Family Vacation Southeast United States for Outdoor Adventure

Does your family prefer the great outdoors over theme park getaways and bustling cities? You’re in good company. A vacation in nature removes all the ordinary distractions, encouraging you and yours to get active, be curious, and above all, have fun. So, if you’re considering a family vacation in the Southeast United States, we have just the vacation inspiration for you. These three lodgings take you to an authentic dude ranch in Florida, hidden cabins at the foot of the Smokies, and a boutique hotel just moments from Robbinsville’s best attractions. So, read our blog below and start exploring three of the best family vacation Southeast United States.

Westgate River Ranch – River Ranch, FL

First on our list of family vacation Southeast United States is the Westgate River Ranch Resort in rugged River Ranch, Florida. Located just an hour south of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch is a famous dude ranch and upscale glamping resort focused solely on family fun and a memorable Wild West experience. With over 1,700 acres overlooking the Kissimmee River, the whole family can kick back and relax in rustic Florida with one-of-a-kind accommodations and countless amenities. Explore this affordable family vacation below.

Amenities

You don’t have to be in the Lone Star State to enjoy a rodeo. River Ranch features an award-winning Saturday night rodeo, with bull riding, barrel racing, and more, followed by an energetic street party on the dance floor in front of the saloon. So, partake in Western line dancing and games, or head inside the saloon for a full bar and foot-stompin country music.

Moreover, you’ll find plenty of other outdoor activities with both free admission and for purchase. The Cowboy Adventure Park boasts everything from a mechanical bull to a tractor racetrack, perfect for little ones and adults. What’s more, practice your aim at the Archery, Air Rifle, or Trap & Skeet Range, or keep it simple with mini golf, the petting farm, or escape room. As you can see, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.

As for experiences, choose from horseback riding, guided hunts, airboat rides, river cruises, swamp buggy rides, fishing, and more. What’s more, the River Country Water Park opens summer 2025 and features three thrilling waterslides, a kids’ splash pad, a lagoon pool, poolside cabanas for Mom and Dad, and the Barn Bites snack bar. So, you can make a splash on your next trip.

If all of these exciting activities weren’t enough, you’ll find multiple delicious on-site dining options at River Ranch. Sit down for some fine dining at the River Ranch Cattle Company steakhouse, or relax with some of the best BBQ in Florida at the waterfront Smokehouse on the River. From pizza joints to ice cream parlors, to grab-and-go meals, River Ranch has the delicious food you desire to fuel up for your adventures.

Accommodations for a Family Vacation Southeast United States

• Luxe Conestoga Wagon: Modeled after an old-time wagon, this luxury glamping accommodation sleeps six with a king, queen, and twin bed assortment. It features a full bathroom, front porch with rocking chairs, a grill, and other optional luxury add-ons.
• Luxe Teepee: This luxury teepee sleeps four with a king bed and double sleeper sofa. Feel at home with a full bathroom, living and dining space, fireplace, private porch with rocking chairs, and a fire pit.
• Glamping/Luxury Glamping: These glamorous “tents” feature all the comforts of home. Each tent sleeps four guests with king and queen beds, full baths with walk-in showers, private porches and fire pits, and plenty of AC and electricity to go around.
• Saddle Club Rail Car: This accommodation sleeps six with an assortment of beds and features one bath, a kitchenette, a covered porch, and a living/dining room.
• Lodge Suite: These spacious suites are available in premium, deluxe, guest, and standard configurations, accommodating two to six guests. These suites include queen or double beds, full baths, a kitchenette, and a screened-in patio (depending on the suite).
• Cottage: The one- and two-bedroom cottages are perfect for family vacation Southeast United States. They accommodate four to six guests with a variety of beds and offer one or two full baths, as well as living and dining areas, washer/dryers, and a kitchenette.
• Cabins: Choose from the Saddle Club studio cabin, one-bedroom cabin, or two-bedroom cabin. These glamorous cabins sleep four to eight guests with queen and/or king beds and full baths. The larger cabins feature washer/dryers, patios or porches, and separate living and dining areas.

What to Do Near River Ranch

• Visit Amusement Parks: River Ranch is just 40 minutes from Disney and an hour and a half from Universal and SeaWorld Orlando. So, additional thrills are never too far away.
• Golf Courses: Take advantage of the warm weather by getting on the course! Popular destination courses include Indian Lake Estates Golf and the North Course at Highlands Ridge.
• Head to the Beach: Florida is home to beautiful beaches, and luckily, the stunning Vero Beach on Florida’s east coast is just an hour away. So, be sure to squeeze in some beach time during your Wild West vacation.

Huffman Creek Retreat – Robbinsville, NC

There are plenty of fun activities to be found near the remote town of Robbinsville, North Carolina. Being your gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Huffman Creek Retreat is far from busy everyday life, making it one of the most beloved vacation spots for those looking to put aside their phone and soak in the natural beauty of the nearly 1,000-acre property and landscape beyond. See what makes this family vacation Southeast United States so special below.

Amenities

The mountains are calling, and it’s easy to answer with Huffman Creek Retreat. This sprawling property boasts seven unique cabins. So, families of all sizes can enjoy this tranquil, undisturbed portion of North Carolina. When you stay at Huffman, you and your family receive easy access to miles of private hiking trails, where you’ll wander past burbling creeks and beneath dense canopies of trees. You’ll find plenty of streamside hammocks to kick back with a good book or simply listen to the countless tiny waterfalls as they cascade down the creek. Huffman Creek also offers an event venue that you can reserve for larger parties or family get-togethers.

Moreover, each distinct cabin features unique amenities, such as private fire pits, game rooms, cozy porches, and more. Browse Huffman Robbinsville cabins rentals below, and start planning your dream family vacation Southeast United States.

Accommodations for a Family Vacation Southeast United States

• Creekside Lodge: This grand cabin sleeps fourteen guests with five bedrooms (eight beds) and three baths. Sitting just above Huffman Creek, indulge in creekside decks with scenic views and your own personal swimming hole. You’ll find modern amenities like a gourmet kitchen, a two-story stone fireplace, plenty of dining room space, and a private outdoor fire pit for nightly s’mores.
• The Trout House: The Trout House is perfect for smaller families of six, boasting three bedrooms (three beds) and three baths. With three porches overlooking the countless tiny waterfalls in the creek, reconnecting with nature is easy. Cook dinner in your well-equipped kitchen, then head to the living room for game night. This cabin also includes a private stone fire pit for cool summer nights spent beneath the stars.
• The Homestead: Settle into the Homestead for your family vacation Southeast United States. Tucked in its private part of the woods, this charming cabin welcomes ten guests with four bedrooms and three baths. Watch local wildlife from your spacious porches, or gather for the game in the oversized living room. Moreover, this pet-friendly cabin includes a pool table, charcoal grill, and fire pit.
• The Barn: Smaller families will settle right into the Barn, which sleeps four guests with two lofts and two baths (including an outdoor bathroom with a shower). When you’re not hiking the property or exploring the Smokies, relax with a book on the porch, cook dinner in the outdoor kitchen, or roast s’mores around the fire pit.
• Hemlock Cabin: This quaint cabin is perfect for cozy parties of three, offering a queen-size master and a twin sleeping nook, along with two full baths. Enjoy stream views alongside a spacious front porch, fire pit, full kitchen, and living room.
• Chestnut Lodge: The luxurious Chestnut Lodge sleeps up to nine guests (unless Woodshed is booked as well) with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. Outside, indulge in stream and waterfall views, outdoor fire pit, large porches, outdoor charcoal grill, and more. Inside, you’ll find an indoor fireplace, a full kitchen, a spacious living and dining room, and a pool table.
• The Treehouse: The final cabin, perfect for family vacation Southeast United States, is the Treehouse. This cabin features over-the-creek and waterfall views, with two distinct “sleeping pods” connected by a covered bridge and cozy porch. Soak the night away in an oversized copper tub, cheers around the private fire pit, or cook out on the charcoal grill. This cabin sleeps five guests and offers two baths.

Tapoco Lodge – Robbinsville, NC

Looking for family vacation spots with a little more community? The remoteness of a cabin vacation isn’t for everyone. If you still want to experience the natural beauty of Robbinsville, just a bit closer to town, the Historic Tapoco Lodge may be for you. This historic lodge has welcomed nature lovers to its charming property since 1930. Here, you can soak in the crisp mountain air and lush foliage on this 120-acre campus. Learn more about what makes Tapoco Lodge a great family vacation Southeast United States below.

Amenities

Nestled along the rushing Cheoah River, the Tapoco Lodge encourages families to unwind and explore among rising mountains and dense forests. Discover local flora and fauna as you hike miles of private trails, eleven total, across the property. Later, lounge in the hammock cove, listening to the hum of the river. What’s more, you and the family can catch a show at the Tapoco Tin Can Theater. Then, head to the tennis courts for a game of doubles.

Moreover, many locals visit Tapoco for its delicious on-site restaurants: The Tapoco Tavern and The Cheoah Dining Room. The Tapoco Tavern is a locally inspired restaurant, serving fresh flavors right on the banks of the river. Enjoy the full bar after a long day, or dig into favorites like the brick-fired pizza or mountain trout. If you’re a breakfast lover, the Cheoah Dining Room is the place to be in the morning. Indulge in glazed pecan French toast, smothered biscuits, and more in the dining room or al fresco on the terrace. Then, head out to explore the landscape! Browse Tapoco Lodge accommodations below.

Accommodations for a Family Vacation Southeast United States

• Lodge Suites: These suites are located within the lodge and are permitted to guests 12 years and older. Choose from the Rhododendron Suite, Evergreen Suite, Mellon or Laurel Suite. Suites feature amenities like king-size beds, living/sitting areas, electric fireplaces, jetted tubs, and more, depending on the suite.
• Lodge Rooms: These cozy rooms are limited to guests 12 years and older due to their historic nature. However, all these rooms accommodate only two guests, featuring a king-size bed. Enjoy a spacious bathroom, elegant furnishings, and views of the garden or river.
• Cabin Rooms: The cabin rooms are perfect for families. Choose from the Alcoa, Chilhowee, Cheoah, Mountain View, Overlook, White Oak, or Santeetlah cabin. These cabins feature amenities like king-size beds, private bathrooms, private or shared porches, full kitchens or kitchenettes, and more, depending on the cabin room.

What to Do Near Robbinsville

Because of their close locations near the small town of Robbinsville, the Huffman Creek Retreat and Tapoco Lodge share many of the same nearby attractions. So, start filling your itinerary with these family-friendly outdoor adventures below.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Visiting this national park is a must when visiting North Carolina. This 500,000-acre landscape is your outdoor playground. Take the family mountain biking, challenge yourself to rock climbing, or navigate the terrain on horseback. There are 800 miles of trails to discover. Check out popular trailheads like Laurel Falls, Alum Cave Trail, and Grotto Falls Trail.
• Go Whitewater Rafting: Robbinsville is a hot spot for whitewater rafting, a thrilling on-the-water activity the whole family will love. Notably, the Cheoah River is known for its class IV and class V rapids, making for fantastic whitewater rafting conditions. Moreover, the Nantahala River is another popular choice for family-friendly whitewater rafting. Both rivers boast stunning surroundings and alternate between calm waters and steep drops.
• Take Scenic Drives: The best way to admire the magnificent beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains is with a scenic drive. Pack the family in the car and head to the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile scenic byway. As you drive, soak in ridge after ridge of lush mountainsides and awe-inspiring mountain views in all directions. Another can’t-miss drive is the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap. This 11-mile drive is America’s number one motorcycle and sports car drive, due to the 318 curves with no intersecting roads. So, sit back, admire the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains around you, and enjoy the ride.

Book a Family Vacation Southeast United States

With Nook Outdoors, booking the ultimate outdoor family vacation is simple. Our collection of boutique hotels, cabin rentals, and luxury glamping resorts brings you to some of America’s top outdoor destinations. Explore the best beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island, or go wine tasting at the countless vineyards in Texas Hill Country. When you book with Nook, adventure follows. So, book your family vacation Southeast United States today, or browse our entire portfolio of resorts for some travel inspiration.