Camelot Lakes Village

For those of us embracing the vibrant retirement lifestyle in Florida, finding a community that truly offers the best of all worlds is a dream come true. We seek more than just a place to live; we look for a thriving environment where friendships flourish, activities abound, and the everyday feels like a vacation. In the heart of Sarasota, Camelot Lakes Village stands as a prominent 55+ mobile home community, often capturing the attention of those seeking an active and engaging senior living experience.

Camelot Lakes Village is widely recognized for its picturesque setting and commitment to providing a dynamic lifestyle for its residents. Many locals and visitors alike have noted the "nice well kept community" with "a lot of smiling faces" and opportunities for social interaction. Imagine enjoying evening walks amidst beautiful landscaping, meeting new people by the water, and seeing golf carts buzzing with friendly faces and their beloved canine companions. This community aims to create an environment where active adults can truly savor their golden years, with a focus on amenities and social engagement.

However, like any large and established community, it's essential to consider all perspectives. While many laud its beauty and social opportunities, some past residents have pointed out concerns regarding amenity functionality and lot rent value. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of Camelot Lakes Village, blending the positive aspects with areas where improvements might be noted, to help you make an informed decision about your potential new home in sunny Sarasota.

Camelot Lakes Village is ideally situated at 5700 Camelot Lakes Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA. This prime location places it within the highly desirable Sarasota area, a jewel on Florida's Gulf Coast. For Floridians, especially those seeking an active retirement, Sarasota offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and convenient urban amenities.

The park's address provides excellent accessibility to major transportation routes, making travel both local and regional a breeze. It's conveniently located near I-75 (specifically about 1/2 mile west of Exit 205, Clark Road), offering direct access to destinations north and south, including Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples. This is a significant advantage for residents who wish to explore Florida's diverse attractions or have family visiting from out of state.

Locally, Camelot Lakes Village benefits immensely from its Sarasota address. Residents are just a short drive from world-renowned Siesta Key Beach, famous for its sugary white sand. The vibrant cultural scene of downtown Sarasota, including The Ringling Museum, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and numerous art galleries, is easily accessible. Everyday conveniences are plentiful, with a wide array of grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities (including Sarasota Memorial Hospital), and diverse dining and shopping options within minutes. Popular spots like St. Armand's Circle are also within a comfortable distance. This strategic location ensures that residents can enjoy the tranquility of their community while remaining fully connected to the active and engaging lifestyle that Sarasota is famous for.

Camelot Lakes Village, as a premier 55+ manufactured home community, offers an extensive array of services and amenities designed to provide a comprehensive and comfortable living experience. While some amenities have faced operational challenges, the advertised and intended services are broad:

• Mobile Home Lot Leasing: The core service, providing well-maintained lots for residents to place their manufactured homes under lease agreements.
• Utilities Included in Lot Rent (Partial): Lot rent typically includes lawn services, water, sewer, trash pickup, and recycling.
• Gated Community with 24-Hour Security: Features a manned guard house and secure coded entry gate, prioritizing resident safety and peace of mind.
• Two Heated Resort-Style Pools: Providing ample opportunity for swimming, relaxation, and social gatherings.
• Two Whirlpool Spas: Available for relaxation and hydrotherapy, though one review noted "the hot tubs never work," indicating a past or current maintenance issue.
• Private Saunas: Separate saunas for men and women, enhancing wellness opportunities.
• Fitness Center: Equipped with modern exercise equipment and televisions, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
• Group Exercise Classes: Organized fitness activities to encourage participation and social interaction.
• Sports Courts: Includes tennis courts, pickleball courts (four available), basketball courts, bocce courts, and a cornhole gaming area, offering diverse options for friendly competition.
• Two Clubhouses: Two amenity-filled clubhouses, typically featuring large seating areas, meeting rooms, and kitchens. One review noted the "clubhouse was out of commission for over a year," suggesting past significant closures.
• Auditorium with Stage: A large venue for dances, gatherings, and community events, capable of holding up to 410 people.
• Dog Park: A designated area for pets to play, though one review stated "the dog park is closed," indicating a potential current issue. The policy generally allows up to two dogs up to 75 pounds.
• Hobby and Craft Rooms: Includes a ceramics room with a kiln and a general arts & crafts room, fostering creative pursuits.
• Billiards Room: For games and social gatherings.
• Lending Library: A resource for residents to enjoy reading.
• Tech Center: Equipped with computers and printers, providing connectivity.
• Laundry Facilities: Convenient on-site communal laundry facilities.
• Mailboxes: Mailboxes located at each home for easy access.
• Lawn Services: Includes lawn maintenance and underground automatic sprinklers for each home.
• Two Lakes for Fishing: Offering recreational fishing opportunities within the community.
• Community Newsletter and Online Hub: Provides updated activities and events calendars, keeping residents informed.
• Engaged Homeowners Association: Suggests resident involvement in community governance.
• Social Director: Employed to organize and manage community activities.

While the list of services is extensive, prospective residents should verify the current operational status of all amenities, especially those mentioned in negative reviews, to ensure they meet their expectations.

Camelot Lakes Village in Sarasota boasts numerous features and highlights designed to create an engaging and comfortable 55+ living experience, though some are subject to operational status reported in reviews:

• Active and Social Community: Praised for "a lot of smiling faces" and opportunities to "meeting new people," the community fosters a strong social atmosphere with residents "out and about on the golf carts with their little doggies!" and enjoying various planned activities.
• Well-Kept and Picturesque Grounds: Consistently described as a "nice well kept community" with "tree-lined lighted streets and impeccable landscaping," providing an attractive and pleasant environment for walks and bike rides.
• Extensive Recreational Amenities: Offers a wide array of facilities including two heated pools, two whirlpool spas (though functionality has been an issue), private saunas, a fitness center, tennis courts, four pickleball courts, basketball, bocce, horseshoes, and cornhole. These provide diverse options for staying active.
• Waterfront Features: Includes benches located "around the water" and two lakes for fishing, offering serene spots for relaxation and enjoying nature.
• Gated and Secure Environment: Features 24-hour security with a manned guard house and secure coded entry gate, ensuring peace of mind for residents.
• Dedicated Social Spaces: Two clubhouses with amenities like an auditorium with a stage, kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, a lobby overlooking a pool and lake, ceramics room, billiards room, lending library, arts & crafts room, and a tech center, supporting a rich social calendar.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Generally allows up to two dogs (up to 75 pounds) and includes a dog park, catering to pet owners, though recent status of the dog park has been questioned ("dog park is closed").
• Prime Sarasota Location: Offers excellent access to Sarasota's best beaches (Siesta Key), cultural attractions, dining, shopping, and healthcare, enhancing the overall lifestyle.

It is important to acknowledge that while the array of amenities is a major highlight, a recent review specifically noted that "the clubhouse was out of commission for over a year, the hot tubs never work, the dog park is closed." This indicates that while the park offers these features, their consistent availability and functionality are crucial points for prospective residents to verify. The statement that "the lot rent is way out of line for what's being offered here - when it actually works" directly ties perceived value to the operational status of these amenities.

Camelot Lakes Village, as a prominent 55+ manufactured home community in Sarasota, typically focuses its "promotions" around the long-term value of its comprehensive lifestyle and amenities rather than short-term discounts. However, when considering a move, especially for a manufactured home, specific financial considerations are always at play. While no specific, limited-time "special offers" are provided in the immediate reviews, based on common practices for communities of this type and information from real estate listings for homes within the park, potential inquiries or offerings might include:

• Lot Rent Structure: The primary ongoing cost for residents. Recent listings indicate monthly lot rent can range from approximately $1,360 to over $1,690, which typically includes services like lawn care, water, sewer, trash pickup, recycling, and access to resort-style amenities and taxes. It's crucial to confirm current rates directly with the park, as lot rent is subject to change.
• New Home Purchase Incentives: If purchasing a new manufactured home through the community or its preferred dealers, there may sometimes be incentives such as a period of reduced lot rent, a credit towards upgrades, or assistance with closing costs. Some listings mention new manufactured homes for sale as low as $169,900.
• Lease Term Options: Inquire about different lease durations (e.g., annual vs. multi-year) and if any benefits are associated with longer commitments, such as rate stability.
• Included Services & Fees: A clear breakdown of what is covered by the lot rent versus any additional fees (e.g., specific amenity usage fees, pet fees, or fees for certain classes). While many services are stated as included, the review noting that "the lot rent is way out of line for what's being offered here - when it actually works" suggests a perception of poor value when amenities are non-functional.

Given the mixed feedback regarding the functionality of some amenities (clubhouse out of commission, hot tubs not working, dog park closed), any "promotion" or perceived value would hinge heavily on the current operational status of these facilities. Prospective residents should use the provided contact information to directly inquire about the current condition of all amenities and get a transparent understanding of the lot rent and what it truly covers in terms of functional services. This direct communication is vital to ensure the value aligns with the monthly investment.

If the appealing lifestyle and extensive amenities of Camelot Lakes Village have piqued your interest for your Florida retirement, here's how you can connect with them to get more information or schedule a visit:

Address: 5700 Camelot Lakes Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA

Phone: (941) 922-2020

Mobile Phone: +1 941-922-2020

We highly recommend contacting the park office directly during business hours. This will allow you to speak with a knowledgeable representative who can provide the most current details on available mobile home lots, lot rent rates (which can vary), the full list of operational amenities, specific community rules, and any opportunities to tour the community. Given the conflicting information from reviews about amenity functionality, a direct conversation to verify the current status of facilities like the clubhouse, hot tubs, and dog park is strongly advised to ensure the community meets your expectations.

For Floridians seeking an active and engaging 55+ lifestyle in the beautiful Sarasota area, Camelot Lakes Village presents a compelling option, particularly for those who prioritize community and an abundance of recreational opportunities. The park’s commitment to a "nice well kept community" with "a lot of smiling faces" and residents actively "out and about" speaks to a vibrant and social environment—a key draw for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years.

The extensive list of amenities, including two heated pools, various sports courts for pickleball, tennis, and shuffleboard, a fitness center, and a range of hobby rooms, caters directly to the active adult demographic. This allows residents to pursue hobbies, stay fit, and foster new friendships right within their neighborhood. The presence of green spaces, benches by the water, and a dog park (when operational) further enhances the quality of life, offering opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of Florida’s natural beauty.

Furthermore, its prime Sarasota location provides easy access to world-class beaches like Siesta Key, diverse dining, shopping, and a rich cultural scene, ensuring that residents are never far from entertainment and essential services. The gated community with 24-hour security adds a valuable layer of peace of mind. While some concerns regarding amenity functionality and lot rent value have been noted by a reviewer, the overall picture from various sources indicates a community striving to offer a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. For Floridians seeking an active, socially rich, and well-located retirement in a manufactured home setting, Camelot Lakes Village warrants serious consideration, with a personal visit to confirm current amenity status highly recommended to ensure it perfectly aligns with your vision of Florida living.