Description
Located near the geographic center of Virginia, Horsepen Lake Wildlife Management Area is centered by 18-acre Horsepen Lake, but offers much more. The management area totals 3,065 acres, mostly forested, but with enough open land to insure its users a diversity of wildlife and outdoor related activities. The lake is a particularly good place on quiet days to see a great blue or green heron stalking fish in the shallower waters. Along with these denizens, search the many miles of trails for more forest-oriented birds. Woodpeckers of all varieties, including the red-headed and the pileated are found here. Where trails cross streams, listen for the familiar “Piz ZA” to tell you the Acadian flycatchers are announcing their territories. The scrubbier and more open areas of this wildlife management area are very likely to harbor northern bobwhite (quail) and yellow-breasted chats, who will mimic many other species. The lakes at Horsepen also bring the likelihood of a multitude of damsel and dragon flies. In addition, during the summer, great spangled fritillaries, tawny emperors and several species of skippers fill the area with colorful butterflies.
A map of the WMA is available on our website.
Notes:
- To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
- This site may be closed during certain times of year for hunting or land management. See seasonal access information on the Horsepen Lake WMA website.
- If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Horsepen Lake Wildlife Management Area:
55 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb 2025 | 0 | stephen johnson 🦜 |
| 22 Jun 2024 | 30 | Cory Swift |
| 22 Jun 2024 | 30 | JoAnn Dalley |
| 4 May 2023 | 15 | Mary Coker |
| 21 Jul 2021 | 3 | Drew Chaney |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Location: Between Rts. 638 and 640, Dilwyn, VA 23936
From the Nearest Major Road:
Traveling west on US 60, turn left onto Oak Hill road (Rt. 633). Travel for 1.7 miles, then turn right onto Jerico Road (Rt. 639). After 1.8 miles, turn right onto a VA state forest road. Continue down the forest road for 1 mile or until you reach the lake.
There are various access points and parking areas along Rts. 638, 639, 641, 644, 768, and 820 as well as smaller roads within the WMA connecting them.
The boat ramp is located on the north end of the lake.
Site Information
Managed By:
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.