If you are ready to head down to Florida for your perfect Dude Ranch vacation and wondering where there is a dude ranch in Florida. You’ve come to the right place.
Here are five ranches in Florida that will have you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your days after a week of relaxation, riding, and bonding.
While Florida might be known for Florida Man and Mickey Mouse’s playhouse, there’s a big chunk of Florida that many don’t get to see.
The wild, untamed wilderness is perfect for everything from kayaking, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, hiking, and fishing.
While picturing an authentic Dude Ranch vacation in the sunshine state might prove difficult, Florida has a rich history as a cattle state dating back 500 years.
So what does a Dude Ranch vacation in Florida look like?
- All Dude Ranches universally want one thing, for their guests to feel at home while still experiencing ranch life, add to that hospitality and possibly some of the best food you’ve ever had.
- Because it’s Florida, numerous activities range from extreme sports like wilderness survival trips to more relaxed trips down to the river and springs for kayaking trips and tours of the springs perfect for kids and adults alike, thanks to the incredible weather.
- Old west games, nothing says the old west like a good game of horseshoe.
- Airboat or swamp buggy rides into the swampy waters, where you might spot alligators, turtles, and bald eagles. Florida has the most significant number of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, So look out. You might be so lucky as to snap a photo.
- Not a ton of cell phone coverage, which is a good thing. No cell service means a ton more sleep and a lot less stress.
Westgate River Ranch Resort And Rodeo
Located an hour from Orlando, the ranch offers guests 1700 acres of magnificent untouched wilderness perfect for kicking back and relaxing.
Whether you are a city slicker looking to kick back or a horse fanatic, West Gate is the place to be.
As soon as you pass through their gates, you pass through platform tents and circular tents with a dome on one side of the road and wagons and teepees on the other.
A stay at West Gate will have you wanting to experience every one of their activities.
Including swamp buggy rides, trap and skeet shooting, Kissimmee River cruise, archery, fishing, horseshoes, mechanical bull riding, mini golfing, tennis, and swimming.
A fully functioning petting farm is onsite, and pony rides are available for the little ones.
For dining, River Ranch Saloon guests can take advantage of either the Westgate Smokehouse Grill for a fine dining experience, the quick service Deli at the General Store, or the River Ranch Saloon for a quick meal.
Other accommodations onsite include lodge rooms and cabins to one and two-bedroom cabins. In addition, they offer RV camping, platform camping, and tent camping.
Their glamping tents are fitted with a private bathroom, ceiling fan, a microwave, a mini fridge, and cozy beds for a more luxe stay.
A highlight for most guests is the Saturday night rodeo.
Experienced cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and trick riding, followed by a patriotic salute to the US Armed Forces and lively post-rodeo dance in front of the River Ranch Saloon.
The charges are $30 for adults and $15 for kids.
The Amenities
- A marina where guests can rent boats for fishing expeditions and tours of the Kissimmee River. A swimming pool.
- One hot tub.
- Free RV.
- A private airstrip.
- Bus and truck parking.
Note:
- Check-in is from 4 pm-11 pm, and check-out is at 10:00 Am
- The Minimum check-in age is 21 years
- Horseback riding is available for riders aged eight and up
Website: https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/river-ranch/westgate-river-ranch-resort/
Address: 3200 River Ranch Boulevard, River Ranch, FL 33867
Phone: 863-692-1321
The Smokehouse Ranch -Branford
Nestled in Florida’s North county, The Smoakhouse Ranch offers guests a low-key stay at one of Florida’s historic properties.
At a working cattle ranch, you can either sit on your porch and recount the day’s activities or wander through the cleared trails, picking the different seasonal fruits until the day escapes.
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, the ranch owners can arrange a river trip for canoeing, kayaking, and scuba diving.
In addition, the ranch features three private cottages.
Each is beautifully furnished with a kitchen with all amenities for self-catering, full bathrooms, spacious beds and sitting rooms, a large covered deck, and central heat and A/C that you control.
For entertainment, they provide HDTV plus complimentary WI-FI.
Pricing For The Accommodation
- The Earl cabin – $159 pricing for two adults
- Cabin one -$139 per night
- Cabin two – $119 per night
Note:
- Booking is strict to be made on Airbnb.
- The prices are for two adults per night.
- An additional $20 is charged for guests over 14
Website: https://smoakhouseranch.com/
Address: 4321 Co Rd 500, Branford, FL 32008, United States
Phone: 386 935 2662
Grand Oaks Resort- Weirsdale
Grand Oaks Resort location is central in the horse country. This 400-acre paradise is an equine lover’s dream.
The ranch features everything from stables to lodgings near the paddocks. Whether you’re looking to engage in horse shows or clinics or getaway on your 18-holer, there’s something for everyone.
In addition, the resort features an inground pool that has been called exceptional. You can take a load off in the pool or fly fishing as the rest of your group explore the clear trails shaded by century-old oaks and spa services.
They also have a variety of accommodations, cottages, and estates ranging from 1 bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens to modest trailers that sleep 2.
If you are driving in with your RV, you needn’t worry.
For dining, a popular destination for guests is the Bistro, a place where you can hang up your bandana and be while indulging in some of the best-prepared meals.
In addition, the ranch has 60 35′ comprehensive sites with full hook-ups (sewage, water, and electric, 30 and 50 amp), paved roads, concrete pads, and patios, plus a dog park for guests traveling with their dogs.
Website: https://thegrandoaks.com/
Address: 3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale, Florida 32195
Phone: 352-750 -550
Circle F Ranch – Lake Wales
What started as a summer sleepaway camp for kids aged 6-16, 70 years ago, has now morphed into an outdoor haven where being the best you can be is put at the center.
Located an hour south of Orlando, Circle F Ranch provides a worry-free environment in the great outdoors with the staff, who provide top-notch service with the hospitality and charm of a guest ranch.
Situated on 500 acres with a lake on site, whether you’re looking for a spring or summer camp for your kids or a secluded environment for a private family gathering, a corporate event, or a team-building exercise, Circle F Ranch has your back.
Creating an adventure best suited for you becomes more accessible with the wide range of programs available, including horseback riding, paintballing, rock wall climbing, zip lining, canoeing, and kayaking.
Website: https://circlefduderanchcamp.com/
Address: 5301 Dude Ranch Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898
Phone: 863-676-4113
Email: [email protected]
Diamond Oaks Farm -Ocala
There is something about the inside of a horse that is good for the outside of man.
Whether Winston Churchill said these words or not, experience them firsthand while staying at this 25-acre active horse ranch.
Diamond Oaks Farm provides guests the opportunity to customize their stay. They can accommodate you if you’re looking to stay at the lodge and do zero activities during your stay.
If you’re looking to stay and ride, they offer lessons for all levels and ages (2 and up), which they can customize to lesson one day and trail ride the next.
For Stays at the ranch, you can choose the King suite luxurious historic stone-crafted home perfect for 1-6 people, fitted with a large kitchen and furnished deck.
In addition, you can take The king suite for 1-4 people, a two-bedroom residence RV 1-5, the Hitchhiker 1-4 people, and many others.
Their kid’s program takes the cup.
Kids can choose horse or pony and unicorn rides, day visits that include a pasture walk, and braiding and grooming lessons to give them one-on-one time with the horses.
Additionally, carriage rides on the ranch are available for anyone looking for a slower ride.
Some amenities include an Rv horse park with full hook-up campsites available for both small and large rigs.
Boarding for your horses is available with pasture and full stall options. Also, the ranch is pet friendly.
Thus, bring your dogs to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the farm has free WI-FI for use at your discretion.
Website: https://www.diamondoaksfarm.com/
Address: 890 NE 100th St, Ocala, FL 34479, United States
Phone: +1 352-502-5742
Conclusion
Florida is one of those states where you might not have known its Dude Ranch potential, especially with its vast majority of tourism coming from spring breakers and Walt Disney visitors.
However, Florida’s abundance of nature and wilderness makes Dude Ranches alluring. Coupled with perfect weather that the state enjoys 365 days, it makes for family or single travelers the ideal vacation.
