Wildwood NJ Sunset Lake

[captainpat]

Am looking for an alternative (and more protected) anchorage to Cape May CG Station. Sunset Lake and the channel E of Ephraim Is in Wildwood Crest looks like possibilities. I would imagine there is a lot of local pleasure daytime traffic which is not issue. The charted depths look decent (I draw 5'), however, am looking for input from anyone with experience there.

 

[Chuckbear]

We have anchored in Sunset Lake several times. It is a good anchorages but in season the jet skis and small boats are a total nuisance and will drive you crazy all day. There is no good place to land a dinghy so it is strictly an anchorage. Coming from Cape May and turning into the first entrance, the markers were what appears to be reversed from what you might expect. There is about an 8 foot tidal range so consider the state of the tide going in and coming out and when anchoring. Hope this helps. Chuck

 

[captainpat]

Thanks Chuck. Everything you wrote I sort of figured to be. I can put up with the negatives if the anghorage is a good one in poor weather. I'm sure you know that the CG anchorage can be a bit wild in poor weather out of the north or northeast. Have you ever anchored behind Ephraim Island immediately to the northeast of Sunset Lake? It looks as though it might be prefered with maybe less traffic. I did notice that the markers "appear" to be reversed until I realized that the channel is part of the ICW, and therefore red right when heading south.

 

[Chuckbear]

We have sat out heavy weather in Sunset Lake. The bottom is soft mud so you have to let the anchor settle. There is shallow water in some spots so you have to be careful to pick your spot. Never anchored behind Ephraim Island. Chuck