Reviews: Mile Hammock Bay

Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Don Johns Music on Jun 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 19'
Draft: 2.5'

My wife and I just moved to Sneads Ferry and needed to find a new place to hang out. We don't really like crowds and prefer quiet spots with no music blaring or partying going on. This place fits the bill! What's even better is staying overnight for the very first time. My wife passed on camping on the boat with me, so I went out on my first solo adventure! I had a great time and this anchorage is just beautiful and a great place to stay overnight. I didn't have any issues with it being connected with the Marine base. No helicopters or anything for me. Just pure quiet and beauty! I plan to stay there again and again and again!

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Capt. Jeff Gephart on Jun 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 3.6'

A great spot that is easy to get into at the end of a long day. You are just off the Marine Corps base so there can be a little noise with helicopters buzzing. But it's cool to see them coming in.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Rick Vicars on May 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

5-22-24 No less than 8 feet (low tide) favoring R2 on approach. Great anchoring location. Plenty of swing room for several boats

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Anamarija urh, TiAmo, on May 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.5'

Great quiet anchorage. We have not noticed any tides. We arrive at 4pm and there were 4 boats there. I'm the morning there were 10 boats. Plenty of space and no bugs

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Peter Searles, Schuyler, on May 14, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 2.5'

Great anchorage right off the ICW. The anchor set quickly in about 10 feet of water. There were five other boats there besides us and there was room for more if needed.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Kevin King, High Tide, on May 8, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

always a great anchorage. lots of activity from the navy and marines.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Captain Gene Of Galene on Apr 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

April 24 2024 anchored again with more than a dozen boats. This time Marines had frog men in the water. Always interesting here. Good holding with winds gusts in the twenties or so . Weather man was way off predicting much lower. It did calm down later at nigh and it was single digit light winds. 3 30 2019 SW winds 10-20. Five boats anchored this night. 4 26 2018 stayed again and watched Osprey aircraft training. Good holding in light winds. As we were transiting north we anchored here one night. Seven other boats were anchored on that night April 6,2015. All boats seemed to have no problems with plenty more room for more boats. Lots of swing room for all. Five boats left about 7am to transit North. We had a flotilla of three transit 70 miles together which made the trip nice.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Hank LeMieux on Apr 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.8'

Lots of room. There were ~12 boats anchored with us and still room for more. We dropped in the NW quarter, maybe 2-300 ft south of the submerged piles and had 10-13 ft depth the whole night. Excellent hold & wind protection. No bugs in mid April. One curiosity: the vessels anchored in this NW area seem to be subject to different currents/eddies than the rest of the anchorage, and were often aligned differently from the rest of the vessels.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Kevin Williams, m/v Blue Tortuga, on Apr 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Nice anchorage for a stopover, but wouldn't want to stay for more than a night, possibly 2 in case of inclement weather. On our date, sonar indicated when entering hug the red for better depths. Once inside the bay the best depths are away from the shore that is at 2:00 to the channel entrance. Large anchorage that can hold several boats. Reasonable protection from winds and wake. Would definitely return.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Phillip G, Sea's the Moment, on Apr 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 3.0'

We have anchored here several times during summer and fall 2023 (Camp Lejeune is our hailing port). It is one of our favorite anchorages in the New River area. Every time the anchor set on first try in the real thick (stinky) mud. There is a lot of marsh land surrounding this anchorage so beware the bugs can be bad in the summer. lots of room to swing. We are usually anchored with 6 or more other boats so get there before 3 to get a good spot. Most boats start rolling in around 4 pm. I have read several reviews that people went ashore. I assure you being there without proper military issued ID or a sponsor is a bad idea. The Military Police patrol the area frequently so don't get caught on the dock or surrounding sea walls. There are sand bars that are less than a mile either way down the ICW that are open to the public and a short dingy ride away.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer, Do It Now, on Nov 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

This is an extremely popular anchorage; there were 10 boats there on the November night we were there. Good holding, not much current. There was some Marine activity the day we were there. I did not see any signs warning us off the dock or ramp area and we landed three times with my pups. There were lots of fishermen and a few folks using the boat ramp. Good stop but not much going for it other than safety and convenience. I will likely return on my trip north.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Francis Gravel on Nov 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 6.7'

when you enter, stay on the port side until you pass the red buoy. 10' of water. It's a busy anchorage with 20+ boats sometime. No shore access.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Keira Mann, Élan, on Nov 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.6'

Nice and easy access from the ICW. Some noise from the planes and helicopters at the base nearby but it was kind of cool to see their maneuvers. There is a large boat launch in the anchorage with a dock that is suitable for dinghy's. It does not say "public dock" but it doesn't say "private" either so I tied up to that dock and took my dog ashore. Multiple fisherman passed by me and a couple of people launching boats and didn't say anything about me being there so I think it was ok. Lots of space for a dog to run and stretch their legs.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Ray Sirois, Shellerina, on Oct 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

We stayed here for our third ICW transit last night with 3 other boats. It wouldn't be good in a good blow, but it is an a very good anchorage in many other respects. Strategically well located.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Janet Gannon on Jul 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.5'

There's not much between Wrightsville and Swansboro, but this is a great stop. Entry was straightforward. We noticed folks trying to anchor back by the boat ramp had a lot of trouble. Our anchor was solid though. We put the dinghy in and took the dog back out in the ICW to a small sandy beach near red 66B --- there were plenty of local boats that had landed there and folks were sunbathing, so it seemed like a safe place where the marines wouldn't mind. There are big signs at the back of that area tell you not to enter, so we stayed right by the water with the other civilians. It was fascinating watching the maneuvers into the evening. Strange place but we liked it!

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Mike Worsley, Islena, on Jun 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Space for 20 boats! Been here twice, this time it was windy and 2 boats dragged. Make sure your anchor is set ! Last time they had helicopter exercises untill 11PM
, this time was quiet

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: David Mann, Now or Never, on Jun 15, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Wide open spot for anchoring. Popular spot can become crowded as everyone tends to go to the same spot. No current to speak of and little traffic except perhaps for a few fishermen. Anchor held well but was quite mucky to clean up.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Brenda King, Escapade, on Jun 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.9'

Great Anchorage overall. No issues setting the anchor. We were there on a Saturday and the boat ramp was busy. We did get wakes from small boats entering the bay but after dark it was calm.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Chris Ensing, Pau Hana, on Apr 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.4'

Some complain about holding but we had no problem. Plenty of water but gets shallow quick toward the east bank. There were over 10 boats here with plenty of room for more. Be sure to call Camp Lejeune & ask about live fire exercises because they shut down portions of the ICW early.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Jose De Freitas, Viva Libre, on Dec 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 3.6'

Great location and good holding in 30 knt winds. Lots of military training during the day and into the evening with Ospreys flying overhead.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: David Rowe on Sep 5, 2022
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

This is honestly one of my least-favorite stops, but generally a necessary one given how few anchorages there are in this part of the ICW. Our plow-style anchor almost never sets on the first try here, but does best on the western side of the bay. In the eastern part of the bay, we'll just drag until we reach the western part, and by then we usually need to pick up and reset to avoid other boats already there. Once the hook sets, it's usually a good set, but finding that sweet spot on the bottom takes some patience. Just never have loved this place. Meh.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Brian W, Slow Ride, on Jun 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Nice protected anchorage. Good proximity to the Onslow Beach Bridge. Enjoyed watching some Marines on their small boats and side-by-sides.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Teresa Scott, Vayu, on May 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Nice quiet anchorage without the struggle of strong currents like we've dealt with in several previous places. Great spot to stop for the night with good holding and plenty of room.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on May 8, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Big, popular anchorage. There were 10 other boats with us and room for several more. Good depth and swing room. Some people report having trouble setting their anchors, but our Rocna dug in fine and held well in 15 knots of wind. Good cell service.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Benjamin Resch on Apr 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 47'
Draft: 5.5'

Great anchorage situated between Southport and Beaufort. Protected, with dependable depths in West half of area, possibly shallower on east half. Easily room for 6-8 boats here, although today it's just me and one other sailboat.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Martin Hameline, O'MAGOG , on Apr 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 46'
Draft: 6.5'

Attempts to enter sloop creek proved unsuccessful. Made a run for Miles Hammock and made the bay at sunset. 11 other boats anchored. Our 6'3" draft had no issues entering and going to the middle of the bay. Perfectly peaceful and low winds made this one of our favourite spots.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Apr 16, 2022
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Mile Hammock Bay is the perfect halfway stop between Wilmington and Moorhead City. The anchorage is just off the AICW and is protected by land on all sides. No wakes, small waves, no current, and wind protection is fair from the north clockwise around to the south, and adequate on the western side with some protection from the land. Holding is good in chunky mud but there have been instances of dragging on boats with just "adequate" ground tackle. We stayed here in 20+ mph winds from the unprotected east and at least one boat had difficulties getting their anchor to set properly. There is room for a dozen or more 40'+ boats in the anchorage: there were eight with us on this occasion with no problems at all.

Mile Hammock Bay is contained within the United States Marine Corps facilities of Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville and consequently civilians are regarded with suspicion. You really cannot go to shore here and there are times when you really would not want to try because the shore and surrounding area is an active training site for Marine operations. We have been here when they have landed on shore in small boats and once where they practiced insertions and pickups for small groups using two Osprey Rotor Wing aircraft. Practice went on until about 10 pm and was as noisy as it was impressive.

Cell service for was fair to good for the three majors but neither ATT or T-Mobile had 5G reception.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Heath Phillips, Philyria , on Nov 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 6.0'

This anchorage has worked out great for me every time I have used it, even in a blow. Usually anchor in 10-12' and set 70' 3/8 G4 and a Mantus 45. Haven't drug here with that setup. Boats using all rode or undersized anchors might be the ones dragging. Currently 7 boats in the anchorage, and room for at least 10 more.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Jeanne N, Telesto, on Nov 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.5'

Lovely anchorage with good mud holding. Camp LeJeune helicopters circled the anchorage frequently so it gave an anchorage at the airport feel.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Robert Hedrick on Sep 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Have stayed here a number of times. Last was September 26, 2021. Mud bottom so have to bring up anchor slow and wash off but good holding and nice anchoring. Lots of time you also get a free military air show.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Jun 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

As mentioned, a popular spot but quite roomy. 8-10 boats when we arrived but found plenty of room to squeeze in. Good holding, easy access and great stopover on the way north or south.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Ross Wiltse on May 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Very good anchorage, not sure what it was once upon a time. Large area with protection on all sides. It is by a Marine base, and we did have some special operations going on the night we were there, so it was interesting as well. It is a popular stop over, so make sure you get there as early as possible. There is plenty of room, pending on how people anchor. Worth the stop over. Good holding, no current, decent wind protection.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Mike Worsley, Islena, on May 20, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Quiet anchorage on our stay we had 11 boats. The cove is big! We had some helicopter training over us for 1 hour and saw them training jumping from the boats in the morning on the main channel. Not sure if you can go to shore, for sure felt blessed sleeping with marines watching over us.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: John Tyrell on May 12, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.7'

This is a convenient anchorage off the ICW. It is removed enough from the ICW that there are no wakes. Great holding. Need an anchor wash down because anchor and chain come up with thick black mud. Ten boats there when we were there; room for many (at least at total of 25) more.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Heath Phillips, Philyria , on Apr 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 6.0'

Great holding with the Mantus in 35kn. Great place to stop.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: DaLuz on Nov 1, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.7'

Spent a couple days here for weather to pass with about 14 boats. One boat did drag in the 40 mph wind causing a couple of us to move about, but we pretty much held with 50 feet of chain out. No real complaints, it is a secure place to anchor. Always had 2 or 3 bars on cell.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Robert on Oct 24, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 5.0'

10-24-19 Stopped for night. 8 other boats in here. May be more coming. Breach from Atlantic Ocean from Hurricane Dorian is marked by Green Can G65A. There is now a lovely beach with cut or breach in it and water will certainly be water coming in to the AICW at high tide. Stay close to the Green as there is not a lot of water at point to the right.There was 6.3 ft at G65A at low tide. Location of G65 LAT 34-32.45.3 N LON 077-19.02.6 W just south of Onslow Beach Swing Bridge.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Connie & on Jun 19, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent one night here, holding was excellent! 25 Knot squall came through at 2am and we held fine with our Rocna. Black sand/mud bottom..we would suggest rinsing chain on way up. Only down side to this anchorage was the NOISE of the military helicopters/Ospreys day and night until 2am. Also cannot go ashore as it belongs to military.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Terry on Dec 2, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 52'
Draft: 4.6'

We arrived early in the day with 40kts of SE wind forecast. Thought we had the CQR anchor set, but as soon as it started to blow hard we dragged. There was a catamaran anchored right in the middle who held throughout, but we spent a couple of hours re-anchoring in every possible spot and dragged each time. Finally left in the peak of the storm, figured we were safer underway.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Dcg on Nov 2, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.0'

Waited out a gale here. Two days, lots of room even with 10 boats.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: GT Alexander, Sirena Gorda, on Nov 12, 2016
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 6.0'

Stopped for the night. 14 boats anchored and possibly could take 1 or 2 more. Good wind protection from all but south. Anchor held on first attempt. No current.

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Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Skipper Bob on Jun 1, 2016
Draft: 0.0'

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