The Choptank River, immortalized in the works of John Barth, serves as a pivotal location in understanding the real Eastern Shore, rich with the heritage of Chesapeake Bay deadrise boats used in traditional oyster tonging and crab trapping. The river and its picturesque tributaries, including Harris Creek, Broad Creek, and La Trappe Creek, are lined with exceptional anchorages that are both scenic and sheltered.

Top 4 Anchorages on the Choptank River According to Waterway Guide Reviews

San Domingo Creek (5 Stars)

Accessible via Broad Creek, this creek has good deep water but requires careful navigation around shoals. The area provides good holding in mud with depths of 7-10 feet MLW.

WG Community Member Review: "

Fantastic location with plenty of room. An easy row to the public dock and an easy stroll into the heart of St. Michael's. Definitely enjoyed this locale over anchorages on Miles. If you use the dinghy dock, say hi to Johnny in his well-weathered Westerly!"

La Trappe Creek  (5 Stars)

La Trappe Creek to the south splits off from the Choptank River just south of Martin Point at flashing green "1." Once clear of the protruding sandbar at the first cove on La Trappe Creek, you can anchor in 8 feet MLW and explore lovely, quiet coves by dinghy and observe plenty of wildlife. This anchorage is quite popular due to the beach and shore access.

WG Community Member Review: "One of the best anchorages in the Chesapeake. The first anchorage to port is very popular and often crowded. The sandy spit is popular with day trippers. Lovely place to swim in hot weather. (Barring sea nettles). Farther up the creek are other well protected anchorages and potential hurricane holes."

Oxford - Town Creek Channel  (4 Stars)

There are no wakes and no current at the small town anchorage in Town Creek Channel. Here you will find 8 to 10 feet MLW with excellent holding in mud. This provides all-around protection with little breeze in the summer. Shore access is at the town dock at the foot of Market Street south of the marinas. 

WG Community Member Review: "Pretty spot, easy to enter well marked. Plenty of depth, lots of large sailboats. Anchored in 9ft. Great holding."

Oxford - Town Creek East Cove  (3.5 Stars)

Another anchorage is in Town Creek East Cove beyond the marinas where you will find only 4- to 6-foot MLW depths but excellent holding and all-around protection.

Here are some additional anchorages that can be found on the Choptank River:

• Dun Cove (Harris Creek): Known for its popularity among cruising groups, Dun Cove offers depths of 7 to 10 feet MLW with excellent holding in mud. It is open to the west but has limited fetch, making it a comfortable spot for anchorage.

• Waterhole Cove (Harris Creek): This cove offers more water than indicated on charts, with depths ranging from 7 to 10 feet MLW. It's open to cooling summer breezes but protected against west winds that accompany summer squalls.

• Island Creek: Near the entrance to the Tred Avon River, this popular anchorage spot offers good holding and scenic views, marked by the flashing green "1C" buoy.

Learn more about the Choptank River and other areas of the Chesapeake Bay in the 2024 Waterway Guide Chesapeake Bay Edition.