The fights on the starting side of Fort Joy have no high ground, like the turtles, but that's basically it.
I know some have ridiculous requirements to obtain the high ground. (Source Hounds and Hound Master)
The enemy has the advantage in that fight. Don't let them have it. When I trigger the houndmaster fight, it is with one high initiative person who lures the enemies back into the prison to the stairs, where there is cover and high ground that YOU can start out with.
