Reviews: Pungo River - Slade Creek

Review for Pungo River - Slade Creek

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac, Janthina, on Nov 4, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Leave the AICW at mile marker 140 and head directly for the opening into Slade Creek at the old logging town of Makleyville one mile away. Favor the south shore at the creek entrance for 9 foot minimum water depths referencing a zero water level datum on the Pungo River at Belhaven NOAA river guage. References to MLW are irrelevant in this area as there is little, if any, lunar tide; water levels are influenced by the direction and strength of the winds. Continue up the middle of the channel 1.2 miles to the anchor icon to find 10 foot depth, good holding, and plenty of room for any number of boats, each anchoring mid channel with plenty of swing room. There is little boat traffic this far up the river and there is no tidal currents because, as described above, there is no lunar tides. Water will move slightly with level changes. Not having a dog, we did not attempt to get to shore but it looks like there are places for Fido to visit if needed. The closest down is Belhaven which would be a six mile dinghy ride. Our stay was at the end of October and there was no problem with bugs or crab pots. Cell reception was good (2 bars) and our cellular internet gateway recorded download speeds of over 50 mbps.

With a worsening forecast calling for gale force winds we decided to move further up Slade Creek to shorten fetch from the NE winds predicted for the next three days. We moved 0.7 miles up to anchor just short of Lamb Point in 9 feet of water (corrected to 0 feet on the Belhaven Water level guage) and with excellent holding and much better wind and wave protection from the West around through North and to the East.

We spent several days at anchor here waiting out with winds into the upper 30's. Experiece has taught us that the Pamlico River crossing and the Neuse River are not places to push your luck. There was plenty to do, starting with relaxing, made possible by the excellent protection the anchorage provided. The anchor did not budge during our stay and there was minimal boat traffic.

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Review for Pungo River - Slade Creek

Reviewed by: Barbara, Irene, on Aug 25, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 4.0'

It's a ride up to the anchorage but once we were safely anchored we felt like it was worth the distance off the river. Just a couple of fishing boats around. One bar on AT&T.

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Review for Pungo River - Slade Creek

Reviewed by: George Bryan on Jan 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.0'

I overnight here frequently. Not close to any shops or activity. A few fishermen. Good protection from south or north winds I will occasionally dingy in to shore with dog but it's rough. Beautiful view of moon rise and stars.

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Review for Pungo River - Slade Creek

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

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