Florida may be best known for its beaches, but this state also has places such as Ocala that feature lush terrains. This city boasts natural attractions, including artesian springs, canyons, and a pine forest.
Silver Springs State Park is one of its most popular tourist destinations, where you can go on a glass-bottom boat cruise. Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology, meanwhile, is the place to be to learn more about human history and Native American heritage.
Ocala has also built a reputation as the horse capital of the world. The city houses Horse Country, where you can visit horse farms and go on horseback tours. Get an opportunity to see how these establishments operate by booking one of the top ranches to stay near Ocala, Florida.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Unique cabin on Fort Brook Farm (from USD 90)
This eye-catching cabin is cozy and comes with a fun outdoor area where you can sit around a fire pit or even grill some meat. Meals can be enjoyed in the outdoor dining area, as well. There’s also an outdoor shower for freshening up after a day of exploring.
The cabin itself is air-conditioned and is furnished with a queen and a single bed. There’s a desk and WiFi that you can use for work or leisure. Guests are welcome to explore the farm. However, they are not allowed to enter the paddocks for their own safety.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
they provide towels hand soap body wash shampoo toilet paper paper towel etcCleanliness:
clean soft linens and towels were providedthis little cabin is so awesome it was peaceful and clean an quietHost:
amazing story and the best host everfantastic host - highly recommendedgreat hosts lovely property friendly animalschase was who met us when we checked in and he was friendly and helpfulwe had an awesome time janice and rick were a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the toilet and beautiful outdoor shower are a short walk away from the cabinclean easy access close to where we want to be but not on the main traffic areai enjoyed my stay at janice’s place
Superhost
2. Cozy guest house on a horse farm (from USD 156)
This rental can be found on a charming horse farm and is located close to attractions such as Silver Springs, Crystal River, and Devil’s Den. It also puts guests close to shops and restaurants. Golf enthusiasts, meanwhile, will love the fact that multiple golf courses are nearby.
This property is well-appointed, coming with a kitchen, laundry facilities, and speedy WiFi. Feel free to relax by one of the ponds in the common area. You can coordinate with the host if you want to visit the horses or goats on the farm.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a cozy ranch-style home in the center of a charming horse farm5 adults slept with comfort as there was plenty of sleeping roomCleanliness:
place is clean and peacefulplace was very clean and well stockedthe home is very clean and well stocked with dishes towels etcgreat stay everything was very nice clean and convenientit is a beautiful setting with clean comfortable quarters we enjoyed being around the horses and goatsHost:
maria was a great hosthosts were great and very welcomingmaria is a great hostnice place nice hosts and adorable goatsmaria is a fantastic hostRead more reviewsLocation:
nice location to relax and be close to the springsyet close enough to drive to fun spotsamazing location loved the proximity to city with out being in the middle of itgreat location: close to the springs out in the farmland but close to the city toogreat location nice and quiet
3. Delightful barn apartment welcoming dogs (from USD 104)
Horse lovers will want to consider staying on this private property. Not only is it located on a horse farm, but the hosts also welcome guests who want to say hello to the equine residents and even participate in feeding them.
This is a dog-friendly property, but your canine companions have to be well-trained and should be leashed at all times. The property can accommodate small events such as weddings and bridal showers, provided that these are coordinated with the host. The rental is also furnished with all the necessities for guests’ comfort.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi and phone coverage is good enough to stay connectedreally the only down side was we had hardly any signal and the wi-fi didn’t helpthe apartment is impeccable with a good ac and a screened porch for sitting outthe hot water is nice and hot and the supplies are complete from kitchen to bathwith it being a small apartment the kitchen was a good size and had everything i neededCleanliness:
place was very clean updated and welcomingvery clean well stocked kitchen and comfortablebeautiful farm with very comfortable and clean accommodationsit was beautifully decorated very clean cozy and had everything we needed for our stayit was stylish clean comfortable and well equipped with everything you would needHost:
beautiful peaceful setting my kids loved interacting with the animals and the owners made us feel at homevery easy check in and out great host very responsivenice studio all animals and people were friendlyamy is a very hospitable & attentive host thanks again for everything amyamy was an incredible host from the begging she was helpful and communicativeRead more reviewsLocation:
quiet and peaceful locationvery secure close to our kids in gainsvilleperfect location for a trip to wec or hitsgreat central location to explore the natural springs pictures can't represent how pretty the area isit was the perfect location for an event i was participating in
4. Charming apartment on Fox Meadow Farm (from USD 125)
This charming apartment is on Fox Meadow Farm, which is home to animals such as horses and chickens. The grounds are beautifully laid out, with the surrounding area featuring picturesque gardens and trees. Guests are welcome to gather eggs from the hen house if they want to enjoy these for breakfast.
Travelers with babies can be provided with a high chair and a crib for their little ones. You’re also free to bring your small dog along, but make sure to confirm with the host first. You also need to ensure that you will clean up after the pooches.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioning worked very well and provided a little ‘white noise’ at nightwe felt very comfortable and had everything we neededbarn apartment with a elegant feel book it you won’t be sorryCleanliness:
very clean as welleverything was clean and organizedsuper clean and serenevery clean and well furnished and completely comfortablekathy is a very warm personable person who keeps a meticulously clean farmHost:
host and staff are very friendly and attentivefrancisco was very welcoming and attentive and made us feel very welcomevery sweet host and lovely farmshe’s a super host for a reasonkathy is a wonderful host and we cannot wait to returnRead more reviewsLocation:
a great park to visitthe location is great and super near city centers and all kinds of amazing parkssuper close and convenient to nature including rainbow and silver springs state parkswhat an amazing and perfect place to enjoy time away from the worldgreat location for bikers going to santos with perfect storage for bikes
5. Snug and equipped camper at Mir's Lil' Campsite (from USD 53)
This cozy little camper hits two birds with one stone: it allows guests to experience glamping and gives them the opportunity to try living on a farm. You will spot an assortment of animals here - a combination of domesticated animals such as laying hens and wildlife such as coyotes and gopher tortoises.
Guests can enjoy the provided breakfast items throughout their stay, which include eggs and fresh fruits right from the farm. You will also have the chance to pick vegetables or herbs if they wish.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
air conditioning worked very welli enjoyed eating breakfast and drinking my coffee while the neighboring cows grazedit was a wonderful place to stay it is quite cozy and you feel one with naturei’m 5’6’’ and feel comfortable in the camperbed was comfortable and check-in/out was easyCleanliness:
camper is very clean and well maintained10/10 recommend quite clean peacefulthe rv was nice and cleanthe camper is small but was clean and comfortablewonderful spot cute dog clean and accommodating and we would definitely love to go back againHost:
the hosts were super friendly and were there if neededmiriam is a great host and personmiriam was very helpful with questionsmiriam and her family were gracious hosts who provided great care and assistance wherever we needed itthe hostess are also very nice and helpful congratulations…Read more reviewsLocation:
super close to everything toonice and quiet location with good access to all of the wonder if central floridabut this is a good location for visiting world equestrian centerquite and close to popular tourists attractionsi enjoyed taking a morning walk in the huge yard finding interesting plants and animals and playing swings
6. Family-friendly home above a horse barn (from USD 189)
This homey rental is great for families on holiday. Kids will love sleeping in the bunk beds. Some toys, games, and books for children have also been provided to help you entertain your little ones. The property is well-appointed and comes with a kitchen that overlooks the pastures. Laundry facilities are available here, as well.
The highlight of your stay will surely be the miniature cows that call the farm their home. Guests can ask the host if they want to pet and feed these cute animals, as well as the horses.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
kellie is an awesome hostour experience was more than we expected we learned so much from our gracious and knowledgeable hostkellie is an amazing host with lots of knowledge about hereford and belted cowsi can’t say enough good and positive things about kellie the ownerthe mini moos and their babies are adorable and friendly
7. Picture-perfect rustic cottage on a horse farm (from USD 73)
This rental is a good choice for those who want to enjoy a quiet break in the country. The cottage, which is on a horse farm, is beautifully decorated and fully furnished to meet guests’ needs. The rental comes with heating and air-conditioning and linens and towels are provided so you don’t have to bring your own. The property also has a kitchen for those who want to cook their own food.
Pets can be brought here for an additional fee. Make sure that your furry family member doesn’t get on the bed during your stay.
Premier Host
8. Spacious cottage on Rock Haven Farm (from USD 125)
Guests who want to enjoy a quiet getaway will want to book this property. This rental is in a fantastic location and provides views of a horse farm. It has been renovated and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor grill, and a fire pit. WiFi is available here as well.
Of course, part of the experience of staying on this property is meeting the animals on the farm. These include horses, cows, alpacas, goats, and even mini-donkeys and giant rabbits.
Do note that you will need to book this rental for a minimum of four nights.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the house was clean and spaciousRead more reviewsHost:
pamela and her husband were great hoststhe property owners are the nicest kindest people you could meetpam was very helpful and welcomingsuper nice owners the animals are nice to be aroundthe owner pam was wonderful and responded to all our needs right away
9. Historic cottage near Orange Lake (from USD 84)
This cottage is furnished with everything that you may need for a relaxing stay, and it can even accommodate you if you opt to extend your holiday. The property’s furnishings include a well-appointed kitchenette and reliable WiFi.
Make sure to say hello to the resident animals, which include cows, ponies, goats, and donkeys. Staying here will give you access to a communal pool for refreshing swims. You will also find yourself close to Orange Lake, where you can go fishing. Travelers who like antiquing will want to check out the antique shops close to the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed and furniture were comfortablethe space is perfect with a double bed and a nice sofa bedcozy comfortable bed and couchit is a cozy little cottage in a very nice area with adorable animals to bootthe small kitchen had everything needed to enjoy leftovers and prepare our mealsCleanliness:
awesome place nice clean and well keptthe cottage itself was very clean and cozythe cabin was very clean and efficient for what we neededterrific place it was comfortable very clean and well furnishedsuper cozy quaint place: very clean excellent water pressure charming with great ambianceHost:
our hosts were so kindlesley & kevin are great hostslesley & kevin are a great couple and great hostsgreat place to stay lesley and kevin were great hosts and just very nice peoplethe hosts were great and provided extra corn for feeding themRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location for what we wanted to dobeautiful farm adorable animals great location very relaxingdowntown had cute little knick knacks shopsgreat place to stay at if you want to get away for a few daysthe place is very quiet and comfortable and the animal are really cute
10. Cyprus Guesthouse on Elysium Fields Farm (from USD 115)
Staying at this rental not only allows you to have a comfortable place to rest but also an educational experience. You will be treated to a tour of the farm, where you will learn more about the critically endangered Dales pony breed.
The well-appointed rental comes with a lanai where you can kick back and relax or even have a barbecue. Guests will be provided eggs from the farm when available, which they can enjoy for breakfast. Do be aware that smoking is not allowed on the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the guest house has everything you need like a fully equipped kitchen extra towels and sheets toiletries etcthere is also a salt pool where the boys (and us ) spent a good amount of timethe bathroom was large and comfortablea peaceful comfortable and fun place with the wonderful pool to swim in and the poniesthe space itself is huge large kitchen with everything you needCleanliness:
we all loved it very clean and funthe place is spacious very clean and comfortableour stay was convenient and cleanthe kitchen had everything we needed and it was very clean everything washouse was clean warm nice comfortable and had everything you needHost:
such kind hosts they are so knowledgeable and you can see how they care for their farm and horsesrob and catherine are amazing hosts and the farm is lovelythank you rob and catherine for being wonderful hostshost were excellent kind and took such pride in their property and animalswe love this airbnb amazing hosts we will be back soonRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location very relaxingalso there's wooden blocks for kids/toddlers great location - close to ocalathe space was lovely central to several lovely springsi love nature and animals so this location was perfectlocation is very convenient we will be coming back for sure thanks
Enjoy a memorable holiday in Ocala
A ranch may not be the usual choice of accommodation during a holiday, but it can definitely provide you with unique experiences that make for fun memories. Booking one within the vicinity of Ocala is a great choice given how farms and ranches are an integral part of these communities. Stay at one of these rentals to get to know the local culture better.
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