Stumpy Lake Natural Area

This lake has become a favorite this Fall for it’s wonderful scenery and my hobby of photography. If your like me you have only heard, but never been to this beautiful area. However, I love the fact that my review may generate some interest from those that did not even know that this Virginia Beach Public Park existed. There is also a Stumpy Lake Golf Course that is further back, but same entrance. There is a separate listing on Unilocal for the golf course.
First of all when you see the address don’t think of just off of I-​64. You will have to travel around 7 miles East to get to Stumpy and when you do make sure you merge to the right just after Kempsville Rd. to continue on Indian River. For most it will be the first time accessing this remote area. Of course you can access from the South the other direction which comes out of Chesapeake. The property does run pretty close to it’s sister city.
Signage is good, not great so pay attention or you may zip right by it. The GPS will lead you perfectly to the front gate. There is no fee to enter. Make your turn and enter the causeway which takes your across the large portion of lake on the left and the swamp on the right. Your view of the large lake will be more clear once you park since it is lined with trees. However, in the Fall and Winter you get a great view if your just driving into to check it out without leaving the car. But why do that, roll down to the parking lot at the end, park and explore.
Parking is to the left after you exit the causeway. It is not spacious, however just down the road toward Stumpy Lake Golf Course there is all the parking your heart desires. There are a few pavilions for picnics and a canoe kayak ramp dock that is very convenient from the road. In no time at all you can be enjoying a picnic lunch, or launch your kayak. There are companies that do kayak tours such as White River Outfitters. Nothing with a motor is permitted on the lake which is great for noise pollution and to not get knocked over by a wave when canoeing.
What is most spectacular to me are the views and it changes throughout the year. I have now caught it early Fall, mid Fall and most recently end of Fall with all the leaves down. Do you think I am giddy about Spring and Summer, got that right, I am. Bring a nice camera, or go rogue with an iPhone and take some awesome shots. It’s huge expansive space with some trees in the water and a back drop of tress that line the bank is a Kodak moment. The debris that I have seen is limited, but the closer you get to the water it’s more evident. Please people, do not throw your trash in the water when boating. Trash cans are plentiful, use them and help the environment.
But that’s not all, you can also enjoy a small amount of hiking on flat terrain. Two loops just off the initial parking area will take you on a mile loop, or add a second loop for a total of two miles of trails. There is not much that is scenic about the trails unfortunately. But if you enjoy walking through the woods on a soft canopy of leaves this is your ticket to do so. Don’t be surprised to see wildlife, there are all sorts, this is there home. Dogs are allowed on the trails and you should grab a poop bag available as you start your journey.
So why not a 5, it seems like I’m in love with Stumpy. Well for starters no permanent restrooms that I’m aware of. There is a single port a potty as you enter the trail. No watering station. either. Parking is slim where it’s convenient and I would be shocked to learn it does not fill up in warmer weather. The trails allow for exercise, but no features to them. Those are a few negatives, but I am at a strong 4 for this lovely area. Again no fee to get in and use the park. Virginia Beach Parks rock and this is just another example of a gorgeous city park that our tax dollars support. Bring your family, a cooler and kayak, or canoe if you have and enjoy beautiful Stumpy Lake. They are open sunset to sunrise all year around.

I love the fact that this exists in the city. The trails are peaceful and well kept and they’re not too long. There’s a nice view of the swamp and thicket with some downed trees.
My favorite thing there is the kayak ramp! It’s so easy to drop in and paddle your heart away. There isn’t a huge threat of drowning due to the fact that the water out in the middle is only 3 foot deep! (be smart, still wear your life jacket) I’m not saying the entire lake is 3 foot deep.

Took the family on a rookie kayak adventure. Great set up, nice simple to use boat launch. We brought out own boats but there were some available to rent as well. No motorized traffic on that lake, so that made things even better. Will visit again.

The family went for a kayak adventure and we were not disappointed. Lots of fish jumping, birds to watch, and overall just an enjoyable way to spend the morning. There is an area where you are able to put in with kayaks which is pretty neat. I would recommend this lake to anyone new to boating or anyone experienced. It was quiet and peaceful and overall just an enjoyable time.

Went here yesterday to ride bikes on the soft trail and it was a very small but nice park. My husband and I towed our 2 kids behind us in the bike trailer and although a rough ride and tough push through lots of muddy patches and over grown roots, we were still able to make it through the whole trail. It even made for a challenging workout haha. The trail was completely in the woods and nicely shaded, we even were able to see some deer! There is obviously no play area here so don’t come here if you are looking for a park for kids but the water to canoe on was beautiful! Would love to come back and loved that there was next to no one there so it is like a park to yourself.

This little area is near the house and offers an easy access option for getting outdoors and active! Of course, it’s near the golf course but there is also a wooded area with a walking path. I would guess that the full path is about a mile and a half, so it’s not huge but enough to get a good workout. I am not sure if bikes are allowed but I tried to ride mine on the trails the other day. Let’s just say that the muddy trails made for an interesting ride for an old dude like me. I think I’ll stick to walking next time. If you are a geo-​cacher, there are quite a few of them around the area, as well.
A cool feature that has been added in the last year or so is the ability to canoe or kayak in stumpy lake. They have a launching dock and used to have a group that came out on weekends with canoes and kayaks for rent. Not sure if they still do that, though. On the other side of the «lake» near Elbow Road, there is a nice dock that has been built semi-​recently for fishing.
Overall, it doesn’t compare in size to some of the other nature areas but its rarely busy and does offer a few options for enjoying a beautiful day.