Description
Elevation: 3674 feet
Laurel Bed Lake lies within Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area and is a manmade lake created by the damming of Big Tumbling Creek. The lake and the surrounding area are popular venues for bird-watching. For a description of the birding opportunities, refer to Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
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 Clinch Mountain WMA website.
- If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Laurel Bed Lake, Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area:
160 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Jan 2026 | 4 | Robert Riggs |
| 6 Jan 2026 | 4 | Elaine Sharpe |
| 20 Aug 2025 | 12 | Robert Riggs |
| 20 Aug 2025 | 12 | Elaine Sharpe |
| 4 Jul 2025 | 8 | Robert Riggs |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Boat Ramp
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Camping/Lodging
Maps & Directions
View on Google Maps
Location: Laurel Bed Lake is located within Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which is north of the town of Saltville, Virginia.
Site Information
Managed By:
- VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources
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.