Adventure Starts Right Outside Lot 443
One of the best parts about staying at Lot 443 at River Ranch RV Resort is that you can make your trip as active—or as relaxing—as you want. Spend the weekend enjoying the rodeo, horseback riding, airboat adventures and family attractions at Westgate River Ranch, relax beside your private dock, or head out and explore some of the best outdoor and cultural attractions around Lake Wales and Central Florida.
You can easily fill an entire River Ranch weekend without leaving the area, but there are also several worthwhile day-trip destinations when you want to explore beyond the resort.
Don’t Miss the Saturday Night Rodeo
The Saturday Night Rodeo is one of River Ranch’s best-known traditions. Expect an evening of Western entertainment that may include bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding and other rodeo events.
If you’re planning a weekend stay at Lot 443, Saturday night is a great time to experience the atmosphere that makes River Ranch different from a typical Florida RV destination.
Things to Do at Westgate River Ranch
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is next to River Ranch RV Resort and offers one of the largest collections of Western-themed activities in Central Florida. These attractions are operated separately from Lot 443 and may require additional fees, tickets, reservations or waivers.
Enjoy the Water Without Leaving Lot 443
You don’t have to schedule an activity every hour. One of the biggest advantages of Lot 443 is having the water right behind your RV.
Bring your morning coffee outside, relax beside the canal, spend time on the private dock, watch for wildlife, or simply come back to the lot and unwind after a busy day at the ranch.
Sometimes the best River Ranch activity is doing absolutely nothing beside the water.
Worth Exploring Near River Ranch
If you’re staying for several days, consider leaving the resort for part of a day. The Lake Wales area offers nature, hiking, gardens and a glimpse of Old Florida that fits perfectly with a River Ranch trip.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Explore one of Central Florida’s beautiful natural landscapes on the shores of Lakes Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie. Visitors can hike, watch wildlife, fish, canoe, boat and learn about Florida’s cattle history through the park’s historic cow camp experience.
Best for: hiking, wildlife, birding, fishing and an Old Florida experience.
KICCO Wildlife Management Area
KICCO—pronounced “kiss-oh”—offers a much wilder experience near River Ranch. The South Florida Water Management District describes hiking along the Florida National Scenic Trail, bicycling a long dirt road, fishing the Kissimmee River system, wildlife viewing and exploring a landscape of scrub, marsh and river habitat.
Best for: hiking, biking, fishing, photography and visitors who enjoy undeveloped Florida.
Bok Tower Gardens
For a completely different day, visit one of Lake Wales’ most recognizable attractions. Bok Tower Gardens combines landscaped gardens, natural areas, the historic Singing Tower and opportunities to explore the area’s beautiful elevated landscape.
Best for: gardens, photography, peaceful walks and a relaxing half-day outing.
Downtown Lake Wales & Spook Hill
Make the drive into Lake Wales to explore local shops, historic architecture and the area’s small-town atmosphere. You can also make a quick stop at famous Spook Hill, one of Florida’s classic roadside curiosities.
Best for: an easy afternoon drive, local dining and exploring beyond the resort.
Easy River Ranch Weekend Ideas
Settle In & Relax
Arrive at River Ranch, set up the RV, explore by golf cart and spend your first evening relaxing beside the water at Lot 443.
Make It a Ranch Day
Choose horseback riding, the water park or an outdoor adventure during the day, have dinner nearby, then make the Saturday Night Rodeo the evening highlight.
Explore Old Florida
Enjoy a slower morning at the lot, then visit Lake Kissimmee State Park, KICCO or Bok Tower Gardens before heading home.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
River Ranch weekends can get busy. If the rodeo, horseback riding, airboat rides or water park are important to your trip, check current schedules and reserve ahead when possible.
Remember that your Lot 443 reservation, River Ranch RV Resort guest fee, and paid Westgate activities are separate charges.
Choose one or two “must-do” activities, then leave enough free time to enjoy the waterfront lot and the relaxed River Ranch atmosphere.
Stay at Lot 443
Make our waterfront RV lot your home base for the rodeo, outdoor adventures, family activities and everything else River Ranch and Central Florida have to offer.