Durant Nature Preserve

Upper Lake Study 

The 6-acre upper lake at Durant Nature Preserve is in need of repair. A study was conducted to explore options to maintain the area and protect the preserve. We would like to gather feedback about the experiences most important to you when visiting Durant Nature Preserve. Learn more and give your feedback here

Overview

Due to storm damage, the Park Office has temporarily been relocated to the Southside of the Park in the Campbell Lodge basement located at 3237 Spottswood Street.

Check out one of our Discovery Backpacks to learn more about ponds, insects, birds, animal tracking, or nature art! The Park Office loans these free of charge. They are available to be checked out during office hours.

• Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Please call the office for park closing times, which vary throughout the year.
• Public restrooms are located about 200 yards down the path starting at the big orange gate in the North Parking lot.

Programs

Durant offers year-round general public programs for all ages, as well as self-guided interpretive gardens and hiking trails which highlight our unique habitats and abundance of plant and animal life.

• View our public programs on RecLink

Park Rules

• Pets must be restrained at all times on a 6’ leash
• Park only in designated areas
• Hike only on designated trails
• No personal boats are allowed
• Remote controlled devices, motorized equipment and motorized toys are not allowed
• No organized team play is allowed on play fields
• Prohibited items and activities include: alcoholic beverages, smoking, swimming, balloons, collection or removal of any animal or plant material, metal detectors, Geocaches, Munzees, Letter Boxing, amplified music, open fires of any kind (unless special permission is given by park staff), hunting, off-road vehicles, and personal grills.
• Any commercial film or photography productions taking place in a City of Raleigh Park/Preserve require a film permit. To apply for one, please contact Kathryn Gebhardt at 919-996-4510.
• All City of Raleigh ordinances apply

Amenities

Lakes/Fishing

• Fishing is permitted from the fishing docks only.
• Fishing is prohibited at the upper lake, which has no fishing docks or piers. Bank fishing is prohibited by city ordinance because it damages shoreline habitat and endangers wildlife.

For nearby fishing opportunities, check out Forest Ridge Park or Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Bird Garden

Visit our bird garden located directly behind the Training Lodge (accessible from the North Entrance).

View a list of documented birds at Durant Nature Preserve

Butterfly Garden

Enjoy viewing a variety of butterflies, caterpillars, and other insects in our garden located directly in front of the Training Lodge (accessible from the North Entrance).

Sensory and Nature Play Garden

Come enjoy Durant’s newest garden, located at the North Entrance next to our welcome kiosk. Extensive native plants, a sand feature, rock garden, fairy home building, toad houses, ponds, and much more provide a sensory and natural play experience fun for everyone!

Picnicking

Individual picnic tables are located at both the North and South entrances to the park. These tables do not include grills. Please note that personal grills are not permitted in the park.

Discovery Backpacks

Discovery Backpacks are available at the Park Office for families to check out. Explore animal tracking, nature art, pond life, insects, and birds.

Site Rentals

919-878-9116 | email

Campbell Lodge

Address: 3237 Spottswood Street, Raleigh, NC

Campbell Lodge is managed by the staff at Durant Nature Preserve. If you would like to schedule a tour, please contact the Park Office at 919-878-9116.

Take a 360 Tour of Campbell Lodge

• The main room measures approximately 40' x 80' (Capacity:200)
• 200 folding chairs, 30 six-foot rectangular tables, 6-71" round tables available
• Application Fee (non-refundable) - $15
• Damage deposit (refundable) - $250
• Alcohol can be served on a limited basis with a required permit (non-refundable) - $100
• City of Raleigh resident fees - $180/hr (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) | $200/hr (6 - 11 p.m.)
• Non-resident fees - $250/hr (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) | $270/hr (6 - 11 p.m.)

View Floor Plan

Trails

There are five miles of trails that explore the park's 237-acres. Hike along a stream, through hardwood and pine forests, past wildflowers and ferns, through wetlands and alongside two lakes

Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails only when trail surfaces are dry. To check the status of mountain bike trails, please call the park office at 919-878-9116.

Park maps are available in the park office and are posted at key intersections throughout the park.

View Park Map

Shelters

Sassafras Picnic Shelter

• Located near a 12-acre lake, playground, large open playfield, restrooms and access to trailheads
• This shelter is approximately a 200-yard walk from the parking lot down a dirt and gravel path. It is walk-in only. No vehicle access is allowed.
• Capacity: 75
• 12 tables
• 2 grills
• $24 per hour (2hr minimum)
• Reservations are not accepted less than two weeks before the date requested.
• Rental hours - 9 a.m. to dusk
• Alcohol is strictly prohibited
• Renter responsible for leaving the shelter in the same condition as it was found
• Use of candles, luminaries or other flames of any kind is prohibited
• No electricity

Sweetgum Picnic Shelter

• Located near the 12-acre lake, playground, large open playfield, restrooms and access to trailheads
• First come, first serve basis
• Capacity: 50
• 8 tables
• 1 grill
• No electricity

Sycamore Picnic Shelter

• Located near the 12-acre lake, playground, large open playfield, restrooms and access to trailheads
• First come, first serve basis
• Capacity: 30
• 6 tables
• No grill
• No electricity

View other shelter locations

Courts

Sand Volleyball Court

• 1 unlit court
• First come, first serve basis

View other court locations.

Playgrounds

Ages 2-12

• Woodchip surface

View other playground locations.

Volunteering

Durant Nature Preserve offers year round volunteer opportunities. For more information about volunteering, call the park office at 919-878-9116.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities in our Parks