The River Ranch Resort Airport is in a wooded area, making it relatively difficult to identify when you are flying low on your way to River Ranch. A canal that runs east and parallel to the landing strip is a good reference point. Due to the adjacent trees, air turbulence often occurs at the end of the approach. Follow the right traffic pattern for runway 34.
River Ranch is a terrific destination for the entire family. You can also plan a vacation here or even reserve a long weekend. Accommodation options range from simple double rooms to self-catering cabins. You’ll notice right away here that it is no longer a real ranch with tilled fields and pastures with grazing cattle, rather this is a true resort operated by Westgate.
If you don’t plan to stay overnight, it’s best to rent a golf cart to take a quick tour of the grounds. You can pick it up right at the runway and pay just $5 for 2.5 hours. The ranch is situated over a large area that includes a mobile home park, a golf course (9 holes) and a marina. There are plenty of places on the ranch to enjoy a good meal or snack. From the airport, it’s a 5-minute drive with the golf cart to the Westgate Smokehouse Grill at the other end of the street. It is open daily. There is also a pier where airboats can dock. Unlike its predecessors from the wild west, the River Ranch Saloon opens its swinging doors only on Fridays through Sunday evenings. There is often live music, and dance classes are held there.
The Ranch offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, including golf, airboat tours, horseback riding and clay pigeon shooting. One event not to miss is the rodeo evening held on Saturdays.
