Best Campgrounds near LaBelle, FL
Campgrounds near LaBelle, Florida range from riverfront Corps of Engineers sites to private RV resorts, with most concentrated along the Caloosahatchee River. Riverside Camp and Retreat Center and LaBelle Woods Resort offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. Ortona South, located about 15 miles west of LaBelle in Moore Haven, provides concrete pads with water and electric hookups in a natural setting. Fisheating Creek Campground in Palmdale, approximately 20 miles northeast of LaBelle, combines tent and RV sites with cabin rentals in a wildlife management area.
Seasonal considerations impact camping availability, with winter months (December through March) representing peak demand when reservations become essential at most developed facilities. Summer brings high temperatures, humidity and increased mosquito activity, particularly in the evenings near water. Most campgrounds remain open year-round but offer limited amenities during the off-season. Facilities range from basic (concrete pads with water/electric) to full-service resorts with pools and organized activities. A visitor to Ortona South noted: "The campground is quiet, but with friendly fellow campers. This campground is very well maintained, with beautiful views of the river - complete with boats going in and out of the locks and various wildlife."
Wildlife observation represents a significant attraction for campers in the region. The Ortona South campground receives consistent praise for birdwatching opportunities, with reviewers documenting sightings of eagles, hawks, egrets, ibises, and cormorants. Several campers reported manatee and alligator sightings in the Caloosahatchee River. The lock system at Ortona provides entertainment as boats navigate through. Campers staying at riverfront sites frequently mention the relaxing experience of watching boat traffic and wildlife. While some riverfront sites offer limited privacy, many visitors consider the views worth this tradeoff. Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area provides a more secluded natural experience, while private RV resorts closer to town offer additional amenities but less wilderness immersion.
