Pungo River Anchorage (Belhaven, NC)

Location: Pungo River Anchorage (N35°33.473′ W76°28.034′)

Duration: Monday, 5/11/26 3:45PM – Tuesday, 5/12/26 7:30AM

Reason: Planned Overnight Anchorage Stop

Pros: Anchor Hold, Calm Waters, Helps to Bypass Coinjock NC, Location (Near MM 128), Mud Bottom (Easy to Clean), Near Channel, Peaceful, Scenic View, Quick In/Out IntraCoastal Waterway (ICW), Quiet, Swing Room, Wildlife, & Wind Protection (North)

Cons: Crab Pots & Skinny Approach 

Comments: As late afternoon/early evening progressed slowly one by one vessels began arriving.

Complimentary tender accessible town dock, Belhaven Town Docks at Cooperage Landing, allows for easy walking access to downtown restaurants and shops. Be advised, a typical 10-knot tender would take about 45 – 50 minutes to reach Belhaven downtown. The route follows the Pungo River west and then turns north into Pantego Creek. 

Considered a critical junction for the Albemarle-Chesapeake Canal and the Dismal Swamp Canal (not passable with our 6′ draft).

Navionics was accurate for us.

Part of an ecosystem that supports migratory waterfowl, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and fishing.

Pungo Creek (Persimmon Tree Point): Offers weather shelter conditions from east or south winds.

Pungo River (G23): Popular and highly-rated anchorage located approximately 8.8 miles from Belhaven, a popular stop before/after navigating the Alligator-Pungo Canal.

Pungo River (Pantego Creek): Located very close to the town center (approximately 0.48 miles), convenient for accessing Belhaven’s waterfront.

River is known for flounder, redfish, and speckled trout fishing.

Situated within the expansive Pamlico Sound region.

Town basin area suggests 6′ – 9′ depth.

Upper Pungo: Anchorage near Marker 24, known for 8′ depths with good holding in soft mud.

Stay Again: Yes