Reviews: Sumter Recreation Area

Review for Sumter Recreation Area

Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson, Pegasus, on Nov 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

I echo the previous review – do not attempt this anchorage. We carefully considered the comments made by At a Glance, on Aug 13, 2024, but noted that no river water level was referenced. We contacted the Heflin Lock and Dam who told us the water level was up and now showing 105.52 (no idea what it might have been when At a Glance tried), so we attempted to enter the Sumter channel. At a Glance is correct in that the entrance is completely silted in. As we entered the channel at idle speed, we went from a depth of 29 feet to running aground in about 100 feet. Because we entered so slow, we were able to power-off back into the river. We moved down the river about six miles to Tombigbee Oxbow Ramp (just below the Heflin Lock and Dam), which was an excellent anchorage.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Sumter Recreation Area

Reviewed by: John Feemster, At a Glance, on Aug 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.6'

August 13, 2024 attempted to enter Sumter Anchorage silted in that mouth of river DANGER do not attempt this anchorage. If you have a draft of over 3 feet ran a ground hard on my Morgan by Catalina if it wasn't for my bow thrusters, and emptying my water tanks I would not have got out 5 miles north Moscow cut very deep good holding.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Note: Heflin pool 109.47.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Sumter Recreation Area

Reviewed by: Tom Kuehn, Hunky Dory, on Nov 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.0'

On 11/10/23 the minimum depth at upriver side was 3'. We briefly bumped what was likely a submerged log. No damage at slow speed. No issues on same way out. Short cement area next to ramp with cleats was great for tying off dinghy. Dog did not get muddy. Reasonable walk around campgrounds. Bathrooms were functioning. Only spotty 1 bar service with Verizon.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Note: Pool 109.33.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Sumter Recreation Area

Reviewed by: David Richardson on Dec 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.6'

We anchored here in early November 2022 during the height of the fall drought when water was very low all along the Tenn. Tom. We draw 4.5 feet in our '46 Grand Banks. We entered slightly up river or right of center and stayed on up river side entering and exiting and anchored between the boat ramp and other side in about 12+ feet. We took our dingy to the nice boat ramp and walked our dog around the campground. I called the lockmaster at Heflin the next morning to confirm the water level of 109.3 since there is so much info about this being so shallow. It was definitely shallow entering (3' showing on my two depth gauges meaning actual of about 4.5"). I did not feel hitting bottom coming in or out so maybe we got lucky. Amazing beauty, private, and quiet. Only negative is a large street light on a pole near the boat ramp.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Sumter Recreation Area

Reviewed by: Johnny Ross, 'Bout Time, on Nov 8, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 5.0'

Could not enter anchorage. The entrance to the basin is silted in with only 3' to 4' depths across whole entrance. Ran aground more times than I want to admit. Had to go to the next creek north and found a 15' hole at the entrance. Peaceful night but closer to the main channel than I really like.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Sumter Recreation Area

Reviewed by: Ian Ainsworth, Carina, on Nov 10, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Very nice anchorage, space for several boats. Pretty and secure from the tows. Had a little difficulty getting anchor to set, but did after a couple of tries. Bottom is muddy. No current.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer