The Ultimate Guide to Glamping in Florida [FAQs Added]
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Glamping in Florida
Florida is known and loved for its amazing beaches and amusement parks, but there’s another side to the Sunshine State you don’t want to miss: glamping. Now, you might be asking yourself, “What is glamping?” Glamping stands for “glamorous camping,” and it involves staying outdoors with many of the amenities you’re used to seeing in a hotel.
Glamping in Florida can be family-friendly, romantic, or even an exciting solo adventure.
With vast acres of beautiful wilderness in a warm climate, Florida glamping is a hidden treasure worth uncovering for yourself.
Get ready to learn all the most important facts about how to glamp in Florida. This is your ultimate guide packed to the brim with all the essential details and insider tips.
Best Glamping Sites in Florida
Where’s the best place to glamp in Florida? There are many wonderful destinations for glampers in Florida, but the best place to glamp is Westgate River Ranch. Featuring luxe tents and teepees, this one-of-a-kind vacation paradise draws upon a fun cowboy theme to make you feel right at home in the great outdoors.
Whether you want a safari tent or glamping teepee, you can expect comforts like hardwood floors, fresh linens, air conditioning, running water and plumbing, and even an on-site restaurant. That’s not all, though. River Ranch is an outdoor haven with dozens of activities.
Go rock climbing, ziplining, bungee jumping, or even mount a mechanical bull! You can also keep it more relaxed with sunset horseback rides, nature hikes, and cookouts. Easy access to a marina means you can also easily boat, fish, or take a swamp buggy ride.
On Saturday nights, you can watch the championship rodeo that features experienced bull riders, horse barrel racing, and even calf roping.
River Ranch glamping is an unforgettable experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Beyond the resort, you can also find many Florida glampsites located in state parks, along lakes, and near forests. These offer families, couples, and soloists the greatest opportunity to connect with nature in their own special way.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or first-time glamper, the best places to glamp in Florida feature all the amenities and comfort you’ll need to feel comfortable as you soak up the atmosphere.
Westgate River Ranch Resort glamping is a cowboy-themed adventure that includes real rodeos, horseback riding, and a luxury campfire experience for the ultimate s’mores and pours.
Guests can relax and embrace the beauty surrounding the 1,700-acre dude ranch in Polk County, FL, and enjoy shore views of the Kissimmee River. Onsite dining options include a smokehouse, saloon, and general store with its own deli for convenient cooking. If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of choosing tent glamping vs teepee, Westgate River Ranch has all the glamping set ups you could imagine!
The resort is kid- and dog-friendly, too, so the whole family can have a blast exploring the ranch and relaxing in Florida’s vibrant nature.
You can easily reach the ranch from Orlando as it's located just one hour south of the city.
| Accommodation Type | Luxe Conestoga Wagon | Luxury Glamping | Luxe Teepee | Glamping | Platform Camping |
| GLAMPING PERKS | |||||
| Sleep Count | UP TO 6 GUESTS | UP TO 4 GUESTS | UP TO 4 GUESTS | UP TO 4 GUESTS | TENT PROVIDED |
| Sleep Accommodations | 1 KING BED, 2 TWIN BEDS & QUEEN SLEEPER SOFA | 1 KING BED & QUEEN SLEEPER SOFA | 1 KING BED & SLEEPER SOFA | 1 KING BED, 2 TWIN BEDS | SLEEPING BAGS NOT INCLUDED |
| Bathroom Facilities | PRIVATE EN SUITE BATHROOM | PRIVATE EN SUITE BATHROOM | PRIVATE EN SUITE BATHROOM | SEPARATE PRIVATE BATHROOM FACILITIES | BATH HOUSE SUPPORT |
| Complimentary Resort Activities | INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED | INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED |
| Complimentary Golf Cart | INCLUDED | INCLUDED | INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED |
| VIP Rodeo Tickets | INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED | INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED |
| Concierge Service | PRIVATE VIP CONCIERGE | INCLUDED | PRIVATE VIP CONCIERGE | INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED |
WHERE: Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, 200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL 33867 | WHO: 863-692-1321
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What does glamping stand for?
Glamping stands for “glamorous camping,” and it involves staying outdoors with many of the amenities you’re used to seeing in a hotel.
Many people wonder about the difference between glamping vs camping. Isn't it just staying in a fancier tent than usual? Sometimes! But there’s so much more to glamping in Florida than some nice accommodations.
Glamping sites can feature tents, teepees, or cabins, and they often have heating/air conditioning, a small kitchen, bathrooms, and even electricity and WiFi. Some glampsites feature restaurants, entertainment, and even pools and saunas.
The biggest difference between glamping and camping is that glamping lets you relax in nature with modern conveniences; camping is more about “roughing it” as you make the outdoors your home away from home.
If you decide to explore glamping Florida style, you’ll be amazed at how much there is to do at these sites.
Is there glamping in Florida?
You might think that Florida wouldn’t be the best place for Glamping ideas, but there are actually dozens of amazing places to stay. In fact, just an hour outside of Orlando, you’ll find the best glamping destination in the state: River Ranch.
It’s hard to believe that Disney World and sunny beaches are such a short drive from this wilderness oasis.
You can also find beach glamping in Florida, so if you’re a fan of surfing or other water sports, you’ll love the unique spin on luxury camping that the Sunshine State offers.
Because Florida is home to so many state parks, you’ll find plenty of glampsites available throughout the state. Whether you want to get lost in the Everglades or glamp along the coastline, there are plenty of rentals available.
Before you book your spot, it’s helpful to run through the glamping essentials and know exactly what to expect. The more you prepare, the easier it will be to plan a dream getaway.
Glamping Sites in Florida
Where’s the best place to glamp in Florida? There are many wonderful destinations for glampers in Florida, but the best place to glamp is Westgate River Ranch. Featuring luxe tents and teepees, this one-of-a-kind vacation paradise draws upon a fun cowboy theme to make you feel right at home in the great outdoors.
Whether you want a safari tent or glamping teepee, you can expect comforts like hardwood floors, fresh linens, air conditioning, running water and plumbing, and even an on-site restaurant. That’s not all, though. River Ranch is an outdoor haven with dozens of activities.
Go rock climbing, ziplining, bungee jumping, or even mount a mechanical bull! You can also keep it more relaxed with sunset horseback rides, nature hikes, and cookouts. Easy access to a marina means you can also easily boat, fish, or take a swamp buggy ride.
On Saturday nights, you can watch the championship rodeo that features experienced bull riders, horse barrel racing, and even calf roping.
River Ranch glamping is an unforgettable experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Beyond the resort, you can also find many Florida glampsites located in state parks, along lakes, and near forests. These offer families, couples, and soloists the greatest opportunity to connect with nature in their own special way.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or first-time glamper, the best places to glamp in Florida feature all the amenities and comfort you’ll need to feel comfortable as you soak up the atmosphere.
Do you have your own toilet when you go glamping?
One of the biggest differences between glamping vs camping is the access to running water. Glampers want to enjoy the outdoors, but they also don’t want to give up the comforts of modern life.
For many of us, the thought of doing our business in a bush is far from enticing. Not to worry when you glamp. Most sites are fully equipped with showers, sinks, and toilets! At River Ranch, you’ll never be too far from a restroom.
Some glamping sites offer communal bathrooms and others have private accommodations. River Ranch features your own private facility with a key. If you choose another spot, you may have your own toilet but have to share a shower.
It all depends on where you go. However, you should never worry about not having running water or basic plumbing, since these are considered staples among glamp sites.
How do you go glamping on a budget?
Camping can be pretty cheap, but since “glamorous” is part of its namesake, glamping tents to be more expensive. You’ll be paying for amenities, luxury finishes, and even access to the grounds and their activities. Plus, staying in a glamping tent is more than just laying on the floor in a sleeping bag. It’s an immersive experience under the stars set with comfy furniture and modern needs like electricity and plumbing.
For someone with a limited budget, the best way to go glamping in Florida is to book a tent. Teepees, cabanas, or even cabins will be more expensive.
You could look into a glamping RV as well, which would give you the freedom to go on a Florida road trip as well. RV rentals can be somewhat cheaper than glamping, but they don’t come with any additional amenities. You’ll have to pay extra to access the accommodations on a nice glamp ground.
Glamping Checklist
Before you go, it’s best to pack as much of your own stuff as possible. By following this glamping checklist, you can have everything you need with you, so you spend less money.
● Refillable, durable water bottle (at least 1 liter)
● Non-perishable snacks (like granola bars)
● Insect repellant
● Sunscreen
● A high-quality sun hat
● Sunglasses
● Supportive hiking boots
● A hiking backpack
● A raincoat/poncho
● At least 4 glamping outfits (t-shirts, shorts/jeans, activewear pants, pajamas, and undergarments)
● At least 2 swimsuits in case one gets damaged
● A portable phone charger
● Toothbrush and toothpaste
● Shampoo and conditioner
● Soap bar
● Hand sanitizer
● Lip balm with SPF 30-50
You can customize your glamping essentials to suit your own preferences. For example, you might want to pack a drone or portable speaker to listen to music outdoors. There are many glamping accessories that make it easy for you to stay connected without taking up a lot of space.
The great part about glamping is that you can go with as much or as little as you like. With many sites offering mini fridges or on-site kitchens, it’s easy to save money while glamping. Consider roasting meat or veggies on an open fire as you admire the stars; or pack some sandwich supplies so you can always fix up something yummy when hunger strikes.
Another great way to go glamping on a budget is to host a glamping party! Bring along some friends and split the cost of your accommodations! Many glamping destinations have spacious tents or teepees for less than $300 a night.
For example, a luxe teepee at the Westgate River Ranch Resort starts at $250 per night. It comfortably sleeps three to four guests, which would equate to $83.33 to $62.50 per person each night.
It’s always cheaper to travel with company—and loads of fun! So, consider inviting your family or friends along for the adventure.
Is there electricity in glamping?
Most glamping sites have electricity on-site, and they tend to also offer generators and charging ports in your lodging. You won’t need to go without your mobile phone or laptop during your getaway.
Some sites even offer WiFi, but this varies by location. You can, however, bring your own portable WiFi hotspot for travel.
In many cases, you’ll find sites offering a “glamping pod,” the luxury alternative to a typical tent. Pods are smaller than cabins, but they offer a solid structure and support from the elements. Inside a glamping pod, you’ll often find electricity, heating and air conditioning, a bathroom, and a comfortable bed.
What do you stay in when glamping?
You definitely aren’t limited when it comes to glamping in Florida. Accommodations can range from an RV to a tent or teepee decked out with luxury furnishings. It all depends on your preference and, of course, your budget.
Let’s say that you want something outdoorsy but not too immersed in nature. A lot of people find themselves keen on sleeping under the stars, only through a window as they lie in a plush bed.
Glamping in Florida allows you to fully enjoy nature without compromising on modern conveniences. You’ll be able to access resources whenever you need them.
Is glamping better than camping?
When you hear about all the amenities that come with glamping, you may wonder why anyone would choose to just camp instead. It’s really a matter of personal preference. Avid campers are used to the outdoors, and they tend to find the lack of modern technology refreshing. Newcomers can find this off-putting as there is so much to learn.
Glamping can be a 5-star experience, but it can also be a slightly more “dressed up” version of traditional camping. There is a lot of room for customization depending on your preferences.
For many people, glamping is better than camping because they get to enjoy being in nature without having to go without plumbing, electricity, and a nice bed. They also tend to get access to amenities not found on regular campsites, like restaurants and even saunas.
If you’re someone who loves the idea of camping but aren’t into the gritty reality, then glamping is the perfect alternative.
How do you plan a glamping trip?
Another great element of glamping vs camping is the ease of travel. With camping, you need to choose a destination, find a campground, then make sure there’s enough space available for you to pitch your tent.
You could spend hours wandering in the wilderness before you locate the right spot.
With Florida glamping, all you have to do is book a reservation. Your lodgings will be prepared for you in advance, and you just arrive to check in like you would at a hotel.
It’s extremely easy and straightforward. The glamping process is really all about finding a location you’re interested in and finding some glamp grounds nearby.
If you’re looking for glamping Orlando options, then there are many great locations just an hour or two away.
Last Tips for Glamping in Florida
Thanks to its great climate and diverse landscape, Florida is a great place to visit if you’re a fan of the outdoors. While beaches may get most of the attention, you’ll find plenty of hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and horseback riding available throughout the state as well. Plus, glamping pictures are notorious for making your friends and followers jealous on social media!
Before you go, consider whether you want to glamp during peak season or off season. Peak seasons have the best weather, and they may also include special events. However, because they also draw the most visitors, glampsites book up fast. You’ll have to plan in advance if you head to one of these spots during their peak seasons.
Off-season Florida glamping can also be fun, but make sure you carefully check weather advisories. From May 15 through October 15, Southwest Florida experiences its rainy season. The same period takes place from May 25 to October 10 in Central Florida.
Lastly, if you’re planning on glamping as part of a larger vacation, consider booking a spot at a glampsite close to a city like Orlando. Doing so will make it much easier to carry on your adventures while lowering travel costs and time spent commuting.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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