The only good thing that happened to us during the“Covid Crisis” is some camp grounds needed to reset. Turtle Beach was no exception and provided us an opportunity for a staycation. It was both fun and strange as I lived on Siesta from 2003 to 2017. It is the ONLY camp ground ON the beach I’m aware of in Sarasota County. It is an INSANELY POPULAR destination. 

Since Siesta Key has been named“America’s Best Beach” by Trip Advisor, Travel& Leisure and many other ranking authorities for over a decade, it’s easy to see why this camp ground in particular is difficult to reserve. This is a county owned facility under Sarasota County Parks and Recreation who overall do a very good job with all of our public park facilities. I shouldn’t use the term camping, as it’s more like a RV Park with older facilities, small spots better suited to small and mid-sized rigs.

There may be 40 total spots. When it rains, many are”waterfront” until the rain drains into the sand and out to the Gulf. That’s the bad part, the good part is EVERYTHING ELSE. So much to do at Turtle Beach from walks, kayaking, bicycling, swimming and the beach is only a few steps away complete with tiki picnic tables.

A free county run trolley runs from the campgrounds to Siesta Key Village about every 20 minutes or so from 8am til 10pm. It doesn’t have a particular schedule and two trolleys criss cross all day basically taking you wherever you want to go on the key. Downtown Sarasota is only about 15 minutes and there are lots of shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and big box stores all equally accessible by car, bicycle or Uber.— As far as campgrounds go I give it 3 stars as it is adequate.

The park is managed by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation. To my knowledge, this is their only campground and they do not have core experience managing campgrounds this type of facility and it shows. The hosts were the worst I’ve ever encountered and their attitude borders on complete apathy. They seem to have barricaded themselves in their campsite where they can freely smoke and hold court with their friends. Check out the pics.