Fort George River Anchorage (Statute Mile 735)
Fort George River provides one of the most historic anchorages in Florida, as you can drop the hook within sight of Kingsley Plantation, and then dinghy in for a tour. About a year ago, there was a report here on the Net from a fellow crusier who found some shallow water while entering the river from the AICW. As you will see below, Captain Bill did not find this shoaling, but did discover that swing room and shelter can be a bit on the thin side.
We’re presently in this anchorage, with two boats near G `3’³ and three closer to G `5’³. We arrived at about half tide and found the bottom coming up uncomfortable quickly (6′ draft) as we approached the dock (shown as two pilings in the chart) for Kingsley Plantation (marked `ruins’), a National Park Service site. We opted for the bight on the north shore near the G `3’³. There’s more swing room and holding is good. One source suggests following a line between Fl R `72’³ and R `2’³ to enter the river – don’t. It leads through a charted shoal. Instead, favor the north shore and follow current charts. Otherwise, this is a standard issue SE GA, NE FL anchorage with lots of marsh, no-see-ums, and tidal currents – but it sure is pretty.
About the plantation – this is a good trip ashore. The park closes at 5PM but the dock closes at 4:30PM; `closes’ means a ranger comes to the dock and chains the gate shut. Curiously, the same sign announcing the 4:30PM closing time also states that docking is limited to 59 minutes (one wonders what bureaucrat dreamed that up’¦). Plan your visit accordingly.
Rick Emerson
After leaving St Mary’s, Kittiwake stopped here for the 3rd time in 5 years. No trouble getting in , with tide rising (about mid-tide, almost full spring Nov 1), but had vibes. Sure enough, aobut 4 AM, front came through with some NW and N wind, and Kittiwake was heading for the plantation docks. Up the hook, ride around in the dark and settled in a little further West until enough light to start traveling. Can’t figure out anything I could have done different, but next time will try the Talbot River anchorage (oxbow on W side of ICW, just N of Ft George River anchorage) – not as much water or room – but talked to the folks anchored there overnight, it had better protection from NW and N in the south end.
Capt Bill,
s/v Kittiwake
Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Fort George River
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