Julington Creek cuts into the eastern shores of the St. Johns River, just across from Doctors Lake. I did not know there was a good dining spot accessible by dinghy from this body of water. Learn something new everyday here on the Cruisers’ Net.

Just had to share our current anchorage with you, what a fun stop! We are currently anchored in Julington Creek which is about 15 miles south of downtown JAX on the east bank. I will warn you that the holding here is “soupy” at best, we actually put out both the CQR & the Danforth. We have only had 5 to 10 mph west winds so the chain on the CQR has just laid on the bottom, we would only come back here in setteled weather. We are anchored in about 7′ of water, about 300 yards west of the marina, between the sailboats. The reason for mentioning anchoring in the sailboats is that it’s the quietest area for boat traffic, I would not anchor south of the sailboats because that’s the area the boats use to get in & out of the marina, day or night. I guess a person could tie up at the marina but I don’t have info on their operation??
On the north bank just west of the marina is a public launch ramp with a dock which would be a great place to potty the dogs. Now for the funky part………………….
There is restaurant called Clark’s Fish Camp www.clarksfishcamp.com which is on up the river about a mile from the anchorage, take the left fork and you will see Clark’s on your left. What a great place to eat and drink killer Bloody Mary’s, see the menu on their website. See the attached photo I’ve included of the prime rib they serve, it’s HUGE.
I have also included fellow cruisers who might be headed this way so they know to visit if they get in the neighborhood. It would also be a quick drive from downtown JAX if one had a car!
The water gets pretty skinny getting in here but it’s WELL worth the effort!
Brenda & Todd Lanning
M/V Life’s2Short
40′ Oceania

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

This is only the latest in several postings here on the Cruisers' Net about Outback Crab Shack, on the St. Johns River's Six Mile Creek (southeast of Green Cove Spring, off Palmo Cove). I have yet to sample the bill of fare here, but I can't wait!!!!!

On up the St. John's is Six Mile Creek.? Here you will find the Outback Crab Shack (near 081 32' 30" West/ 29 57' 30" North)  Not only do they have the L O N G E S T? pier in the world, but they have the BEST seafood boil we have ever eaten!? Again, we were told we could spend the night at their dock.
As posted on the MTOA listserv by Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too

I have noted the location of Swimming Pen Creek and Whitey’s Fish Camp (see below) in “Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida” for many years. Glad to see some intrepid cruisers like Ben and Barbara are finding there way here! And, oh yes, the anchorages on Doctors Lake are not to be missed, BUT you must be able to clear a 37-foot fixed bridge to access all these attractions!

Off the St. John’s River is a huge lake Doctor’s Lake.? Off Doctor’s Lake is a creek (to us it seemed to be a river) called Swimming Penn Creek (don’t ask me where they get these names!).? Up the creek, just a short way is Whitey’s Fishcamp Restaurant.? It was voted “The best fishcamp restaurant on the St. John’s in 2007.? We were there on Tuesday night when they had? all you can eat boiled shrimp.? Believe me they did not make any money off of us!? They also have Swamp Vittles such as alligator, turtle and frog legs along with a full seafood/chicken menu.? The owner, Luke, invited us to stay at their dock for the night, which we did.? Just outside the restaurant there is a small beauty shop called Susan’s.? I got a shampoo and a badly needed haircut for $15.00.? You can’t beat that!
As posted on the MTOA listserv by Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too

If you enter Ortega River from the St. Johns, moving upstream from downtown Jacksonville, Ortega Yacht Club Marina is the second facility you will encounter on the northern shores. As noted by Ben and Barbara below, there’s lots of shopping and restaurants nearby!

While in Jacksonville we went up the Ortega River and stayed at the Ortega Yacht Club Marina.? We choose this marina since we were meeting family in Jacksonville.? It is a very nice marina with all amenities.? We paid 1.25 pf daily rate.? The marina is 1 block away from the very large Roosevelt mall with a West Marine, Publix and several other large stores and restaurants.? The Pier 17 Marine Supply is right next to the Ortega Yacht Club Marina.? It has absolutely EVERYTHING you could need for your boat…you just have to FIND it.? The owners are a 96 year old delight named Grace and her daughter Cynthia.? If you have the time to look you WILL find what you need and Cynthia has a “general” idea of where things are.? Be sure to tell them “hello” from us!
Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Yacht Club Marina

If you were ever wondering whether a cruise of the St. Johns River was for you, just read Captain Barbara's note below!

Subject: St. Johns River
Message: We are currently heading south down the AICW and stopped in Jacksonville and decided, after reading, Clairborne's glowing reports of the St. John's to take a side trip and see this beautiful river.  Actually, we are on the hook after spending the night in the huge Doctor's Lake, just off the St. Johns.  We have encourted absolutely no debris and very little boat traffic.  All depths seem to be just as they are charted.  If you have the time a trip down the St. Johns is highly recommended…even if it is just a short one to Palatka or Sanford.
Barbara Falmien

Several people have recommended Acosta Creek Harbor. Don't know just how far we will go, befoe we need to turn around and head back "up" the St. John's.  We really do not have a schedule, but you could spend the rest of your life poking around all the little creeks and cranies. Come to think of it…what's wrong with that?!?!?
Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too

Outback Crab Shack – Six Mile Creek – St. Johns River

Does anyone know where the "Outback Crab Shack," referred to in Catian Dave's note below, is located? I'm not familiar with it, but it sounds as if it would be well worth finding!!!!

Subject: Outback Crab Shack
Cruising News: Please include the "outback crab shack" in your places to eat off the St. Johns. Really good food at a great price, and the longest dock i have ever seen. A good side trip in with decent depths.
I visited several years ago, but forget the exact location. Somewhere near Green Cove Springs, by land it has a St. Augustine adress.
Dave Chili

And, as usual the cruising community has responded in a big way!

From a little research Outback Crab Shack is on Six Mile Creek, bear approx. 100 degrees from red flashing #22. 1,500 ft dock, 15' depth at dock, some shoaling at entry to creek from Parmo bay, entry to creek is way back in bay.
Dave Chili

Subject: outback crab shack
Cruising News: For Outback Crab Shack; by car take Rte 16 (N. St. Aug) from I 95 West; road T's off at the end and make left on Rte 13 DO NOT cross bridge to Green Cove Springs. Make right into their lot just before first bridge.Go slow as you approach this bridge and go in regardless of what you might think!
Les Glaser

Subject: Outback Crab Shack
Cruising News: Outback Crab Shack is located on 6 Mile Creek which is inside Palmo Cove about 8 miles South of Green Cove Springs on the East side of the St. John River. Unfortunately for sailors the location is also South of the Shands Bridge which has about a 42' clearance.
Jim Schofield
S/V Almost Heaven
Solomons, MD