Ortona Campground

For Floridians seeking a peaceful and well-maintained outdoor retreat, Ortona Campground, an Army Corps of Engineers (COE) site located near LaBelle, offers an exceptional experience. This hidden gem provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. As a professional content writer specializing in local business SEO, we’re excited to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Ortona Campground a prime destination for locals across the Sunshine State.

Ortona Campground is widely praised by visitors for its clean, quiet, and well-maintained facilities. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, these campgrounds are known for their high standards and focus on public recreation and conservation. As one reviewer aptly put it, it’s a "small(ish) Army Corp of Engineers campground. Very well maintained, clean, quiet, and in the middle of nowhere." This "middle of nowhere" quality is precisely what many Floridians seek—a tranquil environment where they can truly disconnect and enjoy nature.

The campground's appeal extends beyond its quietude. It offers generously sized sites, capable of accommodating "all but the absolute largest or Class A's" of RVs, making it a comfortable choice for a wide range of campers. Each site comes equipped with convenient amenities like concrete pads, water and electric hookups (30 and 50 amp), a covered picnic table, a fire ring, and a hibachi grill, providing everything needed for a comfortable stay. This dedication to providing essential features within a calm, natural setting ensures that Ortona Campground delivers a consistently positive experience for those looking to enjoy Florida's outdoors without excessive frills.

Ortona Campground is located in LaBelle, FL 33935, USA. More precisely, it is situated along the Caloosahatchee River, which forms part of the Okeechobee Waterway. Its exact address is 2410 Dalton Lane SW, Moore Haven, FL 33471, though it is commonly associated with LaBelle due to its proximity and the fact that LaBelle is the nearest town with significant amenities.

While a reviewer mentions it being "30 minutes away" from both Fort Myers and Clewiston, this distance underscores its appeal as a quiet escape. It's far enough from major urban centers to provide genuine tranquility, yet close enough for convenient access to supplies, restaurants, and other services when needed. To reach the campground from LaBelle, visitors travel approximately 8 miles east on SR 80 to Dalton Lane, then turn north and follow the road into the campground. The roads leading to and within the campground are generally well-maintained, ensuring smooth access for all types of vehicles, including RVs.

The campground’s location directly on the Caloosahatchee River is a significant feature, offering scenic views and access to the waterway, even if the strong current near the locks restricts direct swimming or fishing in that immediate area. However, other opportunities for water access and fishing are available within the broader region. This blend of accessible isolation makes Ortona Campground a practical and desirable choice for Floridians seeking a peaceful camping experience that’s neither too remote nor too bustling.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: 51 sites accommodating tents and RVs (up to 45 feet in length). All sites have concrete pads.
• Electric Hookups: Available at each site, offering both 30 amp and 50 amp service.
• Water Hookups: Available at each site for fresh water access.
• Covered Picnic Tables: Each site includes a covered picnic table for outdoor dining and relaxation.
• Fire Rings and Grills: Provided at each campsite for campfires and cooking.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained bathhouses with flush toilets and showers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: Available for RV waste disposal.
• Dumpsters: Conveniently located throughout the campground for trash disposal.
• Wi-Fi: Available near the west end restroom.
• Picnic Pavilion: A designated pavilion for campers' use.
• Fishing Piers: Access to fishing piers (note: fishing/swimming not allowed in areas with strong current near locks).
• Boat Launch: Ortona North Day Use Area, a short 25-minute drive away via LaBelle, offers a boat launch.
• Attendants on Duty: Campground attendants are available to assist campers.

Features / Highlights:

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised for its tranquility, making it ideal for relaxation.
• Very Well Maintained and Clean: High standards of cleanliness and upkeep throughout the campground.
• Spacious Campsites: Sites are long and wide, providing ample room for RVs and comfortable setups.
• Natural Beauty: Surrounded by tropical greenery, including Sabal Palms, and scenic views of the Caloosahatchee River.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe various bird species (including ospreys), alligators, and manatees near the locks.
• Army Corps of Engineers Management: Operated by the COE, ensuring adherence to high standards for public recreation areas.
• Proximity to LaBelle: Convenient access to the town of LaBelle for groceries, restaurants, and other necessities.
• Boating Opportunities: Access to the Caloosahatchee River via nearby boat launches (Ortona North Day Use Area).
• Fishing Opportunities: Designated fishing piers are available, though specific regulations apply to areas near the locks.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be leashed and controlled.
• Affordable Rates: Generally considered to offer good value, especially with potential discounts for America the Beautiful pass holders.

Contact Information:

Address: 2410 Dalton Lane SW, Moore Haven, FL 33471, USA (commonly associated with LaBelle)

Phone: (863) 675-8400

Mobile Phone: +1 863-675-8400

Reservations: Can be made up to 180 days in advance (no earlier than 3 days prior) via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Ortona Campground is an exceptional choice for locals in Florida, especially those residing in the southwestern part of the state. Its primary appeal lies in its ability to deliver a truly peaceful, clean, and well-maintained camping experience, which is often a top priority for residents seeking a genuine escape into nature. The "middle of nowhere" ambiance, frequently highlighted by visitors, ensures a serene environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation, far removed from urban noise and crowds.

For Floridians, the convenience and accessibility of Ortona Campground are significant advantages. While it offers seclusion, it's still within a reasonable driving distance of essential services in LaBelle, Fort Myers, and Clewiston, striking an ideal balance between tranquility and practicality. The spacious, well-equipped sites, complete with concrete pads and full hookups, cater to a wide range of campers, including those with larger RVs, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Furthermore, being an Army Corps of Engineers campground means visitors can expect consistent quality and a focus on responsible management of natural resources. This also often translates to affordable rates, especially for those with America the Beautiful passes, making it an economically viable option for frequent getaways. The opportunities for fishing from piers, wildlife viewing, and access to the Caloosahatchee River for boating further enhance its appeal for locals eager to explore Florida's unique waterways and observe its diverse ecosystems. Ortona Campground truly offers a quintessential "Old Florida" camping experience, perfect for creating lasting memories right in their home state.

For a detailed visual tour, consider watching this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NECZIyAlhg).

Ortona Campground

LaBelle, FL 33935, USA