Description
NOTE: This site is viewable only by boat. A boat permit from the City of Norfolk is required to launch a boat, canoe, or kayak from this site. Please obtain the permit before your visit. They are not available for sale on site.
This 810-acre lake is a popular fishing destination. Much of this lake, with its fingerlike coves projecting inland, is inaccessible to the public by land. These secluded coves can be productive for the boating wildlife viewer in search of wintering waterfowl. Like other lakes in the area, Lake Prince is completely surrounded by forest. During summer, visitors can expect to see flycatchers, woodpeckers, summer tanager, blue grosbeak, and other forest songbirds. During winter, there is an influx of sparrows that may be seen foraging along the weedy margins of the woods.
Wildlife Sightings
69 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Lake Prince:
- Canada Goose
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
- Mallard
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Feb 2026 | 4 | Witt Harper |
| 20 Feb 2026 | 19 | Andrew Baldelli |
| 16 Feb 2026 | 5 | Marcy Shaffer |
| 14 Feb 2026 | 4 | Marcy Shaffer |
| 12 Feb 2026 | 3 | Anita Clark |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
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
Physical Location: 3717 Lake Prince Drive , Suffolk, VA 23434
From US-58 in Suffolk, take the US-460 exit towards Petersburg. Turn right onto US-460 West/ Pruden Blvd. Travel 2.0 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 604/ Lake Prince Dr. and follow it 1.5 miles to the boat ramp on the left.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Fee, Daily, Sunrise to Sunset
Contact Information:
- 757-441-5679, david_rosenthal@norfolk.gov
- 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.