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North Carolina Anchorage Directory
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Below, you will discover our COMPLETE listing of North Carolina anchorages, arranged in a rough, north to south, geographic format. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NARROW YOUR SELECTION of NC Anchorages to those in a specific geographic sub-region, locate the RED, vertically stacked menu, on the right side of this, and all Cruisers’ Net pages. Click on “North Carolina.” A drop down menu will appear, with a blue background, Now, click on “NC Anchorages.” A sub-drop-down menu will now appear. The first selection is “All North Carolina Anchorages,” which is where you are now. Below this selection, however, you will find listed 13 North Carolina geographic sub-regions. Select your waters of interest, and after clicking on your choice, a list of NC anchorages will appear, confined to the sub-region you have picked!
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Dismal Swamp Canal Route to Albemarle Sound Anchorages
Please note that anchorages below are listed in a rough geographic order, moving north to south
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No Comments 36.4388,-76.3259999
Old Barge Depot Anchorage

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Old Barge Depot Anchorage
Statute Mile: 33
Lat/Lon: 36 26.325 North/076 19.498 West
Location: found on the now, unused northernmost portion of Turner Cut, north of the intersection with the channel leading to South Mills Lock
Depth: 12+ feet
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: LIMITED, sufficient room for vessels ONLY as large as 34 feet
Holding Ground Evaluation: very thick mud
Foul Weather Shelter: Excellent
Dinghy Dock Access: dinghy landing is possible on an old, abandoned bulkhead which overlooks the western side of the canal, hard by our recommended anchorage position
Nearby Provisioning: convenience store within a LONG walk of the dinghy landing described above
Pet Friendly: pets can be landed at bulkhead specified above, and then walked through low, brushy area behind dock
Rating:
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No Comments 36.3877,-76.2869999
Upper Pasquotank River Anchorage

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Upper Pasquotank River Anchorage
Statute Mile:37
Lat/Lon: near 36 23.260 North/076 17.158 West
Location: west and south of the Pasquotank River, Turners Cut intersection
Depth: 6Â½-feet
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 32 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Excellent
Rating:
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5 Comments 36.3431,-76.2229999
Goat Island Anchorage

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Goat Island Anchorages
Statute Mile: 43.5
Lat/Lon: near 36 20.585 North/076 13.321 West
Location: south and southwest of Goat Island between unlighted daybeacons #13 and #11
Depth: 6-feet via the southeastern entrance; 5-foot minimum depths via northwestern entrance
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Excellent
Dinghy Dock Access: dinghies can be landed at a small dock on the western shores of Goat Island, associated with a raised platform camping facility
Pet Friendly: pets can be taken ashore at the raised camping platform dinghy dock, but keep them on the boardwalk to avoid any snakey encounters
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Comments from Cruisers (5)

Gray & Betty Riddick -  May 12, 2013 - 9:39 am

The upper reaches of the Pasquotank River to Dismal Canal and Goat Island are the most beautiful that we have experienced in extensive NC cruising from Swansboro to Norfolk. We do use the southern side of Goat/#11 and find good holding and protection in 8 – 9 feet of water.
Gray & Betty Riddick
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Captains Mark & Diana Doyle -  August 22, 2012 - 3:09 pm

Goat Island Anchorage is located along the Dismal’s Pasquotank River, just before you reach the bustle of Elizabeth City. It’s your chance to experience the swamp for a peaceful night at anchor, tucked safely behind mosquito screens. Listen for owls and frogs, seemingly in the wilderness, but safely within earshot of homes hidden along the oxbow canal.
It’s an ideal anchorage: wide and deep yet boasting all-around protection. You can anchor anywhere in the oxbow behind Goat Island, selecting a spot to get the best protection for the night’s forecast.
Goat Island even has a small dock with a boardwalk (the Goat Island Camping Platform) where you can go ashore to explore or land a pet.
The anchorage is well-positioned for both north- and southbound staging. Only 7 miles to the south, you can treat yourself to dockage at one of Elizabeth City’s free options: Mid-Atlantic Christian University Docks, Jennette Brothers Bulkhead, or the Elizabeth City Courtesy Docks and Bulkhead.
And cruiser-friendly Elizabeth City is the perfect pit stop, with many stores and restaurants, and free rides to and from the local supermarket.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
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Steve Mims -  July 27, 2012 - 9:07 am

Goat Island is a great spot. We liveaboard at Lambs Marina and frequently go anchor out for a weekend at the island. Very peaceful, save for the occasional PWC or powerboaters blasting by.
Steve Mims
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Patty Tate -  November 15, 2011 - 10:12 am

10/31/2011 Stayed at this anchorage during gale force winds from the NNE. Very good holding. Good protection.
Patty Tate
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Capt Jock -  July 23, 2009 - 10:48 am

The anchorage “behind” Goat Island is peaceful…holding is good and protection is excellent….if you’re real lucky and leave early you may get some awesome reflections on your way North or South!
Capt Jock, formerly of DREAM MAKER, presently of HOME AT LAST
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No Comments 36.3244,-76.18099999
Sawyers Creek Anchorage

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Sawyers Creek Anchorage
Statute Mile: 46.5
Lat/Lon: near 36 19.463 North/076 10.853 West
Location: off the eastern banks of the Pasquotank River, north of the Camden Railway Bridg
Depth: 5 1/2-feet, but successful navigation can be difficult
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels smaller than 33 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Good
Dinghy Dock Access: dinghies can be landed at an upstream public launching ramp
Nearby Provisioning: It’s a 1.1 miles walk, first east on Highway 343, and then south on Highway 158 to Lambs Marina where you will find a convenience store and fresh seafood counter, with a restaurant across the street
Pet Friendly: pets can be walked after going ashore at the upstream public launching ramp
Rating:
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1 Comment 36.3154,-76.18159999
Railroad Bridge Anchorage

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Railroad Bridge Anchroage
Statute Mile: 47.5
Lat/Lon: near 36 18.923 North/076 10.982 West
Location: on the waters of the unnamed creek making into the Pasquotank’s southeastern banks 0.3 nautical mile south-southwest of the charted railroad bridge near the charted position of Camden
Depth: 8-feet
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 50 feet
Holding Ground Evaluation: some cruisers have reported a hard bottom which makes setting an anchor difficult – many others have not encountered this potential problem
Foul Weather Shelter: Excellent
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Gray Riddick - September 2, 2010 - 2:49 pm

I tried for well over an hour at multiple spots and could not get my Danforth to hold anywhere in this anchorage.
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No Comments 36.2896,-76.20129999
Forbes Bay Anchorage

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Forbes Bay Anchorage
Statute Mile: 53
Lat/Lon: near 36 17.374 North/076 12.074 West
Location: on the waters of Forbes Bay, along the Pasquotank’s southwestern banks, northwest of flashing daybeacon #7
Depth: 6-foot minimum depths; reviewed on pages
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 50 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair, wide open to northeastern winds
Dinghy Dock Access: dinghies can be landed at a public launching ramp, north (upstream) of this anchorage, lying along the westerly shoreline, south of the Mariners Wharf city docks
Nearby Provisioning: for free boat shuttle call Farm Fresh Supermarket (252-331-1301) for pick-up and return to the docks
Pet Friendly: pets can be walked in a public park immediately adjacent to the dinghy landing described above
Rating:
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NC/AICW Anchorages, Currituck Sound to Albemarle Sound
Please note that anchorages below are listed in a rough geographic order, moving north to south
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No Comments 36.309,-75.98099999
Upper North River Anchorage

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Upper North River Anchorage
Statute Mile: 52.5
Lat/Lon: 36 18.540 North/075 58.856 West
Location:found on the upper reaches of the North River, abandoned by the Waterway and west of the gap between the ICW’s unlighted daybeacons #129 and #132
Depth: 5-feet, but navigation can be difficult
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: Not recommended for vessels larger than 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair, wide open to easterly winds
Rating:
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No Comments 36.2901,-75.96929999
ICW Anchorage North

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ICW Anchorages North
Statute Mile: 54
Lat/Lon: 36 17.404 North/075 58.151 West
Location: found along the ICW’s western and southerly flanks, west, southwest of marker #135
Depth: 6 foot depths
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair to Good, except during times of strong northerly winds
Rating:
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No Comments 36.288,-75.96659999
ICW Anchorage Center

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ICW Anchorage Center
Statute Mile: 54
Lat/Lon: 36 17.279 North/075 57.989 West
Location: found along the ICW’s western and southerly flanks south of marker #137
Depth: 5 to 6 foot depths
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair to Good, except during times of strong northerly winds
Rating:
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No Comments 36.2862,-75.96369999
ICW Anchorage South

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ICW Anchorage South
Statute Mile: 54
Lat/Lon: 36 17.172 North/075 57.818 West
Location: found along the AICW’s western and southerly flanks, southeast of flashing daybeacon #138
Depth: 6 foot depths
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair to Good, except during times of strong northerly and northeastelry winds
Rating:
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2 Comments 36.2669,-75.95599999
North Buck Island Anchorage

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North Buck Island Anchorage
Statute Mile: 56
Lat/Lon: 36 16.015 North/075 57.355 West
Location: found on the waters lying abutting the northern shores of Buck Island southwest of flashing daybeacon #149
Depth: 5- to 6-feet, but watch out for crab pots and fish traps
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Good to Excellent, except in fresh northern and northeasterly winds
Rating:
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Dick Litchfield - May 24, 2010 - 9:52 am

We anchored on the north side on 11/8/2009 for the first time. We arrived late in the day right at sunset. Depths were pretty much as charted and holding seemed good. It was a quiet anchorage that night, but it could be less if traffic passes by in ICW. We had a good night but were fogged in for a couple of hours in the morning.
We usually anchor a couple miles further south and east in the vicinity of Lutz Creek. You will usually find crab pots in all these anchorages.
Reply to Dick

Claiborne - July 27, 2009 - 11:04 am

Buck Island is on our list of favorites because we carry a crab pot and always catch some when we anchor here. We were here 9/10/06, 5/19/07, 8/31/08 and will be back soon.
Wright and Gladys Anderson
First & Ten
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No Comments 36.2565,-75.95429999
South Buck Island Anchorage

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Buck Island Anchorages (Group of three)
Statute Mile: 56
Lat/Lon: 36 15.389 North/075 57.252 West
Location: lies south of Buck Island and east, southeast of flashing daybeacon #155)
Depth: 5- to 6-feet, but watch out for crab pots and fish traps
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Good, unless winds over 10 knots are blowing from the south
Rating:
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No Comments 36.261,-75.9479999
Buck Island/Goose Pond Anchorage

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Buck Island/Goose Pond Anchorage
Statute Mile: 56
Lat/Lon: 36 15.662 North/075 56.822 West
Location: lies on the southern reaches of the stream feeding from North River to shallow Goose Pond, east of Buck Island
Depth: 5- to 6-feet, but watch out for crab pots and fish traps
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels less than 40 feet in length
Foul Weather Shelter: Good to Excellent, unless strong southern winds are in the offing
Rating:
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No Comments 36.2442,-75.92189999
Lutz Creek Anchorage

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Lutz Creek Anchorage
Statute Mile: 59
Lat/Lon: near 36 14.652 North/075 55.306 West
Location: west of Lutz Creek’s western mouth. This stream makes into the eastern banks of North River east of flashing daybeacon #159
Depth: 6-feet
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 45 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair, wide open to southwestern, western and northwester winds
Rating:
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6 Comments 36.2026,-75.96229999
Broad Creek Anchorage

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Broad Creek Anchorage (off North River)
Statute Mile: 61
Lat/Lon: near 36 12.158 North/075 57.729 West
Location: Broad Creek cuts into North River’s western shoreline opposite flashing daybeacon #164
Depth: 5 1/2-feet, but correct identification of this anchorage can be difficult
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 38 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Excellent
Rating:
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Comments from Cruisers (6)

Arnold -  May 15, 2013 - 10:01 am

Broad Creek on the Coinjock Route (Mile 61) is normally a well protected creek and good fishing. But last September I was headed for the entrance when I saw coming right towards me a nasty black thing. About a mile from the creek opening it turned into what appeared to be a 25 ft high white wave heading stright for my bow at some 70 mph! (And I’m not kidding ‘cos it was on the news)
It turned out it was more a rolling mixture of water and air rather than a solid wave – but it grabbed Pisces – a heavy 45,000 lb steel boat – and turned me round twice as if I were a paper boat on a pond. Then 20 minutes of hell being driven back (at maximum RPM) by the horizontal wind and rain. My poor cat Addie was flattened out frantically grasping a ventilator – I had to release the wheel, get on the foredeck, grab him, and literally throw him down below!
I lost a hatch and a few other things yet in a way I was very lucky. I have no doubt that had I been moored in the creek a half hour or so sooner – I would have been blown ashore before I could even start the engine……
God takes care of drunks, sailors, and cats. 🙂
Arnold
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John Stevenson -  February 6, 2011 - 6:31 pm

This is a great anchorage (outside – wx permitting) for this segment of the AICW. When heading south in the fall I am usually trying to get to warm. When heading north I’m motivated to get to the Chesapeake Bay. So I’m not looking to do any touring of the local area. In the fall it is possible to reach this anchorage from Norfolk in the available daylight (although just barely). Then it is also possible to reach the anchorage in the head waters of the Pungo River at the end of the Alligator-Pungo Canal. Similar transits are possible in the spring heading north. Of course, when heading south, if the winds are fresh out of the south I would prefer to wait for favorable conditions in Coinjock than in this anchorage before crossing the Albemarle.
John – SV Sarah
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Captain Donnie Young -  October 18, 2010 - 3:07 pm

Our next stop was Broad Creek just north of Albemarle Sound. A lot of crab pots in the creek, but good holding and a quiet night.
Captain Donnie Young aboard Cloud IX
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Norman Mason -  August 30, 2010 - 10:17 pm

Anchored near the “9”, just above the anchor symbol on the chartlet, on a friend’s 49 DeFever, 4.8 ft. draft, in late July, 2010. Spectacular location, beautiful, very protected, no problems holding at all with a 66# Bruce. Don’t miss this beautiful place.
Capt. Norman Mason aboard Peggy Sue, Monk 36
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George Hechtman -  August 5, 2009 - 5:14 pm

We have anchored outside of the creek a few times, inside the “triangle” formed by the north-to-south soundings of 6, 9, and 8 ft, which are just west of the charted mooring. Good holding and good protection from anything with a westerly component, especially the southwest which is often prevalent here. This has become our preferred stopping point on our north-south voyages before or after Norfolk.
George and Ann
“Incentive” Hatteras 56MY
Reply to George

Wayne Thomas -  July 23, 2009 - 9:58 am

Tried to anchor, but barely enough water (5.5′ draft) and couldn’t set 88# Delta so anchored outside of creek.
Wayne Thomas
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Albemarle Sound Anchorages (off the AICW)
Please note that anchorages listed below for Albemarle Sound are arranged in a east to west geographic order, following the northern shore of the sound from North River to the Chowan River. Subsequently, anchorages are arranged in geographic order moving west to east, following the southern shore of Albemarle Sound from the Roanoke River to the Scuppernong River
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No Comments 36.1809,-76.27539999
Little River/Deep Creek Anchorage (off the AICW, on Little River/Albemarle Sound)

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Little River/Deep Creek Anchorage
Lat/Lon: 36 10.854 North/076 16.518 West
Location: lies near the intersection of Deep Creek and Little River; Deep Creek pierces the western shores of Little River, opposite Trueblood Point
Depth: 5 feet
Navigation Detail: Click Here For Navigational Detail of this Anchorage
Swing Room: sufficient room for vessels as large as 36 feet
Foul Weather Shelter: Fair, partially open to northern, eastern and northeastern winds
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