Carter's Bight

Are you a Georgia local with a passion for river adventures, a love for fishing, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat by the water? Then look no further than Carter's Bight in Surrency, Georgia. This well-known public landing on the magnificent Altamaha River is more than just a boat launch; it's a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fantastic fishing, easy river access, and the unique opportunity for riverside camping right here in our beloved state.

Carter's Bight provides a convenient and welcoming gateway to one of Georgia's most significant and ecologically rich rivers. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to reel in a trophy catfish, a family looking for a relaxing day by the water with a playground for the kids, or a camper eager to pitch a tent or park an RV near a tranquil river, Carter's Bight offers a compelling experience. It’s a place where local knowledge and genuine hospitality meet the boundless beauty of the Altamaha, promising memorable moments for everyone.

Carter's Bight is strategically located at 2260 Carter's Bight Road, Surrency, GA 31563, USA. This address places it directly on a scenic stretch of the Altamaha River in Appling County, just outside the charming small town of Surrency. The area is easily accessible via paved county roads, making it a convenient destination for Georgians traveling from various parts of the state.

The site boasts a well-maintained and recently improved infrastructure. The public landing itself features a wide, paved boat ramp that extends far enough into the river to ensure easy boat loading and offloading, even during periods of extreme low water levels – a significant advantage for boaters. Ample paved parking is available, accommodating vehicles with trailers comfortably. This excellent accessibility means less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the natural beauty of the Altamaha. Its location also places it conveniently near local amenities, with Mr. B's Bait Store located just before you reach the landing, ensuring you can stock up on essentials before your riverside adventure. For locals, this ease of access makes Carter's Bight an ideal spot for spontaneous day trips or longer camping excursions.

Carter's Bight is designed to cater to a variety of outdoor activities, with several key services that enhance the visitor experience:

• Boat Ramp: A wide, paved boat ramp provides excellent access to the Altamaha River, suitable for various types of watercraft. The ramp is designed to be usable even during low river levels.
• Public Shelter: A public shelter with picnic tables offers a shaded area for gatherings, meals, and relaxation by the river.
• Restrooms: Public restroom facilities are available on-site, providing essential conveniences for visitors.
• Playground: A playground area is available for small children, making it a family-friendly destination where kids can burn off energy.
• Paved Parking: A large, paved parking area can accommodate numerous vehicles and boat trailers, ensuring easy and secure parking.
• Informal Camping/RV Parking: While not a traditional campground with marked sites or full hookups, there are designated areas for RV parking, particularly mentioned near the Getaway Campground. Informal camping is common on the expansive sandbars of the Altamaha when river levels permit, offering a unique primitive camping experience.
• Fishing Access: Direct access to the river provides excellent opportunities for bank fishing, or launching a boat to explore the rich fishing grounds.
• Nearby Bait Store: Mr. B's Bait Store is conveniently located just before the landing, offering bait, tackle, and other fishing necessities.

The true allure of Carter's Bight lies in its natural features and the recreational opportunities it provides:

• Exceptional Altamaha River Access: The primary highlight is the direct and easy access to the Altamaha River, renowned for its beauty and ecological diversity.
• Fantastic Fishing: The river in this area is celebrated for its abundant fish, including catfish (especially flatheads), bream, crappie, and bass, making it a paradise for anglers.
• Diverse River Habitat: Visitors consistently praise the great diversity of river habitat both above and below the landing, contributing to the rich fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Sandbar Camping Opportunities: When river levels are low, numerous sandbars emerge, offering unique and popular spots for primitive camping directly on the river, providing an unforgettable experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground and picnic areas makes it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a day out or a casual overnight stay.
• Beautiful Scenery: The area around Carter's Bight and along the Altamaha River is picturesque, offering stunning views of Georgia's natural landscapes.
• Wildlife Observation: The Altamaha River system is teeming with wildlife, providing chances to observe various bird species, aquatic animals, and other native creatures.
• Community Hub: Carter's Bight serves as a beloved local gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community among fellow boaters and anglers.

For more information regarding Carter's Bight, including any specific regulations for camping or facility usage, it's best to contact the local county authorities, as public landings like this are typically managed by the county's parks and recreation department. For Appling County, which oversees Carter's Bight, general inquiries can be directed as follows:

Address: 2260 Carter's Bight Road, Surrency, GA 31563, USA

While a direct phone number for the "Camping Lot" specifically isn't publicly available, the Appling County Parks & Recreation Department would be the most appropriate contact for details on the landing and any associated camping rules. The general number for Appling County administration or public works might be able to direct your inquiry.

For inquiries regarding the broader area or potential camping regulations, you might try reaching out to Appling County's main offices. Based on general public data for the region, a relevant contact for local county information would be:

Appling County Administration: (912) 367-8100 (This is a general county number, which can likely direct your call to the relevant department for parks and recreation or public works if a direct line for Carter's Bight is not published.)

Additionally, for bait and local information, Mr. B's Bait Store, mentioned in reviews, could be a valuable resource for on-the-ground advice, though a phone number for them is not directly provided in the initial data.

For Georgians, Carter's Bight in Surrency is an ideal local gem that truly embodies the spirit of our state's outdoor heritage. Its primary appeal lies in its outstanding access to the Altamaha River, a natural treasure often referred to as one of Georgia's "Last Great Places." This accessibility means locals don't need to travel far to immerse themselves in fantastic fishing, enjoyable boating, and a unique riverside camping experience.

What makes Carter's Bight particularly suitable for locals is its informal yet well-equipped nature. The excellent paved boat ramp and ample parking simplify what can often be a logistical challenge at other river access points. The presence of restrooms, a public shelter, and a playground transforms it from just a boat launch into a welcoming spot for families to spend quality time together by the water. The rave reviews about the fishing, especially for catfish, speak directly to the interests of many Georgian anglers, offering a reliable spot to cast a line and enjoy the thrill of the catch.

Furthermore, the unique opportunity for sandbar camping (when river conditions allow) provides an adventurous and truly memorable primitive camping option that connects you intimately with the river. It’s a chance to experience the Altamaha in a raw, authentic way that larger, more commercialized campgrounds cannot offer. Carter's Bight is a testament to the simple pleasures of Georgia's natural beauty, providing an accessible, versatile, and thoroughly enjoyable outdoor haven for residents looking for their next riverside adventure right in their own backyard.

Carter's Bight

2260 Carter's bight road, Surrency, GA 31563, USA