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)