Description
Elevation: 1425 ft.
Lake Campbell at Massanetta Springs Conference Center provides easy access to an idyllic setting filled with water birds. Search the banks for great blue and green herons and the overhanging willows for a belted kingfisher. Check the wires and treetops for eastern kingbird and eastern bluebird. Some of the most interesting birds here may be observed in the winter when the lake supports a diversity of waterfowl. Search the flocks of Canada geese for gadwall, ring-necked duck, and redhead. Lucky observers may also spot canvasback, pied-billed grebe, American coot, ruddy duck, and more. In August and September, check over the water and along the banks for a variety of butterflies and dragonflies.
Notes:
Lake Campbell is part of Massanetta Springs Conference Center, a private facility, mostly reserved for registered guest use. However, the facility has graciously permitted birders and wildlife viewers to observe Lake Campbell under the following guidelines. Please respect the facility’s wishes.
- Lake Campbell is completely closed to the public for the months of June and July while summer camp is in session.
- While observing the lake, stay on the Massanetta Springs Road side of Lake Campbell. Do not cross the bridge or dam.
- Park in one of the lots closest to the Historic Hotel and walk over to the lake. Do NOT park in the driveway of the white house just above Lake Campbell. (That area is private property and well posted with signs.) It would also be helpful to Massanetta staff if you put a note on your dash reading, “Parked for VA Bird & Wildlife Trail.”
- Fishing is only permitted to registered Massanetta Springs guests.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Lake Campbell at Massanetta Springs Conference Center:
- Canada Goose
- Mute Swan
- Hooded Merganser
- Cackling Goose
- Mallard
- Redhead
- Ring-necked Duck
- Mourning Dove
- Blue Jay
- Carolina Chickadee
141 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Jan 2026 | 2 | Diane Holsinger |
| 29 Jan 2026 | 3 | Daniel Bailey |
| 26 Jan 2026 | 14 | Ken Hess |
| 23 Jan 2026 | 3 | Diane Lepkowski |
| 22 Jan 2026 | 5 | Diane Holsinger |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
Other Site Amenities: Camping/Lodging
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 712 Massanetta Springs Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
From I-81 near Harrisonburg, take exit 247A and merge onto US 33 E/E Market St toward Elkton. In 2.6 miles, turn right (southwest) onto SR 687 and continue for 0.8 miles until the lake appears to the right. Park in one of the lots closest to the Massanetta Springs Conference Center’s Historic Hotel and walk over to the lake. Do NOT park in the driveway of the white house just above Lake Campbell. (That area is private property and well posted with signs.) It would also be helpful to Massanetta staff if you put a note on your dash reading, “Parked for VA Bird & Wildlife Trail.”
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
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.