THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a full day at Von Doeler's Ranch, where private camps offer tailored horse riding, horsemanship, and barrel racing experiences — all set in the scenic landscapes near Rutherglen, Ontario.
Spend a full day at Von Doeler's Ranch, where private camps offer tailored horse riding, horsemanship, and barrel racing experiences — all set in the scenic landscapes near Rutherglen, Ontario.
Book with Von Doeler's Ranch
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Von Doeler's Ranch · Rutherglen, Ontario
Located in the heart of Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region, Von Doeler’s Ranch offers a unique outdoor adventure through its Full Day Private Camp experience. This full seven-hour day is designed to immerse groups in hands-on horsemanship, trail riding, and barrel racing activities customized to match a variety of skill levels. Situated near Rutherglen, the ranch provides a distinctly personal approach, where guests bond over shared challenges and successes amid the lush forests and gently rolling terrain that characterize this part of southern Ontario.
The ranch’s landscape features a blend of mixed hardwood and pine forests, open fields used for cattle and barrel racing, and winding trails that trace the natural contours of the land. Wildlife like white-tailed deer and red fox occasionally appear, heightening the outdoor feel. This is an area rich in farming history and horse culture, making it an ideal setting for learning traditional western riding skills alongside contemporary ranch activities.
What sets Von Doeler’s Ranch apart is its commitment to tailoring each day to the group’s interests — younger riders or beginners can start with fundamental horsemanship, while more experienced participants can sharpen rodeo skills like barrel racing or cattle work. The camp encourages both fun and skill-building in a safe, encouraging environment. Visitors are advised to pack a lunch and come prepared for a day of active, engaging adventure.
This private camp format serves families, youth groups, or friends seeking an intimate, focused outdoor experience different from larger, more generic riding schools. Its location near Rutherglen, within easy reach of the Greater Toronto Area, makes it a standout rural getaway offering fresh air, scenic rides, and hands-on horse skills that connect participants with both the land and the legacy of ranching in Ontario.
moderate.
7 hours.
Participants should have a basic level of fitness and comfort with being active outdoors for an extended period.
The camp welcomes riders ages 6 to 16, with activities tailored to suit different skill levels and ages.
No prior experience is necessary; camps are designed to accommodate beginners through advanced riders.
No, participants should bring their own packed lunch to stay fueled throughout the day.
Wear sturdy boots, layered clothing for weather changes, and bring sun protection for comfort and safety.
A minimum of two participants is required to book a Private Camp session.
No transportation is included; participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
Von Doeler's Ranch reflects the long-standing equestrian and ranching heritage of the Kawartha Lakes region, an area known historically for farming and horse culture dating back over a century.
The ranch promotes sustainable land use practices that protect native flora and fauna, maintaining trail health and minimizing environmental impact during all activities.
Von Doeler's Ranch is a ranch and outdoor adventure provider located in Rutherglen, Ontario. The ranch offers a wide range of guided horseback rides, overnight camping with horses, cabin stays, riding lessons, and ranch activity packages designed for families, groups, and individual riders. Popular outings include trail rides to Talon Chutes Waterfall along the Rough N' Tough Trail, Half Day Ride & Paddle experiences that combine riding, picnic stops and canoeing on Little Lake, and multi-day camps such as the August Five Day Camp. Accommodations on site include cabins like Little Chico, Rocky Point Cabin, and Little Bear, each providing lake views or close access to trails. The ranch also runs structured programs for children — Lil' Dude Experience, Lil' Dude Ride, and birthday packages with animal interactions and organized activities — and offers private and group riding lessons available in hourly formats or packaged sessions. Von Doeler's Ranch presents both full- and half-day options (for example Half Day Ranch Experience and Half Day Rough N' Tough) as well as specialty rides (Talon Chutes Ride, Big Rock Ride) and private camp offerings. Camping with horses options at Little Lake are offered at novice and advanced levels. The ranch emphasizes guided experiences tailored to participant skill levels and offers hands-on ranch activities such as cattle sorting and roping in select packages. Booking information, schedules, and current availability are provided directly by the ranch; prospective guests should contact Von Doeler's Ranch for reservations and specific safety requirements. Bookings vary seasonally, call ahead today.
Book with Von Doeler's Ranch