South of Palatka, FL, what was once supposed to be the “Cross Florida Barge Canal” intersects the St. Johns River’s western shoreline, south of the “Seven Sisters.” This always environmentally controversial project was abandoned back in the 1960’s, but a dam was constructed on the Okalwaha River, and one lock was put in place on the canal connecting the St. Johns River to the lake created by the dam. We journeyed through these debris strewn waters back in the 1990’s, and emerged with shaft and prop damage due to semi-sunken obstructions.
The canal leads to an eerie lake, with dead trees all around, due to the flooded lands, and an almost palatable silence. We couldn’t wait to leave.
Since those times, there has been serious talk about removing the dam across the Oklawaha River, and allowing this stream to return to its natural course. As far as I know, that idea has died on the vine, probably due to lack of funding.
Below, Captains Chuck and Claria present far more updated info about cruising through the Buckman Lock to Lake Oklawaha (a. k. a. Rodman Reservoir), from the St. Johns River. For my money, even with the below described improvements, this is still a very off the beaten path cruising destination, fit only for the most adventurous among us!

I talked to Bill Root last night, lives in Yalaha, FL on Lake Harris and keeps BUFFALO GAL, his 54′ Hatteras, at Sanford Boatworks and Marina, south of Lake Monroe. Because of the draught, Lake Harris at the head waters of Oklawaha River which flows into the St. John’s River near Welaka, is 2′ lower than normal and he has concern on being able to get BUFFALO GAL into Lake Monroe with this low water level. Expect to see water levels lower than normal as you get close to the head waters. We were considering coming south with thoughts of going up into the Oklawaha River through Buckman Lock, the first lock in the Cross Florida Barge Canal. The Corps of
Engineers spend 85 days in early 2011 removing trees, limbs, and other vegetative debris from the navigation channel. This would imply you could be able to at least get into Rodman Reservoir. Buckman Lock operates 4 days per week, Thursday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Phone number for lock is 386-329-3575. Eureka Lock and Dam, the second lock planned for the Canal, was never completed so water depth up river towards Silver River is probably marginal. Buckman Lockmaster may be able to tell you how far up the river you could go. You could take a day trip in your dingy a ways up the river if you’re interested, and if somebody has a fast dingy could possibly get
all the way to Silver Springs. As the crow flies, it’s about 22 miles from Rodman Reservoir to the Silver River, but I expect it’s about 40 miles as the river flows. Nothing up there but lots of wilderness.
Chuck and Claria Gorgen

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Canal Leaving St. Johns River, flowing to the Rodman Reservoir (a. k. a. Lake Oklawaha)

It’s a fascinating cruise of some 140 nautical miles from the St. Johns River’s inlet at Mayport, to the city of Sanford on Lake Monroe. And here, cruisers will discover Monroe Harbour Marina, a long-time, cruiser friendly spot!
Below, we have copied a discussion reprinted from the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association forum, concerning this facility. This is valuable reading for any captain bound for Monroe Harbour!

We’re planning to stay Monroe Harbor Marina which has a great rate for BoatUS members and should keep us in deep enough water in Sanford.
Jeanie & Wes on
M.V. Miss Ruby

Be very careful going into Monroe Harbor. There is very skinny water even in good times. We drew 4 feet and churned a good bit of mud entering last April.
Paul Brannon
SEASEA

When I sent my previous message about Lake Monroe and the approach to Monroe Harbor Marina I did not have my chart book in front of me. I was out on Lake Monroe yesterday and realized the directions I gave in my previous post were not as clear as they should be. Let me clear it up:
After you pass under the railroad bridge and enter Lake Monroe, you will encounter a well-marked channel that leads to a turning basin about two miles out at G7. At that basin you want to take the channel that heads SW straight to the marina. This channel is well maintained. About three quarters of the way down the channel at R7 you will see another channel that heads to the right toward the shore. DO NOT take that channel. It is not maintained and is quite shallow in spots. Continue heading straight toward the marina.
Monroe Harbor has two basins, east and west. The entrances to both can get skinny in spots so be careful and watch your depth sounder carefully going in. If you are directed to the east basin, be sure to favor the red side of the entrance where the buildings are. The side with the wall is shallow.
Bill & Kathleen Root

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Monroe Harbour Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Monroe Harbour Marina

Moving south from Jacksonville on the St. Johns River, (yes, believe it or else, that’s “upstream”), one of the best anchorages along the entire run from Jax to Palatka, comes up along the western banks south of Orange Park. Of course, your vessel must be able to get under a 37-foot bridge to access the waters beyond, known as Doctors Lake. Mill Cove is one of several possible anchor down spots here, but do watch out for the correctly charted pilings if you stray too near the rear of the cove.

We are in Mill Cove on Doctors Lake tonight. Lovely spot.
Jeanie & Wes on
M.V. Miss Ruby

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Mill Cove Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mill Cove Anchorage