rides – 40-minute guided airboat ride along the Kissimmee River offers a refreshing thrill as guides share neat facts. Look for wildlife such as alligators, turtles, birds, eagles, and more.
Swamp buggy rides – 40-minute ride takes you off the beaten path through scenery surrounding the property. Adventurous ride over rugged terrain where MUD is fun and messy!
River Country Water Park coming summer of 2025 – promises to offer a blend of thrill, relaxation and a water adventure.
Petting farm – Feed and pet gentle animals such as sheep, ponies, cows, goats, llamas, emus, peacocks, and more.
Pony rides – Available inside the petting farm, kids can ride gentle ponies and mules in the “pony sweep” live merry-go-round, led in a fun smooth circle ride.
Cowboy Adventure Park – Offers a wild and thrilling experience, a day full of excitement with activities to suit all guests.
Central Florida Farmers Market – Located at River Ranch offers a variety of locally sourced goods.
Trap shooting – Test your trap shooting skills, Equipment and supplies available for rent.
Skeet shooting – Safe, controlled environment tests skills with targets launched to cross in front of the shooter. Gear available for rent.
Air rifle range – 45 minutes with a lever action pump BB gun features more than 15 targets at varying heights/distances to test your sharpshooting skills.
Kissimmee River Queen Cruise – One hour cruise on a 40-foot pontoon takes you down the Kissimmee River and surrounding channels.
Escape room – Work together with a group to solve themed puzzles and riddles to escape to avoid a visit from the Marshall.
Archery range – Test your bow and arrow target skills to score a bullseye whether beginner or advanced.
Fishing – Cast a line around the Kissimmee River. Fish off the dock at the full-service marina or catch and release at the pond. Cane poles and rods with reels available for use.
Full-service marina – Located off the beautiful Kissimmee River offers guided fishing trips, a bait and tackle shop, gas pump, and boat launch ramp. Board the airboat ride or swamp buggy here.
Horseshoes – Toss horseshoes under the shady trees. Equipment for rent at the General Store.
Mechanical bull – Hold on tight to the bucking bull and test your skill level. Adjustable speeds for beginners to advanced riders of all ages.
Miniature golf – Safari miniature golf for a fun competition with friends and family.
Tennis courts – Pack your racket or rent one to play at the courts.
Pool for guests in lodge room and cottages – Swim or sunbathe by the heated outdoor pool. Pool closes for inclement weather.
Activities Bring on a Hefty Appetite: Dining Options
There are some dining options onsite the Westgate River Ranch Resort and some that are nearby. We immensely enjoyed the River Ranch Cattle Company steakhouse, Smokehouse on the River, and Rodeo Ray’s Pizza.
Dining options:
River Ranch Cattle Company – Steakhouse onsite offers delicious steaks, seafood, local Florida products, and desserts.
Smokehouse on the River – Delicious barbecue selections including brisket, chicken, sausage, pulled pork, and more for lunch and dinner with breathtaking views overlooking the Kissimmee River.
Rodeo Ray’s Pizza – Pick up pizza or other quick foods at this grab-and-go eatery.
Graze Food Truck – Located at the Cowboy Adventure Park, grab sandwiches, snacks, beverages, and more.
Coffee Corral – Located inside the Village Shops, pick up Starbucks coffee, Hershey’s ice cream, and breakfast items.
River Ranch Saloon – Adjacent to the Rodeo Arena, enjoy live country-western entertainment with line dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Full bar and dancing lessons.
General Store – Offers a large selection, including groceries, snacks, beverages, beer, wine, souvenirs, camping gear, RV supplies, toiletries, and much more.
A Different Camping Vacation Experience Where “Different” is Good
The Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo provides the ultimate outdoor experience with just the right western-themed glamping accommodations. And while I didn’t partake in the mechanical bull riding, I am very proud of going out of my comfort zone to take a horseback ride, airboat ride, and swamp buggy ride. The award-winning Saturday Night Rodeo was a real treat as was line dancing at the River Ranch Saloon.
While I couldn’t get enough of the night’s sky full of twinkling stars that seemed to dance above the resort, I may have enjoyed too many of the “cowboy donuts” and nightly s’mores treats.
Donuts and smores … sleeping in a luxury glamping tent under the starry sky … my kind of camping.