Solomons Island - Back Creek or Mill Creek ?

[jefndeb]

Heading up to Solomans Island in a few days from Hampton Va. Last time we anchored in Back Creek over close to the Museum but it was kinda tight and was looking for advise on how Back Creek would be, as far as access to dingy dock and maybe adding some water to the boat at some point.
Thanks,
Jeff
Indigo Star

 

[DavidM]

Years and years ago, I anchored in Mill Creek to the east. Lots of room and quiet.

David

 

[Gdavid]

There is a free municipal pump out dock at 38.322870294230455, -76.45892466082485, there is a spigot here to flush your tanks as well as top off your potable water tanks, you need to use your own hose usually. This is closer to Back Creek. For anchoring overnight, I prefer Mill Creek as it has a number of protected coves with plenty of water depth, good holding and wind protection. If you want a shorter dinghy ride to restaurants and commercial services, Back Creek would be the better option.

 

[psneeld]

Unless the really off season, Mill Creek is where I usually went to anchor.

 

[BobMc]

FWIW, it's just plain "Solomons" not "Solomons Island" which is in the Pacific Ocean! Plenty of anchorages either one you choose. Check the weather/wind as you get a little different protection in each area.

 

[Gdavid]

It is considered an island in spite of the body of water essentially contained by a culvert (just north of the Lore oyster house). The names are interchangeable, if you arrive by land, you will be traveling down Solomons Island Rd. Most people that live in the area are actually in Lusby, the few that live on the island are quick to point out the demarcation point.

 

[Sig Machi]

Years and years ago, I anchored in Mill Creek to the east. Lots of room and quiet.

David

Mill Creek! My wife's favorite anchorage from the northern Chesapeake to Lantana, Florida!
Tight Lines!

Alan
Alan & Jeanne Cecil
M/V SIGMACHI

 

[Sig Machi]

Mill Creek! My wife's favorite anchorage from the northern Chesapeake to Lantana, Florida!
Tight Lines!

Alan
Alan & Jeanne Cecil
M/V SIGMACHI

 

[Captain_Michael]

Was there last week but across the river at PAX River NAS Marina. For retired or active military. Good deal.
As pointed out, Back Creek closer to land-based attractions. Good anchorage up by Spring Cove Marina as is access to a Food Lion grocery store by foot. Decent anchorage between Spring Cove and Zahnheiser but a lot of traffic in early AM when watermen leave. Same for the mooring field at Zahnheiser. Forget the price, but it does include use of their land-based facilities.

 

[psneeld]

Tried Navy Pax...not bad for an overnighter but not much around for even a decent walk unless they have changed a lot in the last decade (not many military places have). From then on went across to the Solomons.

 

[Captain_Michael]

New floating dock for transients at PAX River Navy Marina. Was a seaplane base. 12' depth all around, entry and exit could not be easier. 50A power. Small but very clean bathouse. No other facilities. Helpful and positive staff. Be prepared to cook on your boat. Strictly overnighter. Costs less than a moor ball.

 

[psneeld]

That"s all it was when I was there. Usually liked over in the Solomons as it was time to resupply.

 

[O C Diver]

In that area, my preference is to go up the Potomac river, the Saint Marys river and visit the former capital of Maryland. Saint Marys College is also a very nice campus tucked into country side. Good anchorage in the same bay as the college with dinghy docking available at the college crew team's dock.

St. Mary's City, Maryland - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Historic St. Mary's City, Maryland

Step back in time at Historic St. Mary's City. Explore Maryland's colonial past through living history exhibits, archaeological sites and beautiful gardens.

www.visitmaryland.org

Ted