Turtle Beach Campground, a Sarasota County campground, has won a Best Park Award from the Florida RV Park and Campground Association.
The Sarasota County campground won a Best Park Award in the size category for parks with less than 50 sites.
“We are very pleased to receive this statewide recognition,” said Greg Steinberg, campground and permit program manager for Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.
Located on Siesta Key, the campground features 39 RV and tent sites and is just south of Siesta Key Beach, which was rated the number one beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice in 2020, while placing number two in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Best Park Award recipients must have standards for their business, their staff and the way they treat their customers, all of which should be reflected in the park’s reviews and ratings. Award-winning parks must also be well maintained, feature quality facilities, amenities, and guest services, and demonstrate a track record of guest satisfaction and increased occupancy. These parks must also show the implementation and use of new technology or innovations or recently completed updates or improvements that enhance the park and the guest experience.
Steinberg said Turtle Beach Campground consistently exceeds the customer satisfaction standards set forth by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Upon arrival, campers are greeted by a volunteer camp host. Campers are surveyed monthly to assess feedback and staff act upon reasonable recommendations.
“Survey results consistently average 4.8 to 4.9 out of 5 and comments highlight some of the unique and favorite aspects of the campground,” Steinberg said.
Recent campground improvements include a WiFi upgrade providing free connectivity to campers, a $50,000 restroom renovation and relocating the camp host site to improve host accessibility for campground guests.
A free open-air trolley is available to take guests into town and to the white sands of Siesta Beach. Campers can also enjoy the amenities of neighboring Turtle Beach Park, including a playground, paddle sport rentals, fishing piers and access to beaches.
Turtle Beach Campground was established as a Gulf Beach Campground in 1921 and was acquired by Sarasota County in 2006. Loggerhead and green turtles typically nest on the shores of Turtle Beach from May 1 to Oct. 31.
For more information, please visit www.turtlebeachcampground.com.
About the Florida RV Park and Campground Association
Information about the latest trends involving campgrounds, RV parks and resorts is available from the Florida RV Park and Campground Association, which markets privately owned and operated parks in Florida through CampFlorida.com, the travel planning website. The association also publishes a free printed camping guide, which can be ordered though CampFlorida.com.
