Ulster County's Rocking Horse Ranch: The All-Inclusive Family Resort That Lives Up to the Hype |
TripAdvisor's #1-rated family resort in America is right in Ulster County — and for good reason |
TripAdvisor ranks Rocking Horse Ranch as the #1 All-Inclusive Family Resort in the United States. That is a bold claim for a family resort perched along State Route 44/55 in Highland, New York, just a short drive from the Hudson Valley's busiest towns. But after stepping through its front doors, it is easier to see why families from New York City, the Hudson Valley, and beyond keep coming back year after year.
One Price, Everything Included
Rather than piecing together an itinerary — and a bill — Rocking Horse Ranch packages it all into a single rate. Lodging, meals, nightly entertainment, the indoor water park, horseback rides, the arcade, laser tag, archery, and more are all included. Families can spend a full day (or a full weekend) without ever opening a wallet after check-in. For parents, that kind of predictable budget is as much a draw as the activities themselves.
The Big Splash Indoor Water Park
The year-round centerpiece is the Big Splash Indoor Water Park, kept at a steady 85 degrees no matter what the Ulster County weather is doing outside. From toddlers paddling in shallow splash zones to older kids tackling the water-walk challenge, there is enough here to fill a full afternoon — or an entire rainy day. Adjacent, the Eldorado Hot Springs offers a quieter retreat that pulls the resort's vibe one step closer to the Southwest it is themed around.
Horses, Nights Under the Stars, and Real Western Flavor
The ranch leans into its Western identity in the best way. Horse Adventures put kids and adults in the saddle on trail rides across the property, while the Wildlife Exhibit adds a small but memorable menagerie for younger visitors. At night, the Silverado Saloon hosts live performances, bonfires with live music, and nightly dancing; fireworks cap off special weekends. Character lunches, Wild West shows, and scavenger hunts round out an itinerary that keeps three generations busy at once.
Rainy Days, Too, Are Covered
When the weather turns, the indoor offerings keep the momentum going. The Lucky Horseshoe Arcade — complete with an iClick interactive experience — draws kids of every age. The Galactic Heroes Laser Tag arena is freshly rebuilt, and the Shooting Gallery and Archery Range give older kids and teens a skill-based challenge. Activity directors program separate tracks for children, teens, and adults, so nobody in the group is left waiting for something to do.
A Hudson Valley Staycation That Feels Like a Vacation
From Kingston, New Paltz, or the Walkway Over the Hudson, the drive to Rocking Horse Ranch is quick enough that even a weekend away feels like a genuine reset. All-inclusive dining keeps everyone fed and happy — from picky toddlers to parents who want a quiet drink at the saloon — without the logistical gymnastics of a big trip.
For Ulster County families considering a staycation, or out-of-town guests looking for a basecamp to explore the region from, Rocking Horse Ranch is worth serious consideration. It is rare to find a resort that delivers on both the promise of adventure and the promise of relaxation, but Highland, New York, has managed exactly that.
Plan Your Visit
|
6 Comments
Join the conversation
#1 in the whole country is a stretch imo. TripAdvisor rankings depend a lot on who's actually leaving reviews. That said it's a solid place, been a few times over the years. Just wouldn't oversell it to anyone expecting a real resort experience — it's more of a summer camp vibe for families, which is fine if that's what you're after.
Derek V.Honestly the summer camp vibe is exactly why we love it. It's not trying to be a luxury spa — it's chaotic and fun and the kids are exhausted by 8pm. That's a win in my book. But yeah, "#1 in the US" is doing a lot of heavy lifting.
Fair point on the review ecosystem — TripAdvisor rankings do reflect who's engaging, and 'summer camp vibe' is honestly a pretty apt description of what makes the place work so well for families who are in the right headset for it.
We took our kids there two summers ago and the no-wallet thing after check-in is genuinely as good as it sounds. My husband and I kept waiting for the catch and there really wasn't one. The water park alone kept our 7-year-old busy for basically the entire first day.
Trish MaloneySame experience here! We kept bracing ourselves for some hidden fee and it never came. The laser tag and arcade on top of the water park really seals the deal — my kids didn't want to leave.
That 'waiting for the catch' moment is something we hear from a lot of first-timers, and it really does speak to how genuinely all-in the all-inclusive model is here — the Big Splash Water Park being a full-day anchor for a 7-year-old is exactly what it's designed for!