Facilities

Little River is closed for the season

2021 Season

Little River will be open to the public Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from Friday, March 12 - Monday, November 8, 2021. Lake hours are from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 

The lakes will also be open on the following holidays:

• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day

Little River Lake

The boating and fishing facilities offer bank fishing as well as electric motor, rowboat, canoe, and kayak rentals. Fishing licenses are required.

The facility is located at the intersection of Orange Factory and Blalock Roads in northern Durham County. For more information about Little River Lake, please call:

• 919-477-7889, Friday-Monday and mid-March to mid-November
• 919-560-4405, Tuesday-Thursday and mid-November to mid-March

Please note that personal boats, motors, and batteries are not allowed on Little River Lake.

Check out the Underground Weather Station for Little River before heading out to the lake!

No smoking, alcohol or weapons are permitted.

Little River Lake Rental Fees

Activity	City Resident with Play More Card	City Resident without Play more Card	Non-City Resident with Play More Card	Non-City Resident without Play More Card
Bank Fishing (per day) Youth / Teen (0-18)	$0	$0	$4.50	$5
Bank Fishing (per day) Adults (19-54)	$2.70	$3	$7.20	$8
Bank Fishing (per day) Seniors (55+)	$1.80	$2	$6.30	$7
Bank Fishing (seasonal) Youth / Teen (0-18)	$0	$0	$15	$15
Bank Fishing (seasonal) Adults (19-54)	$48	$48	$63	$63
Bank Fishing (seasonal) Seniors (55+)	$32	$32	$47	$47
6-Hour Boat / Canoe / Kayak Rental	$5.40	$6	$9.90	$11
Electric Motor + Battery Rental (per 6 hours)	$11	$11	$11	$11

Special Notice

Little River is a primary water supply for the City of Durham. For this reason, we must limit and control recreational activities at the lake. Please adhere to guidelines and instructions to protect our water source. Dogs are not permitted in or on the water.

Additional Rental Information

• We do not give refunds or free rentals.
• To receive the Play More Card discount, you must show your Play More Card to the attendant. Visit our Play More Card page for more information on the benefits program.
• To rent or 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.
• Adding additional and/or changing boaters after being issued lake permit will result in a minimum 30 day suspension of lake privileges.
• No boats will be rented or launched after 4:30 p.m.

Per City Ordinance:

• There is no swimming in Little River Lake.
• Dogs are not allowed on or in the lake.
• Persons renting canoes, kayaks or Jon boats must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) / Life Jacket Rules:

Renting City Boats
All persons must wear Coast Guard approved PFD at all times.

Failure to abide by City rules or State Law for PFDs will result in suspension of privileges or fines issued by the NC Wildlife Commission.

History

Little River Lake was completed in 1987. When full, it is 549 acres and the average depth is approximately 25 feet.