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Sumter Recreation Area

Location: Tombigbee River
Mile Marker: 270
Lat / Lon: N 32° 52.425' / W 088° 11.045'
Depth: 6-12 ft.
Description: 3/31/16: Follow markers at entrance and cross over bar at a depth of about 5'. Anchor in 12 to 14 feet as close to the center of the basin as possible. Dinghy to the park at the launch area with picnic tables, etc.

3.00

(5)

3.00 out of 5 stars

Holding:

3.25

Good, Mud

Wind Protection:

3.75

All around

Current Flow:

3.75

Wake Protection:

3.50

All around

Scenic Beauty:

4.00

Ease of Shopping:

1.00

Shore Access:

3.67

Pet Friendly:

3.33

Cell Service:

1.33

WiFi:

1.00

Review for Sumter Recreation Area

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

Overall Rating:

1

Holding:

1

Wind Protection:

1

Current Flow:

1

Wake Protection:

1

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

2

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

1

WiFi:

1

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.
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Review for Sumter Recreation Area

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

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

4

Pet Friendly:

4

Cell Service:

1

WiFi:

1

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.
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Review for Sumter Recreation Area

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

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

5

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

2

WiFi:

1

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.

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Review for Sumter Recreation Area

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

Overall Rating:

1

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.

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Review for Sumter Recreation Area

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

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

3

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

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.

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