How much does camping cost at Ortona South?

Camping fees at Ortona South range from $15-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ortona South first-come first-served or reservation?

Ortona South accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ortona South before I book?

Yes! Ortona South has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ortona South?

Ortona South is open January 1 to December 31.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ortona South?

Yes, Ortona South has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Ortona South?

Fire policies at Ortona South: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Ortona South?

Cell phone service at Ortona South is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Ortona South have?

Ortona South has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ortona South?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ortona South. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ortona South?

Ortona South offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Ortona South

4.65

1.2K reviews

2410 DALTON LANE SW

Fishing

Featured in:Fishing Florida

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Ortona South

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard electric sites are $30 per night, and group shelter electric sites are $35 per night. Discounts are available for veterans and Interagency...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$35.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

863-675-8400

Help improve this page

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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

196 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousstaff

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. Frequent praises include the attentive hosts, scenic views, and excellent fishing spots. Negative feedback is often related to non-functional facilities and limited activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2410 DALTON LANE SW

Ortona South

2410 DALTON LANE SW

Nearby places

LaBelle (10 miles, approx. 15 minutes), Fort Myers (45 miles, approx. 1 hour), Moore Haven (8 miles, approx. 10 minutes).

Nearby supplies

LaBelle is the closest town with grocery stores, restaurants, and other amenities, including a Walmart within 13 miles and a Dollar General Market within 10 minutes.

Best Time to Camp at Ortona South

Winter delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs sit around 65-75°F with nights in the mid-50s from December through March. Humidity drops, mosquitoes thin out, and migratory birds arrive. Summer brings warm temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms, and heavier bugs. Crowds pick up around holiday weekends but stay moderate otherwise. Book ahead if you want a riverfront site during peak winter months.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in FL

Peak season: cooler temps and best wildlife viewing (manatees); many favorable reviews in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens January 1 and closes December 31.
Current Alerts: Construction activities related to the Water Quality Facility may cause disturbances near the southeast end of the campground.

About Ortona South

Ortona South sits on the Caloosahatchee River near Moore Haven, offering 50 spacious sites with concrete pads and full hookups. Sites run $15-35 per night and include electric, water, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground earns a 4.7 rating from over 1,200 reviews, with campers praising the cleanliness, attentive hosts, and peaceful riverside setting.

Ortona South offers camping accommodations tailored to RVs and tents, with no group or luxury camping options available.

Historical Significance

The campground provides access to the Herbert Hoover Dike, part of the historic Okeechobee Waterway project, and connects to the Florida National Scenic Trail. Campers often walk across the dam to watch boats navigate the locks.

Weather and SeasonsWinter delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs sit around 65-75°F with nights in the mid-50s from December through March. Humidity drops, mosquitoes thin out, and migratory birds arrive. Summer brings warm temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms, and heavier bugs. Crowds pick up around holiday weekends but stay moderate otherwise. Book ahead if you want a riverfront site during peak winter months.

ElevationTrue to South Florida's distinctive character, the campground rests on wonderfully level ground that makes setting up camp a breeze. This gentle, flat terrain—a hallmark of the region's unique geography—ensures easy navigation for all ages and abilities, whether you're rolling in with an RV or pitching a tent under the stars.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 33 feet elevation along the Caloosahatchee River, shaded by Sabal Palms and dense tropical greenery. River otters, alligators, cottontail rabbits, and migratory birds frequent the area. South-facing sites overlook pastoral grazing lands, while riverfront spots provide views of passing boat traffic and the adjacent lock system. Sites have partial privacy from installed landscaping, though some campers note limited shade and openness in certain areas. Fire ants are present, so watch where you set up chairs.

Geological RegionExperience the authentic heart of South Florida's river country, where the mighty Caloosahatchee has carved its path through centuries of tropical growth. Majestic Sabal Palms—Florida's beloved state tree—stand sentinel over this flat, fertile landscape, their fronds whispering stories of hurricanes weathered and seasons passed. The surrounding tropical greenery creates a lush natural amphitheater, while pastoral scenes of grazing lands to the south offer glimpses into Florida's agricultural heritage, all set against the backdrop of endless sky and ancient waterways.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites have a maximum occupancy of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in loops with level concrete pads and gravel patios. Spacing between sites is generous, with one camper noting "lots of space between sites." Waterfront sites face the river, while interior sites overlook pastures to the south.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website and app or through the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited and dependent on cancellations. Planning ahead is highly recommended due to popularity.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are permitted up to the day before arrival but incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee in case of late cancellations.

AccessibilityAssistive mobility devices such as powered wheelchairs and electric scooters are permitted for individuals with mobility impairments, following validation with state-issued disability documentation. Some reviews highlighted paved paths for easy navigation.

Site SizeSites are spacious and level, with ample room and concrete pads for RVs. One reviewer stated, 'Large, roomy campsites with easy access and lots of space between sites.

PrivacySites provide partial privacy due to installed landscaping and spacing between campsites. However, some users noted limited shade and openness in certain areas.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 33 is a standout choice for waterfront views, while sites like 41 and 42 are ideal for groups traveling together.

Need help booking Ortona South?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Ortona South Campground primarily caters to relaxation and simple outdoor activities, including fishing, bird watching, and walking paths. Visitors can also bike across the dam during operating hours.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include fire ants, alligators near water bodies, and proximity to occasional construction noise.

Active AlertsConstruction activities related to the Water Quality Facility may cause disturbances near the southeast end of the campground.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital is Hendry Regional Medical Center in Clewiston (approx. 30 minutes drive). Police and fire services are available in LaBelle, approximately 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters are available at each end of the campground for trash disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Caloosahatchee River with fishing docks and boat locks offering recreational opportunities.

Camp HostCampground hosts are friendly and actively assist campers. Hosts have organized social gatherings such as meet-and-greets.

Weather at Ortona South

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

1.2K reviews

Top-Rated

Ortona South is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. Frequent praises include the attentive hosts, scenic views, and excellent fishing spots. Negative feedback is often related to non-functional facilities and limited activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 1201 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's serene environment, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff. One user wrote, 'Spacious sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly hosts,' while another...

Based on 1201 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include closures of restrooms and showers, mosquito problems, and limited shade at certain sites. A camper stated, 'East-end bathrooms were closed during our stay,' while another...

Based on 1201 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing insect repellent due to mosquito concerns, planning visits during cooler months, and reserving sites along the river for better views. Multiple users recommended walking across...

Based on 1201 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak camping season is winter, with most favorable reviews citing cooler weather and wildlife sightings, such as manatees. Summer visits are less popular due to heat, mosquito issues, and limited...

Based on 1201 reviews

Camper Quotes

Quotes include: 'Cleanest COE campground we've ever visited,' 'Great fishing opportunities,' and 'Hosts were wonderful and helpful.'

Based on 1201 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight Site #42 and #41 as pull-through buddy sites, Site #33 for excellent views, and Site #21 for privacy and wildlife. One user remarked, 'Site #41 may require back-in...

Based on 1201 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are generally positive, with paved paths making navigation easy for individuals with mobility impairments. Assistive mobility devices are permitted, but some users noted that...

Based on 1201 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly features were praised, with several users citing ample walking paths for dogs. However, one camper experienced issues with other visitors' dogs being disruptive.

Based on 1201 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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