LaBelle, FL, a real sleeper for cruisers

[Roy & Dixie]

We had been looking for a good launch site to launch, store the Jeep/trailer, and cruise the GICW. I read a post where someone mentioned leaving their truck/trailer in LaBelle with no problem. We just returned from doing that trip and also had no problem leaving the tow vehicle/trailer at the launch site for 10 days. The ramp and parking area is paved and excellent floating docks are at the ramp. There is a bait store adjacent to this site which is open 7 days a week. We talked with the owner before departing, who explained things to some official later questioning if we might have gone off and gotten in trouble somewhere. We actually "camped" aboard our first and last night in the launch site parking area with no problem. This launch site is on the north side of the river, just west of the bridge. Across the river (south side) at the bridge, the town has put in back-in docks for several boats, with 30a power, free dockage. The dockage area is within a NO WAKE zone. You will hear traffic rolling over the steel grate surface of the bascule bridge. They ask that you simply sign their registration log and respect the 3 day limit. After 8 days away, you can return for another 3 days. Almost anything you might need is within 3 blocks south of the docks. I wish more towns offered facilities like this.