Murphy Creek Anchorage, St. Johns River, South of Palatka
From our friends at the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum, (http://www.greatloop.org/), comes this excellent review of the Murphy Creek anchorages. This stream breaks off from the St. Johns, hard by Dunns Creek, several miles south of Palatka, and eventually loops around and rejoins the St. Johns south of marker #26. We have always suggested entering Murphy Creek by way of Dunns Creek, as the former stream’s westerly mouth channel is somewhat constricted. But, hey, looks like Captains Elaine and Russ were able to successfully navigate both entrances in their 37 foot trawler. Of course, note they have a shoal draft of only 3 feet!
We have a 37′ trawler 3′ draft, 16′ beam. Murphy Creek is one of our favorite anchorages. We have traveled the entire Creek entering both the north & south and exiting both as well. The North entrance is shallower at times but stick to the chart.
I have some amazing pictures from our times on anchor. Its a quiet peaceful anchor spot.
We spent several months last year traveling the entire St. Johns after purchasing our boat. Its a great river.
Elaine & Russ Sturm
Twelve Stones
We were there in November 2013. It is fine as an anchorage with no depth problems as long as you stay in the marked channel. We cruised the entire length of it and never saw less than 7 feet at any time. We did not stop here, but had it planned as an alternate if the weather turned bad. You will see wildlife here, but nothing like what you will see further south.
If you are interested in our trip down the St. Johns, our blog is at http://www.wacithree.blogspot.com. The wildlife gets better and better the further south you go and reaches its peak in the Blue Springs area near DeLand and Hontoon Island State Park. Be sure your dinghy is ready to explore areas your boat will not be able to navigate and you will see a part of Florida that few cruisers have a chance to see. The St. Johns has been the highlight of our Loop so far. Check our blog for details.
Dave & Nan Ellen Fuller
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Murphy Creek Eastern Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Murphy Creek
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