Description
A variety of wildlife may be viewed on Lake Pelham (also known as Lake Culpeper). Check around the reed edges for other species such as wood duck, American coot, and pied-billed grebe. During winter, the lake can often support rafts of American widgeon, gadwall, northern shoveler, and ruddy ducks, to name a few. The numerous dead snags in the area support belted kingfishers and may occasionally turn up an osprey. A good variety of landbirds is also present. Other wildlife to spot include eastern painted turtles, sunning themselves in large groups. In warmer weather the shoreline is a favored spot by dragonflies such as prince baskettail, eastern pondhawk and common whitetail; these odonates are often joined by eastern tiger swallowtails, common buckeyes and the occasional American snout.
Notes:
- This site is included on the VBWT as a place to bird and view wildlife on the water. Watercraft rentals are available from Lake Culpeper Adventures. There are no walking trails.
- A boating permit is required for visitors who don’t rent equipment from Lake Culpeper Adventures.
Wildlife Sightings
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Fee
- Food
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Site Viewable Only By Boat
- Canoe/Kayak Rentals
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 18019 Country Store Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701
From James Madison Highway/US-15, merge onto James Monroe Highway/US-29 South toward Charlottesville, and the Lake Culpeper Adventures at The Ole Country Store & Bakery is on the right just past the bridge.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.