The Local Tourist
Mary Beard Grodsky
Mill Creek Marina might not be as well known as some of the other marinas in the Pickwick Lake area, but one local family hopes to change all that. Known for its boat facilities and expansive campground, this quaint marina is a quick turn-off from Eastport Road before getting to the nearby Eastport Marina. With 100 boat slips, 57 campground spots, and 50 trailer hookup locations, this hidden gem is now under new ownership from the father/son duo of Louis Ferguson, Sr. and Louis Ferguson, Jr.
The Ferguson family moved to the area in 1989, opening what is now known as L&S Golf Carts and Pontoon Boat Sales on Hwy 25. Originally started as a tire shop and boat storage, this facility now serves as a major boat and golf cart dealership in the area, including storage, custom and used boats, and repair services. When the younger Louis graduated high school in 2006, it only made sense that he join his father’s business.
As time progressed, Louis Sr. wanted to expand his services into a campground area while Louis Jr. thought a marina made more sense. They knew that if Mill Creek Marina and Campground ever became available, that would be the perfect fit for them, as it covered what they both wanted to do. Conversations started in the fall of 2023, and by January 2024, they were the new owners.
Since taking ownership, the campgrounds have had underground power worked on, new PEX piping installed, and other improvements not seen by the naked eye. The store area has been renovated to include more useable space to serve customers. The store hours are 8:00 – 5:00 Monday through Friday and 8:00 – 7:00 on Saturday and Sunday. The store features Little Italy Pizza, ice cream, and other boating necessities. The longstanding tradition of worship services at 8:30am on Sunday morning remain in place and can be accessible by boat or land. Sunday biscuits are still available for purchase before and after the worship service. For larger groups staying, the large white house nearby the marina can be rented and includes 6 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms.
“We are excited to be the new owners of Mill Creek as an addition to our family business. The purchase was the perfect mix of what my father and I are passionate about with camping and marine services” says Louis Ferguson, Jr. “Long-term plans include a possible expansion of the marina for a 5th dock to include 20 additional boat slips along with additional campsites.”
What sets this marina apart from others on Pickwick Lake is its camping facilities, affordability, and of course, the ice cream. While most people refer to gallons as a measurement of gasoline, in Memorial weekend alone, 55 gallons of ice cream were sold at Mill Creek. You can find hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, and ice cream nachos. What are ice cream nachos you ask? They are crushed waffle cones, covered in ice cream and all the toppings. And with boat slips at a lower price than most rentals around along with gas at the pumps being an average of $.25 cheaper per gallon on the water, you have every reason to fill your belly and your gas tank when you visit.
