Joe Wheeler is a great place to stop. We stopped there for a couple of days in summer 2023. For several years the AGLCA has held their Fall Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler, so it’s pretty well known amongst the Loop Cruisers.
There is a good restaurant at the lodge, and the park is relatively quiet. Fuel dock is easy to get in and out. Showers and laundry are at the marina office building, which can be a little bit of a hike depending on which of the transient docks you’re on. Overall, we gave it high marks.
There was a strong storm that came through Decatur in March of 2023. It badly damaged the sailboat dock we were on. I think the owner eventually decided to not rebuild it. I heard there was some controversy but we were gone by then. The other ‘marina’ can’t really handle sailboat drafts when the water is as low as it is this time of year. So yeah, not really a sailboat town anymore.
Whether you stop at JWSP or not call ahead to both Wheeler Lock and Wilson Lock to find out about locking through.
Wilson’s main lock is closed for repairs and the smaller size of the auxiliary lock has created a bottleneck for commercial traffic. I’ve heard it is taking up to 24 hours to complete passage for the larger loads.
Once past Wilson, stop at Florence Harbor. One of the best marinas on that part of the river. Not the newest or fanciest but the harbor master is great, docks are nice and the on site restaurant is fantastic. Also if you need a grocery run, they have a courtesy car, and several stores are close by.
Good luck with your trip.
