River Forest Marina

05/13/2026

Tie up. Slow down. Stay awhile.
Come see why River Forest Marina, ICW 136, Belhaven NC, has been a favorite stop for boaters along their ICW journey for over 75 years.

05/07/2026

We are HIRING!
Please inquire by emailing [email protected], or by calling (252)945-8995. We would love to talk to you

Join our team as a Full Time Dockmaster, where you'll be the vital link ensuring smooth operations at our marina and facility as a whole. In this role, you'll oversee vessel movements, coordinate docking schedules, maintain cleanliness of facility including all onsite amenities, and maintain safety standards to deliver an exceptional experience for boaters and visitors alike. During non-peak marina times, your mechanical aptitude and hands-on skills will keep equipment running efficiently, while your leadership ensures a secure and organized environment. During non-peak times, job duties will also include general facility maintenance and upkeep, janitorial duties, and contributing as needed to our facility and team as a whole. This is your chance to be at the heart of a vibrant marine community, making connections with worldwide yachters while working alongside a service industry team, making every day exciting and rewarding!

Duties
Manage vessel arrivals and departures, coordinating docking assignments with precision and enthusiasm
Oversee the safe operation of equipment
Conduct routine inspections of docks, moorings, facilities and equipment to ensure safety and functionality
Assist boaters with docking procedures, tie-up operations, and securing vessels securely
Perform basic mechanical tasks related to dock equipment, conduct vessel pump-outs, fueling operations, and coordinate with qualified technicians for boater repair requests
Maintain detailed logs of vessel movements, safety checks, and equipment maintenance activities
Maintain cloud based marina management platform in an accurate and timely manner
Enforce safety protocols and marina policies to promote a secure environment for staff and visitors
General site maintenance including buildings, grounds, and docks
Experience

Strong local knowledge of waterways, tidal flow, and general boating information as it relates to the immediate vicinity of our marina
Hands-on experience with operating marine vessels, including docking
Ability to effectively communicate via telephone, vhf radio, and email
Familiarity with basic mechanical troubleshooting, maintenance, and handyman tasks
Excellent communication skills to coordinate effectively with boaters, team members, and emergency responders
Mechanically inclined, general knowledge of basic facility repairs
This role offers an engaging work environment where your skills make a tangible impact every day. If you thrive in active settings that challenge your technical abilities while fostering teamwork and safety excellence, we want to hear from you!

05/02/2026

05/01/2026

Our onsite restaurant caters to a diverse palette. Be sure to stop in for a bite or a craft cocktail during your stay in Belhaven.
Open Tuesday- Saturday for lunch and dinner, and on Sundays for our famous Sunday Smorgasbord.

04/30/2026

Thank you for the kind words. It’s our pleasure to try and make your stay with us this memorable.

04/28/2026

📰 August 30, 1928 — A Boating Event of Regional Significance

“In 1928, when the Intracoastal Waterway opened, a town of 2,500 swelled to 20,000 as boaters and visitors filled Belhaven’s harbor—an event that helped establish River Forest’s waterfront as a gathering place for generations of mariners.”

The ICW Celebration Comes to Belhaven!

According to the August 26 and August 31, 1928 issues of The News & Observer:

* A town of roughly 2,500 residents hosted an estimated 20,000 visitors
* The celebration took place on Thursday, August 30, 1928
* It marked the completion of a major section of the
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

This wasn’t just a local festival—it was a maritime milestone:

* Visitors arrived by boat and land, with a heavy concentration of vessels along Pantego Creek
* The event symbolized the opening of a continuous inland boating route along the East Coast
* Belhaven instantly became a gateway stop for traveling yachtsmen and commercial vessels.

A turnout of 20,000 in a town of 2,500 meant the population swelled 8x overnight—almost unheard of for a waterfront town at the time.

Connection to River Forest Manor

Historical accounts consistently tie this celebration to the waterfront estate that is now:

* River Forest Manor and Marina

At the time:

* The property served as a central gathering point overlooking the water
* Its location made it ideal for hosting dignitaries, visitors, and boating activity tied to the celebration

This single event helped shape decades of boating culture:

* Cemented Belhaven as a must-stop destination along the ICW
* Established the waterfront (including River Forest) as a hub for transient boaters
* Laid the groundwork for the dock-and-dine, overnight marina experience still active.

Come and see for yourself why River Forest Manor and Marina has and still is the must stop along the ICW!

04/28/2026

Our crew is standing by to welcome you this evening!

04/28/2026

Thanks for the kind words Sterling and we hope you stop in again.