Turtle Beach Campground wins recognition as Small Park of the Year from Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff celebrates ‘prestigious award’

A graphic shows the position of the Turtle Beach Campground (outlined in yellow) relative to the Gulf of Mexico and Turtle Beach Park. Image courtesy Sarasota County

Turtle Beach Campground has been recognized as the Small Park of the Year by the Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association, the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department announced this week.

“This prestigious award celebrates the campground’s exceptional achievements in outdoor hospitality, accommodations and service,” a news release points out.

“Located on the picturesque Siesta Key, Turtle Beach Campground is Sarasota County’s premier beachfront campground,” the release continues. Guests are able to enjoy the “unique experience of camping right next to the Gulf of Mexico with direct beach access,” the release adds.

Among the campground’s amenities are a playground, paddle sport rentals and fishing piers at Turtle Beach Park, the release notes. “Additionally, the Breeze 77 Siesta Islander provides easy access to Siesta Village’s restaurants, shops and nightlife,” the release says, referring to what used to be called the Siesta Key trolley.

“Since its establishment as a Gulf Beach Campground in 1921, and its acquisition by Sarasota County in 2006, Turtle Beach Campground has consistently provided exceptional service,” the release continues. The staff members “continually receive top marks on customer surveys, contributing to an impressive year-round occupancy rate of over 95%,” the release points out.

“Campers are surveyed monthly about their experiences at the campground,” the release says, with staff acting “upon reasonable recommendations.” Survey results consistently average 4.8 to 4.9 out of 5, the release notes.

Recent improvements have been made at Turtle Beach Campground, the release points out, including a WIFI upgrade, relocation of the camp host site “and a $50,000 restroom renovation, enhancing comfort for campers.”

 “We are thrilled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Nicole Rissler, director of the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, in the release. “Our team’s commitment to excellence and our beautiful location make Turtle Beach Campground a truly special place for visitors.”

For more information about Turtle Beach Campground and to make reservations, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com or call 311.