Although the number of sites at this resort is in excess of 1200, they are all privately owned. There is an on-site management company, staffed by friendly and well-informed staff, but the emphasis at Nettles Island is to sell either "unimproved sites" (though concrete pads, water, electric and sewer are at each site), pre-existing Park Models (though many are in bad condition and should be removed), or single-family houses, many of which are virtually new. Nettles Island was hit hard by the hurricanes of 2005, but it has bounced back nicely. There is a small shopping area on the island adjacent to a small marina, but don't think "mall." It's just a little grocery store, cafe, hairdresser, laundry, realty, etc. This is really a destination resort, with a very nice clubhouse/pool area, but RVers are welcome, as well, with the on-site management collecting the fee on behalf of the site owner. It is expensive (at about $1500/month for a site, with cable TV free and internet access extra), but entry is through a guard gate and the feeling of security once you're inside is unmatched. I stayed here the month of December, and it was beautiful over the Christmas season. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.