Collier County Fairgrounds and Swamp Buggy Races May Relocate in Major Land Swap with Barron Collier Cos.

-Lee Sells Naples, Fast!

The Collier County fairgrounds and the iconic Florida Sports Park swamp buggy races could soon find a new home in a proposed relocation to Camp Keais, off Oil Well Road. This development is the result of an ongoing negotiation between Collier County and Barron Collier Cos., which involves a potential 439-acre land swap.

During a recent meeting, the county commissioners voted 4-1 to continue discussing the land exchange, which would move the county fair, swamp buggy races, and other major outdoor events next to Barron Collier Cos.' Collier Rod & Gun Club wilderness retreat. The move is aimed at relocating these long-standing community attractions to a location that could better accommodate their growing popularity and demand for space.

The land swap proposal presents both opportunities and challenges, sparking interest among local residents and businesses alike. The current fairgrounds have been a hub of activity for decades, with swamp buggy races drawing crowds from across the region. Relocating these events to Camp Keais would offer more space and potential upgrades to facilities, but it also marks a shift from the traditional fairgrounds site that many locals have cherished.

The Collier Rod & Gun Club, adjacent to the proposed new fairgrounds, is already a well-established wilderness retreat. If the swap is approved, it could pave the way for a more unified outdoor recreation area, enhancing both the fair and the retreat’s offerings to residents and visitors.

Stay tuned for further updates as negotiations continue and the community weighs in on this potential transformation of Collier County’s iconic fairgrounds and outdoor events.