Carter's Bight

For outdoor enthusiasts and fishing aficionados across Georgia, the Altamaha River is a true natural treasure, offering unparalleled opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Nestled along its scenic banks in Surrency, Georgia, Carter's Bight stands as a well-regarded public access point, serving as a gateway to the diverse beauty and abundant fishing of this magnificent waterway. More than just a simple landing, Carter's Bight is a hub for local activity and a destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature.

This article is crafted specifically for you, our local Georgia residents and avid outdoorspeople, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Carter's Bight. We understand that when planning an outdoor adventure, details about access, facilities, and nearby amenities are crucial. As enthusiastic visitors have shared, "The public landing at Carters Bight is paved with a nice wide ramp to the river. The ramp extends far enough to allow easy boat loading and offloading even when the river is at extreme low level. The Altamaha river is beautiful in the area of Carters Bight, and fishing is fantastic." Another review highlights the comprehensive nature of the site: "Easy access to river, great boat ramp, large paved parking area restrooms and public shelter with picnic tables and play grounds for small kids. There is RV parking in Getaway Campground, Mr B's Bait Store just before you get to the landing." We'll explore what makes Carter's Bight an ideal spot for your next outing, covering its accessible location, the facilities it offers, its key highlights, and how you can prepare for a visit to this beloved local spot.

Carter's Bight is widely recognized as a public landing and recreational area in Surrency, Georgia, offering direct and convenient access to the Altamaha River. While primarily known for its boat ramp and fishing opportunities, it has evolved into a popular local spot for a variety of outdoor activities. It serves as a testament to the natural beauty of the Altamaha, one of Georgia's largest and most ecologically significant rivers.

The essence of Carter's Bight lies in its robust infrastructure designed to support river recreation. The presence of a "nice wide ramp" and "large paved parking area" indicates a commitment to accommodating boaters and visitors efficiently. Furthermore, the inclusion of amenities like "restrooms and public shelter with picnic tables and playgrounds for small kids" transforms it from merely a launch point into a family-friendly destination. This blend of practicality and recreational offerings makes Carter's Bight an invaluable asset for residents of Surrency and surrounding areas who cherish outdoor pursuits on the Altamaha River.

Carter's Bight is strategically located at 2260 Carter's Bight Road, Surrency, GA 31563, USA. This address places it directly on the banks of the mighty Altamaha River, a key waterway in Southeast Georgia. Surrency is a small community in Appling County, offering a tranquil, rural setting that complements the natural environment of the river.

Accessibility to Carter's Bight is a significant advantage. The road leading to the public landing is clear, and the site itself features a "paved" ramp and "large paved parking area," ensuring ease of access for vehicles towing boats or RVs. Even when river levels are extremely low, the ramp extends sufficiently to allow for effortless boat loading and offloading, a critical feature for avid anglers and boaters. For those coming from other parts of Georgia, Surrency is accessible via state routes, making Carter's Bight a convenient destination for a day trip or an extended stay. The straightforward navigation to the site allows visitors to quickly transition from travel to enjoying the river.

Carter's Bight, as a public landing and recreational hub, offers a range of essential services and facilities designed to enhance the experience for visitors enjoying the Altamaha River. While it is a public access point and not a commercial campground in the traditional sense, it provides valuable infrastructure for various outdoor activities.

• Public Boat Landing: The standout service is the "paved with a nice wide ramp," which extends far into the water, ensuring "easy boat loading and offloading even when the river is at extreme low level." This is crucial for consistent river access.
• Spacious Parking: A "large paved parking area" is available for vehicles, including those with boat trailers and possibly RVs, ensuring ample space even during busy periods.
• Restrooms: Public restroom facilities are provided, offering convenience for visitors throughout their stay.
• Public Shelter with Picnic Tables: A covered public shelter equipped with picnic tables provides a shaded area for meals, gatherings, or simply relaxing by the river.
• Playgrounds for Small Kids: A dedicated play area makes Carter's Bight a family-friendly destination, allowing children to enjoy themselves while adults manage boats or relax.
• River Access for Fishing: The Altamaha River in this area is renowned for "fantastic fishing," with a "great diversity of river habitat" supporting "Catfish, bream, crappie, and bass."
• Access to Sandbars: For those who enjoy "camping, fish, and play in the water," the river offers "several sandbars" which can be accessed from the landing.
• Proximity to RV Parking: While not directly within Carter's Bight public landing, there is "RV parking in Getaway Campground" nearby, offering overnight accommodation for those with recreational vehicles.
• Proximity to Bait Store: "Mr B's Bait Store just before you get to the landing" provides a convenient stop for essential fishing supplies.

Carter's Bight stands out for several key features that contribute to its popularity and suitability for outdoor enthusiasts in Georgia. These highlights emphasize its natural beauty and practical amenities for river-based recreation.

• Premier Altamaha River Access: The core highlight is its exceptional boat ramp, noted for its width, paving, and extension into the river, making it suitable for all water levels and types of boats.
• Fantastic Fishing Opportunities: The Altamaha River in the area is celebrated for its abundant fish populations, including catfish, bream, crappie, and bass, appealing to anglers of all skill levels.
• Diverse River Habitat: The presence of varied river habitats both "above and below the landing" contributes to the excellent fishing and overall ecological richness of the area.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The inclusion of a public shelter with picnic tables and playgrounds for children makes it an ideal spot for family outings, picnics, and spending quality time outdoors.
• Ample Paved Parking: A large, paved parking area significantly enhances convenience, ensuring visitors can easily park their vehicles and trailers.
• Beautiful Natural Surroundings: The "Altamaha river is beautiful in the area of Carters Bight," offering scenic views and a tranquil environment for relaxation and nature observation.
• Opportunities for Sandbar Camping: The presence of "several sandbars" along the river provides unique opportunities for primitive camping and water play for those with boats.
• Convenience of Nearby Services: The proximity to Getaway Campground for RV parking and Mr. B's Bait Store for supplies adds a layer of convenience that enhances the overall visitor experience.
• Public Access: As a public landing, Carter's Bight is accessible to everyone, promoting outdoor recreation for all Georgians.

As Carter's Bight is primarily a public access boat landing maintained for public use, it typically does not offer commercial promotions or special offers in the way a privately owned campground or business might. Its services—the boat ramp, parking, restrooms, and picnic areas—are generally available to the public without a fee, though specific local regulations or occasional event fees might apply for certain activities or special days.

However, the "Getaway Campground" and "Mr B's Bait Store" mentioned in the reviews are separate entities located near Carter's Bight. These businesses may have their own promotions or offers. For example:

• Getaway Campground: If Getaway Campground offers RV parking, they might have nightly, weekly, or seasonal rates, and potentially discounts for extended stays or for certain affiliations (e.g., military, seniors, RV clubs). It would be best to contact Getaway Campground directly for their specific pricing and any promotions.
• Mr. B's Bait Store: This local bait store might run specials on bait, tackle, or other fishing supplies, especially during peak fishing seasons or local events. Checking with them directly for current deals would be advisable for anglers.

For information on any fees for using the boat ramp or facilities at Carter's Bight itself, it's best to check with the local Appling County or Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offices, as public landings are often managed by state or county entities.

As Carter's Bight is a public access area, there isn't a direct phone number for the site itself. Public landings are typically managed by local or state government entities. However, for navigational purposes and to locate the site, you can use the following address:

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

For inquiries related to specific amenities, regulations, or potential fees for public use, it would be best to contact the Appling County government offices or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as they often oversee public recreational areas.

If you are specifically interested in the nearby RV parking at "Getaway Campground" or fishing supplies from "Mr B's Bait Store," you would need to find their individual contact details, as they are separate businesses. Unfortunately, their specific phone numbers or addresses were not provided in the public information for Carter's Bight. A quick local search for those businesses in Surrency, GA, would likely provide their contact information.

For Georgians seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor experience, Carter's Bight in Surrency is an exceptionally suitable destination. Its primary appeal lies in its role as a premier public landing on the Altamaha River, offering a "nice wide ramp" and "large paved parking area" that simplify boating and fishing excursions, even during challenging river levels. This makes it a reliable and convenient spot for local anglers, boaters, and families to enjoy one of Georgia's most beautiful and productive rivers.

Beyond mere access, Carter's Bight provides valuable public amenities such as "restrooms, a public shelter with picnic tables, and playgrounds for small kids." These features transform a simple boat launch into a welcoming family destination, encouraging longer stays and more enjoyable outings. The promise of "fantastic fishing" for catfish, bream, crappie, and bass, coupled with the opportunity to explore diverse river habitats and camp on "sandbars," solidifies its appeal for outdoor adventurers. With the added convenience of nearby RV parking at Getaway Campground and essential supplies from Mr. B's Bait Store, Carter's Bight is truly a comprehensive hub for river recreation. It embodies the spirit of Georgia's natural beauty and provides an invaluable resource for locals to connect with the great outdoors right in their own backyard.