Belhaven NC is a convenient stop between Oriental and the Alligator River. We’ll protected, excellent holding, and much more swing room than Oriental.

The anchorage is exceptionally large with room for many boats. That said we tend to anchor much farther in than most boats do. We do this for several reasons but the two big ones are that there is a boat launch where you can beach the dinghy which makes jerry canning fuel much easier. And it’s closer to the grocery store.

Belhaven has three spots to land the dingy. First as I mentioned is the boat launch, although we typically only use that spot when we need to get fuel because it’s the shortest walk. The second spot is at the “Free Dock”. We’ve only stayed at the free dock once and it was pleasant enough but I do find the anchorage a bit easier. The free dock involves a climb up the ladder but is the shortest walk to the grocery store. Simply cross the street and go strait up the road and you’ll pop out right there. The third spot is the “official” town dingy dock. A good spot to Jerry can water, the town dinghy dock is also closer to the “downtown” area.

Belhaven has a large and well stocked supermarket that will have just about anything you need. There are also the two dollar stores, Dollar Tree and Dollar General right there together with an Automotive Parts store that will accept packages for you. This makes Belhaven a great spot to work on the boat at anchor.

Near the boat launch is a gas station that sells diesel much cheaper than we’ve found at the ICW marinas so we typically will top off there using the cans. Since we also heat with a kerosene heater the kerosene pump at the same gas station is also a very welcome sight.

The local hardware store is located downtown and is well stocked. Together with the automotive store, and the ability to receive packages this rounds out the town as one of the ones that I would do boat work in.

Personally I found the town lacking in enough restaurants and enough cafes. Although I was impressed with “The Mad Batter” and the lady there told me they were hoping to expand their license in the near future (2023).

Overall a practical stop and a good place to hid out from weather or get things done.