Description
Much of the 53-acre Western Branch Reservoir is currently inaccessible to outdoor enthusiasts except by boat.
Land birds can be readily seen along the lake edges, and the reservoir is visited by a variety of puddle ducks, including wood ducks, during winter.
NOTE:
A Boat Permit from the City of Norfolk is required to launch a boat from this site. Please obtain ahead of your visit as these are not available for sale onsite.
Wildlife Sightings
92 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Western Branch Reservoir:
- Canada Goose
- Tundra Swan
- Ring-necked Duck
- Lesser Scaup
- Bufflehead
- Mourning Dove
- Ring-billed Gull
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2026 | 23 | Corby Amos |
| 20 Feb 2026 | 24 | Andrew Baldelli |
| 14 Feb 2026 | 2 | Marcy Shaffer |
| 8 Feb 2026 | 25 | Rob Bielawski |
| 7 Feb 2026 | 11 | Corby Amos |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
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 Address: 4601 Girl Scout Dr, Suffolk, VA 23434
The Western Branch Reservoir can be accessed via a boat ramp off SR 633 (Girl Scout Dr) north of the Lake Prince Pumping Station.
From I-264 in Virginia Beach/Norfolk, continue west and over the Berkley Bridge in Downtown Norfolk. Follow signs for I-264 W/Downtown Tunnel/Portsmouth. In 7.1 miles, take exit 1 for I-664 toward US 13/US 58/US 460/Bowers Hill/Suffolk/Richmond and continue on I-664 N for 0.7 miles. Take exit 13A/B to merge onto US 13 S/US 58 W toward US 460 W/Suffolk. In 11.3 miles, take the US 460 exit toward Peterburg. Turn right onto US 460 W/Pruden Blvd. In 2.0 miles, turn right (north) onto Lake Prince Dr/SR 604 and continue for 0.8 miles. Turn right (northeast) onto Girl Scout Dr/SR 633 and continue for 1.5 miles until the entrance appears to the right just before a bend in the road.
From I-95 in Richmond/Petersburg, continue south. Take exit 47 for SR 629/Rives Rd and turn left (east). In 1.9 miles, turn right to stay on SR 629 E. Then, turn right onto US 460 E and continue for 47.5 miles. Turn left (north) onto Lake Prince Dr/SR 604 and continue for 0.8 miles. Turn right (northeast) onto Girl Scout Dr/SR 633 and continue for 1.5 miles until the entrance appears to the right just before a bend in the road.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Fee for a Boat Permit, Daily
Contact Information:
- (757) 441-5678, 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.