Review with photos of camping at Ortona South Campground managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Jacksonville District). It is located on the Caloosahatchee River section of the Okeechobee Waterway near LaBelle in Florida.
Ortona South Campground – At A Glance
- US Army Corps of Engineers – Ortona South Campground.
- Fee – Reserve online but last-minute sites may be available upon arrival.
- Book up to 6 months out.
- Hosted and Gated – get the lock combination via email after booking.
- 10 pm to 6 am quiet time
- Tents or any kind of RV
- 14 nights max within 30 days
- Toilets, water at site, power at site, hot showers, dump station
- GPS – 26.78756, -81.30842
Location Map
Zoom into the area east of LaBelle. The campsite has a blue icon.
My Experience at Ortana South Campground
Just east of LaBelle with grocery stores, etc.
It is a beautiful campground but very tough to book thanks to its popularity. Unless you book during the opening minutes of each booking window, your only hope is a cancellation.
The concrete sites are level, long, and wide for easy back-ins and setup. Pull-throughs are available. You also get a firepit and a covered picnic table.
There is no vegetation which means no privacy but the angled layout of the sites gives a sense of space between you and the neighbors, especially the waterfront sites.
The waterfront sites are in high demand but if you have a choice, I prefer 21 – 30 because they are slightly elevated with the best water views.
Generally, I try to avoid this very organized style of camping but somehow it works for this campground probably because of the scenic water views. It is also very affordable when considering the rates of private campgrounds with similar amenities. Even more affordable with a Senior Lifetime Pass.
I agree with the 5-star rating online!
Verizon’s service is very good.
Photos
About the US Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds
Please read my article about the Florida COE and the booking process BEFORE booking! It will save you time and frustration.