Reviews: Joe Wheeler State Park

Reviewed by: Kevin Williams , m/v Blue Tortuga, on Oct 31, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

The transient slips have solid docks, power and water. The transient slips close to the pool are moderately close to the official boat house, but the slips on the other side of the lodge are 1/3 mile away from the bath house, ship store, etc... Fuel was crazy expensive. As stated by previous reviews, the restaurant food is very average, although the personnel staffing the restaurant work hard and are pleasant. Gorgeous area with lots of trails.

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Reviewed by: John Matwick , Blue Yonder, on Oct 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great marina

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Reviewed by: William Mcnutt , Excellent Seas, on Jun 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

#marinareview
Joe Wheeler State Park Marina is part of a larger resort. They have ample transient dockage with dedicated power and water convenient to the Lodge and Restaurant. There are a lot of walking trails and the grounds are well manicured. I did not look for showers or a Laundromat, so I can't comment. The pool looked very nice, but I had neither the time nor the energy to partake. The fuel dock is awkwardly placed relative to the transient dock; probably because it's more convenient for the long-term renters. The Ship's Store is convenient to the fuel dock, but does not have much in stock. They have lines, odd parts, cheap snorkeling gear, and some sodas. The attendant had the amazing ability to skate JUST to one side of disinterest without ACTUALLY being rude. I'd have to rate her as "fine." A little enthusiasm or friendliness would have been nice. They have both diesel and gasoline. The staff at the lodge was wonderful. The food at the restaurant was . . . state park food. It was edible and nutritious, but nothing to write home about. To their credit, the staff seemed willing to stay on the job and serving until there was nobody left to feed. Which was good for me, 'cause it was closing time and I was STARVING. I know I sound lukewarm on the place, but honestly, I would recommend Joe Wheeler Marina as an overnight or "coupla days" stop if you are navigating the Tennessee River.

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Reviewed by: Tony Green on Nov 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

We enjoyed our stay and would return. Large facility in well-protected harbor. Showers, laundry, fuel, restaurant, nice lounge and friendly staff. Lovely park with trails. We were on the 200 dock, which had debris on it, but was solid, with power and water.

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Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Nov 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Confused trying to locate our slip and the directions from the staff. We moved 3 times until we found the correct one. Numbers that exist are small and hard to find. Beautiful setting, well protected harbor, 30 and 50 amp power, and docks are in good shape. The grounds are showing their age. Bathrooms are cleans but didn't see any showers.

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Reviewed by: Linda Ploog on Aug 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 2

Beautiful setting. We were very disappointed in the management. The gal at the desk/phone could not accurately describe where we were to dock (should have been our first clue). We finally found where they wanted us. We plugged in electric and we did not have power. I went in to get some help. I walked up and down and around trying to find the place and person to take care of us. When I found the front desk, she called for help and their response was "when I get time". That was it for us.

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Reviewed by: Janet Jackson on Oct 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We had wonderful stay here for a couple of days. Beautiful setting. Restaurant was open while we were there. WiFi was great. Laundry is at the marina. Cellphone service is good. Docks were clean and electrical boxes worked well. Definitely a premier place to stop a get off the boat for a couple of days! We will be back here regularly. The harbor host even came to visit Bill Wilson!

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Reviewed by: Capt. Jeff Gephart on Aug 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 85'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 3

Good price for fuel with fast fills. Hours are limited at the fuel dock on the weekdays, but everyone there is helpful. Transient slips are convenient since they are next to the main lodge, and you can arrive anytime and check in at the front desk 24-7. Basic services, fuel, and a place to tie up for the night.

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Reviewed by: Edward Kerstein on Apr 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 56'
Draft: 4.9'

Rating: 1

Very run down and moldy. We were so disapointed. Restaurant only open Thursday thru Saturday so we did not get to try that but not sure we would want to the place is so dirty. They need a complete clean up from moldy docks to the roof and the entire pool area. Yuch.

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Reviewed by: Tina Pickell on Nov 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We anchored a night and enjoyed the lights from the lodge. White geese were beautiful on this quiet anchorage. A week later, we stayed at the marina. Well kept, nice walks. We didn't need any dockage assistance-- but there wasn't any available. Fall/winter fuel dock is closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.

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Reviewed by: Captain Wes , Toscana, on Oct 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

An excellent State Park Marina. The Marina and Convention Center staff are top shelf!

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Aug 25, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 5

Good docks and grounds in a park setting. Good stop for boats with dogs aboard who need a good place to walk. Friendly staff. Wifi is pretty much non usable from transient docks. Very safe grounds. Good rates. Restaurant open Thursday through Sundays only. Plenty of water dockside.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Jeff Gephart on Jun 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 80'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This a great stop along the TN River. Good transient docks, restaurant, fuel, and pump out. The lodge handles the transient slips, so they are open 24/7. The fuel dock closes early and typical for most state parks. A well-protected cove and close to Wheeler Lock if you try to get a quick start in the morning or a late arrival coming in after a long day, it's in a great location. Not close to anything for provisioning is about the only drawback.

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Reviewed by: Shawn on Jun 13, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Very nice Marina / Resort / State Park. $1.00 a foot per night. Really nice restaurant, good prices too. This place gives you an impression of a private club and the staff was amazing too. Highly recommend. We just pulled in at the docks in front of the lodge and went to the front desk. Very easy.

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