Overview Ortona South is a perfect campground for a quiet, sunny escape to South Florida. The campground is set along the Caloosahatchie River. Recreation Activities here are focused on simple, relaxing pleasures like fishing and strolling the grounds. If you walk across the dam in between 7AM and 4 PM, the road on the…
Overview Ortona South is a perfect campground for a quiet, sunny escape to South Florida. The campground is set along the Caloosahatchie River. Recreation Activities here are focused on simple, relaxing pleasures like fishing and strolling the grounds. If you walk across the dam in between 7AM and 4 PM, the road on the north side of the river provides a great place for walking and bicycling. Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Tilapia are the most commonly caught fish at the large wooden pier at the campground. Snook are commonly caught at the small north end pier which is also accessible by walking across the dam from 7AM to 4PM. Several large bird species frequent the area if you are a Bird Watcher. Facilities All campsites have concrete pads, electric, 30 amp and 50 amp, water hookups, a fire ring and grill, and a covererd picnic table. Other amenities include a sanitary dump station, restrooms with showers, dumpsters, Wifi (near west end restroom only), and a picnic pavilion for campers only. Day use visitors are allowed on site for fishing. The Ortona North Day Use Area has a boat launch and is a 25 minute drive by way of the Town of LaBelle. LaBelle is the nearest town and has stores, restaurants, etc. Laundry Facilities are not currently available on site. Natural Features The campground's terrain is flat and lined with tropical greenery , including the Sabal Palm, the state tree of Florida. The Caloosahatchee River to your north and picturesque pastures to your south. The South Florida Water Management District is constructing a Water Quality Treatment and Testing Facility, adjacent to the South East end of the campground. Construction at that site may affect the serenity of your experience. Nearby Attractions Head west to LaBelle, Florida, where an annual Swamp Cabbage Festival is held the last weekend of each February. Or travel east to hike or bike along the Herbert Hoover Dike, part of Lake Okeechobee, and part of the 1,400-mile long Florida National
Photos
Pier Fishing at Ortona SouthGroup Picnic ShelterFishing Pier at Ortona South — Victor Pillow USACEEast Loop Shower HouseWest Loop Shower House
How to Get There
From LaBelle, Florida, travel SR 80 8 mi east to Dalton Lane. Turn north on Dalton Lane and follow the road into the campground.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ORTONA SOUTH
Heading to ORTONA SOUTH? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ORTONA SOUTH?
No central reservation system listed for ORTONA SOUTH. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233570) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at ORTONA SOUTH?
ORTONA SOUTH has 52 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to ORTONA SOUTH?
From LaBelle, Florida, travel SR 80 8 mi east to Dalton Lane. Turn north on Dalton Lane and follow the road into the campground.
