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 playfields
• 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
• Bike only on designated trails when they are open. Call for bike trail status

Amenities

Durant Nature Preserve has a lot of amenities including lakes/fishing, discovery backpacks, bird garden, butterfly garden, sensory and nature play garden, and picnicking.

Learn more about Durant Nature Preserve Amenities

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

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. 

• Take a 360 Tour of Campbell Lodge
• View Campbell Lodge Information
• View Floor Plan
• Request your rental online using RecLink or by reaching out to the facility. 
• Take note: Requests will be subject to staff approval. Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation. Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

Campfire Circle

• Located in the field near the north parking lot, along the gravel path leading to the restrooms. 
• Campfire circle available by reservation only. Please call the office to reserve.
• Reservations are not accepted less than two weeks before the date requested.
• $15 flat rate and 2-hour maximum
• Firewood is provided
• Rental hours - 9 a.m. to dusk
• Alcohol is strictly prohibited
   

Campsite

• Located near a 12-acre lake and access to trails.
• The campsite is available for organized groups only (i.e. scout groups, youth groups). No individuals or long-term rentals. The campsite is only available on select weekends throughout the year.
• 30 person maximum
• $30/group/night
• Campfire circle, firewood provided
• Rental hours – Check-in: 1 p.m., Check-out: 10 a.m., 1-night rentals only

Shelters

Request your rental online using RecLink or by reaching out to the facility. 

Take note: Requests will be subject to staff approval. Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation. Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

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
• Use of balloons, confetti, and open flame of any kind (other than the use of the grills on-site) is prohibited.

Sweetgum Picnic Shelter

• Located near the 12-acre lake, playground, large open playfield, restrooms, and access to trailheads
• First come, first serve basis and non-reservable
• 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 and non-reservable
• 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