Reviews: Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

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Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

101 S. Harding Street
Bath, NC 27808
Pamlico River, Bath Creek

Lat / Lon: N 35° 28.595' / W 076° 48.922'
Contact: Leigh C. Swain
Phone: (252) 923-3971
Fax: (252) 923-0174
Email: leigh.swain@ncdcr.gov
Website: visitbath.com/bath-maine-area-attractions/bath-city-dock/

4.33

(9)

4.33 out of 5 stars

Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel, Cruising Editor, Janthina, on May 16, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Going west 15 miles from the AICW clear the well-marked fishing reef just before the entrance to Bath Harbor and head towards the Green "1" entrance buoy, making sure to avoid the rapid shoaling indicated on the charts. Green "3", which marks an underwater obstruction, is missing. Continue up the channel to the State Free Dock located just downstream from the Bath Marina the nominal depth is 10 feet. Google the Bath Creek NOAA water gauge for current water depths. "Nominal" depths are measured at zero feet on the gauge. The dock is recently renewed, heavily constructed, has a 40 foot long "T", and goes to a small park at water's edge. Nominal depth at the "T" head is 7 feet. 30 feet in from the "T" on the south side of the dock nominal water depth is 6 feet. We measured it to ensure that the 40 foot sailboat that came in after us had sufficient depth to approach and tie up. Depths on the north side of the dock were slightly less. We observed water levels rise over a foot in a strong afternoon south wind, only to fall again at night when the wind died. We used fender boards to keep us off the large double pylons on the "T". The only problem is that this makes the jump from boat to dock an athletic achievement.

Most of the pylons have 3" bolted in rings to help tie off lines. You register at a mailbox attached to the information board just off the dock and your stay here is free for 72 hours. There are no services at the dock but, for the price, you really cannot complain; you are in the middle of historic Bath. The dock is well protected for winds from all quadrants except the south, where the harbor is open to the river and the water at the dock can get a little choppy. There is no security for the dock but it honestly does not feel like you really need it.

The dock leads to a small park and, at the road, there is a small vegetable and fruit market that provides local produce in season. Across the street from the market you are confronted with the Palmer-Marsh House, built in 1744, and you begin to realize that you are standing in over three centuries of history. Bath was founded in 1705 and was the first settlement in North Carolina and its first, unofficial, capital. Famous for Blackbeard the Pirate in the early 1700s, Bath, along with Ocracoke and Beaufort, have long histories (and stories) of piracy in the first half of the 18th century. Bath's other historic buildings include St. Thomas Episcopal Church, constructed in 1734 and still conducting Sunday services. There is also a well curated visitor's center in the middle of town.

Bath is small and one of the only local restaurants is, not surprisingly, Blackbeard's Tavern. There is a small convenience store about a half mile down the highway but there is not much else for provisioning. If you are in the neighborhood it is definitely a place worth visiting.

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Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: Frank Cordell on Dec 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great free dock! No power or water but great place to stay for a couple of nights. If the wind is strong in the river it can be a rough getting docked. Most of the time it is very calm and easy docking. Bath is a nice little town to explore

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Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: Ernest Scott, Grateful II, on Sep 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.4'

Rating: 5

This a nice, relatively new dock. We stayed two nights on the 40' t-head and toured the town. Very peaceful with virtually no water action from 10-15 knot winds from northern quadrant. We had 9' at the t-head, but water was high following TS Ophelia. I'm guessing minimum 6' at normal water levels. You can tour some nearby historic homes and a Bath history exhibit. Call the NC Historical Dept office for details - the website is out of date. There's a little market just off the free dock with limited food options. A worthwhile stop if you're not looking for food and services.

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Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: David Rowe on Oct 13, 2022
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

It's a free dock! Let me say that again for those in the back. It's a FREE dock! It's in great shape, room for several boats with 8' of water. If using the sides of the dock, fender before you come in to avoid scratching your boat on the carriage bolt heads—the pilings are only proud of the deck surface by a few inches, so pre-emptive fendering will work. If using the T-head, fender afterward as you normally would on a fixed dock. Great place to stay adjoining a cute little town park. No power nor water, but what do you expect for no money?

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Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: Dave Kenny on May 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Dock boards are new and look great. Like Jim said register using the form in the mailbox at the end of the dock. Water about 8ft at the end of the T head. Blackbeards Tavern has good drinks and food.

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Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: Jim Zeigler on May 21, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Free docking for 72 hours. Dock boards have been replaced with large stable pilings. No water or electrical. Fill out form in mailbox at the end of the dock.

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Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: Rob Dare, Liberty Call , on Apr 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 1

We went to pull into this dock today. The pilings are in good shape but the walkway boards have collapsed. Dock is unusable at the T head.

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Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: Anita Smith on May 3, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Easy harbor approach day or night. Watch for crab pots at markers #1 and #2. 8-9 ft depth to marker #4. 7-8 ft after #4 to State Dock. State dock is just south of the marina, clearly marked with green sign. 6-7 ft dockside, where three 40-50 ft boats are easily accommodated. No water or electricity. Piling some are newer and robust. Decking is old and worn so watch your step. See signs to register at Visitor’s Center. 72 hours allowed free. Good anchorage in the harbor if docks are full, which happens on weekends. ABC store is stocked with a wide variety: better than most. General Store and Dollar General within easy walk for basics. Lots of interesting history in town. Definitely worth a stop.

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Review for Harding's Landing Marina, Bath State Dock

Reviewed by: Nomadic Spirit on Aug 8, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 4

The actual free dock is north of this marker and signage indicates State Dock.

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