The old Floridian community of Welaka guards the St. Johns’ eastern banks south of Palatka and north of Lake George, between markers #48 and #50. I must admit I did not know there was a free city dock here, but that ignorance is now in the past.
Has anyone else tied to the docks at Welaka? Are there power and/or water connections available dockside, and are any shoreside services such as showers in the offing? If you have any info on this facility, please either use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link on the upper right of this page.
Thanks ever so much in advance!

We did enjoy our trip from Jacksonville to Sanford. We anchored out almost every night but found free docks in both Palatka and Welaka. We met the mayor of Welaka as he came down to check out the docks. There is a free aquarium in Welaka. We recommend Cafe Bleuu for the food and the owners who are entertaining.
Joy Poole

And now, thanks to Captains Glen and Jill (see below), we have lots more info on the Welaka city dock!

There is a free city dock in Welaka. While it seems to be set up for smaller fishing boats, and is often populated with a few folks fishing, it can handle cruising size boats. The T at the end of the dock is about 60 feet long and is the easiest place to tie up. But, there are triple dolphins outside the T, making it a very long step from the boat to the dock. It is possible to side tie to the south side of the dock, but you have to squeeze between the end of the T and a boat at the neighboring residential dock. The north side of the dock has finger piers, 20 feet long, 24 feet apart. While they are designed for two small boats, a cruising boat can fit. Longer boats could Med moor, dropping an anchor to secure the bow and back into the slip. The outer two slips have 15 foot depths. There is no electricity or water. The park up the street has restrooms and a shower.
Glen and Jill Moore

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Welaka, FL

First, let me say that, over the years, Captain Bobbie Blowers and I have exchanged much information. She is an excellent observer and a superb writer.
It has been my experience that the sorts of “fish camp” type facilities, as described by Captain Bobbie below, can be real finds for cruisers. Of course, if you prefer all the amenities, this is probably not the place for you, but those of us who cherish the feeling that every puff of wind, or turn of the screw, carries us a bit farther from the maddening crowd, may find Parramore’s absolutely delightful!

Hey Claiborne!
Greetings from a long time cruiser, recently resurfaced! I just read the most recent account of St John’s River cruising and would like to add some info gleaned from 2 winters of experience in the Astor area.
While our trusty old trawler Namaste was on the hard in a shed in the Chesapeake getting numerous repairs done, we spent our winters in a motorhome (Yep..the Dark Side!) at Parramore’s Fantastic Fish Camp. It is located about half a mile from the St John’s River on a deep water oxbow (Morrison’s Creek) just north of the Astor bridge. (This is the northern arm of the last oxbow east of the river before the bridge.)
The facility is definitely `Old’ Florida but has most everything a cruiser could want ‘“ plenty of anchoring room, boat ramp and dinghy dock, small café (Buck N Kat’s open 7 AM to 9 PM 7 days a week), club house, pool, tennis courts, laundry, small bait/sundries store, loads of country roads for walking and most of all, nice and friendly folks.
I spoke with one of the owner managers (Laurie) about cruisers’ use of the facilities. She was thrilled about the idea of cruisers coming in, especially to the café. The laundry has several machines and is available for any who want to use it. If you have a group, she can arrange use of the clubhouse facilities. Sorry..I neglected to ask about use of the pool, tennis courts and showers, but I feel sure if someone wanted to use these and spoke with her, she could make arrangements for those as well. Parramore’s telephone number is: 386-749-2721
We have cruised the St John’s twice and if we ever do so again will most definitely anchor in Morrison’s creek oxbow and dinghy in to Parramore’s. Try it!
Fair winds and the ever elusive `cheap’ fuel!
Bobbie Blowers
M/V Namaste

You can come ashore on the west bank under the draw bridge or at one of the restaurants. You will be in walking distance of the Ace hardware store (propane), the post office, and several marine mechanics and boat shops.
Sandy and Nancy Graves

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morrison’s Creek, off the St. Johns River

Julington Creek is a wide stream that intersects the eastern banks of the St. Johns River, east of marker #15. In addition to the anchorage, two marinas are also located here.

There is a wonderful anchorage off the St Johns River south of Jacksonville. Called Julington Creek or Bulls Bay. There are restaurants,
Fresh Market grocery store and a wonderful little park called Mandarin Park. Would highly recommend this stop for anyone taking the side trip on the St Johns River.
David and Sharron Knisely

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Julington Creek Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Julington Creek Anchorage

Outback Crab Shack on Sixmile Creek

There was a recent discussion on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) list about the famous Crab Shack Restaurant, just off the St. Johns River, south of Green Cove Springs. Over the years, we’ve had many postings here on the Cruisers’ Net about this WONDERFUL place to slake a healthy appetite. From time to time, though, it’s good to recall this St. Johns River dining attraction!
To access this facility, cruise into Palmo Cove, along the eastern banks of the St. Johns River, well east – southeast of river marker #22. Be sure to avoid the long tongue of shoal water which stretches out from this cove’s northside entrance point.
Sixmile Creek stretches out from the southeastern corner of Palmo Cove. Be advised that you may have to cruise through some 4 1/2 foot soundings to reach the stream’s mouth, and again as you approach the restaurant’s docks.
If you can stand these depths, the effort is well worthwhile!

I would highly recommend six mile creek and the outback crab shack. The food is great and you can dock there free. There are no utilities but the dock is in excellent condition and 1500 ft long. It is an unusual place and one that you will talk about even after you finish the loop. The approach in the bay appears shallow there was plenty of water and once you get close to the creek, it becomes 15-20 feet deep. We liked it so much, we stopped on our way in and back on our way out from Sanford.
John and Carol Sagel

Add our names to the recommendation for Six Mile Creek and docking at the Outback Crab Shack – what a great stop. The way in is worryingly shallow, but we made it in and out twice with no problems. Be prepared to take home some of the food if you eat there – big portions!
Tom Sanders

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palmo Cove and Six Miles Creek

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, In Satellite Photo (“Hybrid”) Mode, Zoomed To the Location of the Crab Shack on Six Mile Creek