Description
Elevation: 645 ft.
With its variety of wildlife, Lake Frederick is worth exploring at any time of the year. Great blue and green herons, wood ducks and numerous dragonflies and damselflies join the long list of summer residents. In the winter, more waterfowl use the lake and almost anything could turn up! During migration periods, birds more typical of coastal areas may drop in, such as double-crested cormorants or perhaps a gull or tern. The surrounding meadows and woodlands support some of Virginia’s more representative bird species. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard calling from the woods on the far side of the lake, while eastern kingbirds prowl for insects in the fields bordering the parking area. Search for dragonflies like Halloween pennants intermixed with the more common widow and slaty skimmers along the banks of the reservoir.
Note: Boating, fishing, and hiking trail access require a Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit.
Wildlife Sightings
213 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Lake Frederick:
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan 2026 | 13 | Donald Casavecchia |
| 24 Jan 2026 | 11 | Frederick Atwood |
| 23 Jan 2026 | 15 | David Boltz |
| 21 Jan 2026 | 3 | Edward Clark |
| 21 Jan 2026 | 9 | David Boltz |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Location: Off US 340/Stonewall Jackson Hwy, down Lake Frederick Dr, White Post, VA 22663
From Winchester, follow I-81 S and take exit 307 for SR 277 toward Stephens City/SR 340. Turn left (east) and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto US 340 S/US 522 S. In 1.6 miles, turn right onto Lake Frederick Dr and continue straight at the traffic circle. Follow to boat ramp and parking.
Site Information
Managed By:
- VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources
Access Requirements:
- Daily, sunrise-sunset. Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Contact Information:
- Virginia DWR - Region 4 Office, 540-899-4169 Contact Us
- 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.