DPR Lakes Are Now Open!
Come out to Lake Michie and Little River Lake this season for some fun on the water
Get ready to live it up on the lakes now that Durham Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) two lakes are open for the season!
Lake Michie and Little River Lake open for the 2025 season on Friday, March 14. The lakes will be open for recreational fishing and boating on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays through November 3, 2025.
Lake hours are from 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fees will be charged at each lake during the season according to the fee chart listed on each lake’s DPR webpage.
Both lakes will also be open on the following holidays:
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Little River Lake rules are as follows:
There is no swimming in Little River Lake.
Dogs are not permitted in or on the water.
Personal boats, motors, and batteries are not allowed on Little River Lake.
Persons renting canoes or kayaks must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times.
No boats will be rented or launched after 4:30 p.m.
No smoking, alcohol, or weapons are permitted.
Lakes may only be accessed during operating hours, Friday through Monday mid-March to mid-November and with a permit purchased at the boathouse.
Lake Michie has a slightly different set of rules because this lake does allow for the launching of personal boats:
There is no swimming in Lake Michie.
Dogs are not allowed on or in the lake.
To launch a boat, you must show a government-issued photo ID.
Lakes may only be accessed during operating hours, Friday through Monday mid-March to mid-November and with a permit purchased at the boathouse.
Persons operating rental canoes and kayaks must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times.
No boats will be rented or launched after 4:30 p.m.
No smoking, alcohol or weapons are permitted.
In addition to having fun on the lake, DPR offers a variety of opportunities for camping at the Spruce Pine Lodge and Holly Grove campsites, within the Lake Michie Recreation Area located in Bahama. The area has seven primitive campsites open year-round. There are five individual campsites and a group campsite at Spruce Pine Lodge, and one group campsite at Holly Grove. These group campsites all have a grill, picnic tables, and ample space for tents. The individual campsites each have a tent pad, grill, and picnic table. There are no electrical hookups available at these sites and campers should bring water and other necessities with them. Vehicular access to the campgrounds is limited. Also offered nearby are boating (paved boat launch), fishing, and trail hiking.
The campsites are operated by DPR and may be reserved by calling 919-560-4355, ext. 27202 to obtain a permit. Permits must be purchased by Tuesday at 5 p.m. for the remainder of the work week and weekend. All reservations are made on a first come, first served basis.
For more information on fees and updates about Lake Michie Park and Marina, visit https://dprplaymore.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Michie-Boathouse-38 or call 919-477-3906.
For more information on fees and updates about Little River Park and Marina, visit https://dprplaymore.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Little-River-Fishing-Facility-41 or call 984-336-7497.
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