Turtle Beach Campground, located on Siesta Key, received the Best Park Award from the Florida RV Park and Campground Association. This accolade was given in the size category for parks with fewer than 50 sites.
Greg Steinberg, campground and permit program manager for Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources, expressed his satisfaction with the recognition, saying, “We are very pleased to receive this statewide recognition.” The campground features 39 RV and tent sites and offers various options for visitors.
Located just south of Siesta Key Beach, which TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice ranked as the number one beach in the U.S. in 2020, Turtle Beach Campground benefits from its location with direct beach access. The beach has consistently placed in the top rankings in subsequent years.
To win the Best Park Award, campgrounds must meet various standards. According to a press release, these include staff professionalism, excellent customer service, positive reviews and high ratings from guests. Additionally, award-winning parks must showcase a record of guest satisfaction and increased occupancy.
Turtle Beach Campground excels in meeting these criteria. Upon arrival, guests are warmly welcomed by a volunteer camp host. Monthly surveys are also conducted to gather feedback from campers, and staff.
Steinberg noted, “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.”
To enhance the guest experience, Turtle Beach Campground has implemented several improvements. Recent upgrades include free WiFi, a $50,000 renovation of the restroom facilities, and a relocation of the camp host site for better accessibility.
Another aspect of the campground is accessibility. Guests at Turtle Beach Campground can use a free open-air trolley service that transports them into town and to Siesta Beach. Additionally, the campground adjacent to Turtle Beach Park offers amenities, including a playground, paddle sport rentals, fishing piers, and beach access.
Established as Gulf Beach Campground in 1921, Turtle Beach Campground has a rich history. Sarasota County acquired the campground in 2006, ensuring its preservation and continued operation. From May 1 to October 31, the campground’s shores are also a nesting site for loggerhead and green turtles, adding an ecological dimension to its appeal.
For more information about Turtle Beach Campground, visit sarasotacountyparks.com.
Featured image by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources