Reservations, Fees & Passes
Call 740-694-1900 for reservations.
Campground Fee:
$35 per night - primitive
$40 per night - electric
$252 for 7 day back in, electric site
North Fork of Pound River Dam was authorized by Section 4 of Flood Control Act of 1938. Primary project purposes are flood risk reduction, water supply, fish and wildlife enhancement, and recreation. The dam was completed in January 1966 and serves a drainage area of 17.2 square miles.
The North Fork of Pound River is a part of the upper reaches of the Big Sandy system. On its way to the Ohio River, the waters from North Fork flow northeast and meet the South Fork River to form the Pound River. The Pound River then flows into the Russell Fork River near Haysi, Virginia. The Russell Fork cuts through the Allegheny Mountain range to join the Levisa Fork then meets the Tug Fork at Louisa and forms the Big Sandy River.
The project has one Corps managed day use area. Ownership of the land surrounding the lake was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service in 1983.
Historical Information
Construction began in 1963 by the US Army Corps of Engineers under the Flood Control Act of 1960. The rock fill dam was completed in 1966 at a cost of $6.2 million. The dam is 122 feet high and 600 feet long. Water releases from the dam are controlled by three gates (3 feet wide, 6 feet high) located in the intake structure. Lake elevation is maintained at 1611 feet above sea level. During the fall the lake elevation is lowered 10 feet to hold water from fall and spring runoff. The lake covers 154 surface acres and includes 13.5 miles of wooded shoreline. The U.S. Forest Service obtained ownership of the lands surrounding the lake in 1983
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor Center
No visitor center is available at this project. Follow Route 630 for a mile to the Project Office.
Boating
North Fork of Pound has boat ramps at the Pound and Wise landings. These boat ramps are maintained by the US Forest Service.
Camping
There are campgrounds surrounding the lake at Canepatch, Phillips Creek, Hopkins Branch, and Laurel Fork. These campgrounds are maintained by US Forest Service.
Day-use
There are picnic areas surrounding the lake at Canepatch, Phillips Creek, Hopkins Branch, Laurel Fork and Bee Bottom
Fishing
Bass are the most popular sport fish at North Fork but bluegill, walleye, catfish, crappie and muskies have also been sought after
Hunting
There is no designated hunting areas on USACE property at North Fork. However, the US Forest Service owns much of the land surrounding the lake and it is open to the public for hunting.
Marinas
There is no Marina at North Fork of Pound River Lake.
Swimming
There are no designated swimming areas at North Fork of Pound Lake. Swimming is permitted at your own risk.
Trails
Trails are manages by the US Forest Service.
Rules & Regulations
General Policies
A full list of Federal regulations that apply to all US Army Corps of Engineers properties can be found in Title 36 of the United States Code (USC). Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects.
Firearms
Possession of firearms in a federal facility, including locks, dams, power plants, ranger stations, buildings, switchyards, recreation facilities, warehouses, and offices is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes the storage or transporting of a personally owned firearm in controlled access parking areas or Government vehicles, heavy equipment, boats and vessels under the operational control of the District regardless of its location. Exceptions for Federal employees are only allowed for Federal law enforcement officers or where possession of a firearm is specifically authorized by law.
Fireworks
Fireworks, along with explosives, firearms and other weapons are prohibited on Government Property. Detailed information can be found in Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects, Section 327.13.
Content
North Fork Pound Lake
7530 Old North Fork Road
Pound, VA 24279
pa2@usace.army.mil
276-796-5775