Neabsco Area Boating (Lake Ridge, Occoquan: house, beach, areas)

[Lake Ridge PJ]

Just got my first boat (older Bayliner Capri) and doing a lot of reading on good places to explore. I’m docked at Pilot House marina in Neabsco Creek. Was wondering if anyone knows of good areas to take the boat for tubing with the kids. My previous boating experience was on the lake, and the river seems a little more intimidating. I’m sure I’ll get used to the change the more I’m out there but if anyone has any recommendations on places to go that would be great.

[Mikemapva]

Welcome to the boating world in NOVA! Your boat is a great starter boat in the area and will be plenty for tubing and running around.


From your location, the closest place where most people would go tubing is straight across the river on the Maryland side in Mattawoman Creek. The water is generally calmer in there.


You can also go back into Pohick Bay which is also a good place to go tubing. Some days you can also do it out in the river itself up right before the entrance to the Occoquan River. You'll need to watch depths in all of those locations, so hopefully you have a depth finder. You should also obtain a chart of the river so you can see where all of these locations are.



I recommend taking one or some of the boating classes available if you're a new boater.



Once some of the restrictions have been lifted, you have an easy right (just past Leesylvania Park) to Tim's Rivershore where you can enjoy a fun outdoor meal in a beach bar vibe type place.

[Lake Ridge PJ]

Awesome. Thank you for the info. I’ve been using this app on my phone called I-boating nautical charts. So I’ve been looking at the water depths around the area and it does look like a lot of those coves are fairly shallow. I’ve heard a lot about Mattawoman from some friends that used to do a lot of boating. I’d definitely looking forward to the warmer weather and a time when they do lift the restrictions. Thanks again for the info.

[Mikemapva]

Originally Posted by Lake Ridge PJ

Awesome. Thank you for the info. I’ve been using this app on my phone called I-boating nautical charts. So I’ve been looking at the water depths around the area and it does look like a lot of those coves are fairly shallow. I’ve heard a lot about Mattawoman from some friends that used to do a lot of boating. I’d definitely looking forward to the warmer weather and a time when they do lift the restrictions. Thanks again for the info.

You're welcome and good luck with the new boat!