Doctors Lake/Swimming Pin Creek Anchorage (off the St. Johns River south of Jacksonville, FL)
As you already know or have heard, the St Johns River is a beautiful stretch of water departing the AICW near Mayport and extending to Sanford, FL. I learned to water ski on the St. Johns and will never forget the smooth-as-glass dark waters. However, I have never visited Doctors Lake and I look forward to anchoring there and to hearing more of your comments and observations.
Doctors Inlet, leading to Doctors Lake, departs the St. Johns some ten miles upstream (south) of Jacksonville. Be advised that the “inlet” is spanned by a fixed bridge with 37 feet of vertical clearance. If your vessel can’t clear this height, you must forgo the many superb anchorage opportunities on Doctors Lake
We anchored a 50ft. boat just outside the [Swimming Pin] creek entrance and went in to Whitey’s Fish Camp for lunch. A storm came through and the anchor dragged (a lot). Got back to the boat just before it hit a boat dock. Bottom is soft muck which doesn’t hold well.
The dockmaster at Whiteys said the water up to the bridge is 6-8 feet deep and he has had 60 ft. boats at his dock. Call him and he’ll make space for you if you want to use the restaurant. It sounds as if you can spend the night there ‘“ no hookups.
Captain Bernie Heinemann
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