Lake Durant Park & Campground - Image 1
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Lake Durant Park and Campground

4.1
·25 reviews·Durant, United States

A natural escape with beautiful lake views and access to hiking trails, perfect for stargazing and fishing, though amenities require caution.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Lake Durant Park & Campground - Image 1

Lake Durant Park and Campground

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A natural escape with beautiful lake views and access to hiking trails, perfect for stargazing and fishing, though amenities require caution. Reddit

4.1
(25 reviews)

"The grounds are beautiful, with nice open areas and easy access to the water. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Own Supplies

Pack extra cleaning supplies, bug spray, and be prepared for potential facility issues. :bug:

Confirm Arrival Details

Clarify tent site locations and check-in procedures to avoid confusion and extra fees. :incoming_envelope:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stargazing Paradise

Stargazing Paradise

Experience breathtaking night skies with minimal light pollution. Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and romantic evenings.

Reddit
Serene Lake Views

Serene Lake Views

Enjoy picturesque sunrises and easy access to Lake Durant for a peaceful escape. Ideal for quiet contemplation.

Reddit
Northville-Placid Trail Access

Northville-Placid Trail Access

Convenient parking pull-offs along Route 28 offer access to the NPT for hiking adventures.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Pavilion & Bathroom Woes

Many visitors report pavilions and bathrooms are poorly maintained, with cobwebs, rust, and broken facilities. Overgrown grass and overflowing trash cans are also common complaints. Plan for self-sufficiency and manage expectations regarding cleanliness and amenities. Reddit

Navigating Campground Confusion

Finding tent sites can be challenging as signage is unclear and the office may be closed. Some campers report being asked for extra fees upon arrival. Confirm your booking details and arrival procedures to avoid unexpected charges. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Fall
Why
Cooler temps, fewer bugs
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Lake Durant

Bring Your Own Supplies

Pack extra cleaning supplies, bug spray, and be prepared for potential facility issues. Reddit :bug:

Confirm Arrival Details

Clarify tent site locations and check-in procedures to avoid confusion and extra fees. Reddit :incoming_envelope:

reddit.com

Parking near Lake Durant for NPT?

reddit.com

ISO trail shuttles btwn Lake Durant and Piseco

Check Water Sources

Some water sources may be non-functional; bring your own water or confirm availability. Reddit :droplet:

Night Driving Caution

The park is not well-lit at night, making driving potentially dangerous. Reddit :red_car:

reddit.com

First time visit.

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Supplies

Pack extra cleaning supplies, bug spray, and be prepared for potential facility issues. Reddit :bug:

Confirm Arrival Details

Clarify tent site locations and check-in procedures to avoid confusion and extra fees. Reddit :incoming_envelope:

Check Water Sources

Some water sources may be non-functional; bring your own water or confirm availability. Reddit :droplet:

Night Driving Caution

The park is not well-lit at night, making driving potentially dangerous. Reddit :red_car:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(25 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lake Durant Park and Campground offers a beautiful natural setting with great stargazing and lake access, appealing to anglers and hikers. However, many visitors report significant issues with the maintenance of pavilions and bathrooms, including cleanliness and broken facilities. Campground navigation and unclear site assignments can also lead to confusion and unexpected charges. Reddit

"Had a amazing 2 days fishing"

Deborah Lambert Barnes

"The pavilions are not well kept and not clean, cobwebs everywhere on the benches and the benches are very rusty (i hope i dont have to get a tetanus shot just from sitting at one of the benches from how much rust was on it) , wasps and spiders pretty much took over the pavilions and the bathrooms. Spiders all over the bathroom, wasp nests on the bathroom walls. The brick stoves at both pavilions are broken and unusable. It is evident that no one takes care of the pavilions anymore nor cleans the bathrooms. At the second pavilion where the tree swing is the water source does not work at all and doesn't appear to be connected to anything. The bathrooms are not air conditioned and are incredibly uncomfortable to be in for periods of time due to the summer heat and the light cover in the men's bathroom is broken. Update 07/20/23: trash cans are overflowing, grass in much of the park is overgrown, toilet paper is always out in the bathrooms, in the men's bathroom the shower is broken and does not function. Only shower that works in the park is the women's side. the park manager won't do anything about fixing these problems and the park is also not very well lit at night and it's dangerous to drive at night for anyone who have issues with night driving. Both pavilions have spiderweb everywhere including under the tables and have wasp nests which can be a danger for anyone allergic to bee or wasp stings. My mother got bit on the foot by a spider at one of the pavilions and we are lucky it wasn't a brown recluse (fiddle-back) because she got sick for a while afterward. The manager is not very friendly towards dog owners and often blames them for issues with the park.
(Update August 17 2023)
I found out that someone contacted code enforcement and animal control on me and my mom and our animals even though we were only there for a little bit for a picnic. Mike may have called on us, we also found out someone has been making false rumors about us and constantly stared at us.
I will never return to this park and I suggest no one gives them any business because they do not maintain this park very well and the lake is filled with dangerous levels of algae. The swing is unsafe and chains damaged and we also had someone impersonate a code enforcer twice threatening us. Do not camp here because they will charge people who aren't local twice as much as someone who lives locally. Don't let your dogs drink the water from this park, my dogs got very sick from drinking the water from the rv slots water spickets. I honestly hope my dogs don't die from the water there because I will take Mike to court."

Christopher Beeson

"So I'm torn. My family and I are traveling and had planned to camp one night each leg of the trip. First off, the grounds is beautiful. Nice open area and easy access to the water.

The issue came to the campground. The rv spots were obvious. We couldn't find any signs where to find the tent sites, or an office. I tried to call but didnt realize come through as it was after 5. The email confirmations dont have any clear direction and the only mention of site locatiom on tbe website are the Proposed Changes to the location of where the tent sites would be.

Some maintenence gentlemen told me theyve seen people just picking a spot and setting up tents around the Rvs. So we did that. We were almost set up when a different gentleman pulled up and told us that he usually charges people am extra $10 and put tent campers in the rv spot without water running...and simply because we were already so close to being done set up he wouldnt force us to move to the other site but that next time he wanted me to pay for another tent site and use the rv spot.

Thats nice and all and I know its only another $10...but ive chosen not to go back for our back home treck. Because it felt kind of arm twisty. I prepayed a tent site, expected a tent site, but couldnt find them and some guy shows up later wanting me to pay more money for only a couple hours rest when we packed prepared for primal camping and dont need or have anything that needs electricity from the rv site. And this guy showing up wanting more money but if he saw that he had a tent site and have these hidden 'i usually's but he couldnt call me and let me know or make sure we were coming? Especially before the office closed to let me know?

It seems very odd."

Jordan “J. Lynn” Eldridge

What People Like

Beautiful lake views
Excellent stargazing
NPT trail access

What People Dislike

Poor facility maintenance
Unclear campground signage
Water quality concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake Durant Park and Campground is located off Route 28. For the Northville-Placid Trail, there are parking pull-offs on both sides of Route 28 where the trail crosses the road. Reddit

Yes, there are parking pull-offs along Route 28 for accessing the Northville-Placid Trail. Reddit

The park is not very well lit at night, which can make driving dangerous for those with night driving difficulties. Reddit

Signage for tent sites can be unclear, and it's recommended to confirm exact locations and check-in procedures beforehand. Reddit

The campground has RV spots, but tent site locations can be confusing. It's best to clarify your booking and site assignment. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Some reviews mention that non-local campers may be charged twice as much as local residents. It's advisable to inquire about specific pricing for your stay. Reddit

While specific hours aren't detailed, one review mentions that the office may be closed after 5 PM, impacting check-in procedures. Reddit

It's recommended to book in advance, especially given the potential for confusion regarding site locations and availability. Reddit

Information on day-use fees is not readily available, but parking pull-offs for trail access are mentioned. Reddit

One reviewer noted that the park manager is not very friendly towards dog owners and may blame them for park issues. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Reviews indicate pavilions are often poorly maintained, with cobwebs, rust, broken stoves, and wasp nests. Reddit

Bathrooms have been described as having spiders, wasp nests, overflowing trash, and missing toilet paper. Only the women's shower was reported as working. Reddit

At least one water source at a pavilion was reported as non-functional. It's advised to bring your own water. Reddit

Activities include fishing, stargazing, and access to the Northville-Placid Trail for hiking. Reddit

Concerns have been raised about the safety of a tree swing with damaged chains and potential spider bites. Reddit

🍽️ 🎣 Food & Dining

Yes, there are pavilions available for picnics, though their condition has been noted as poor. Reddit

Brick stoves at the pavilions are reported as broken and unusable. It's recommended to bring your own cooking equipment. Reddit

There is no mention of food vendors or stores within the park. It's best to bring all your own food and drinks. Reddit

Information on nearby dining options is not provided in the reviews. You'll likely need to travel to nearby towns for restaurants. Reddit

One reviewer reported their dogs got very sick from drinking water from the RV site spigots, suggesting it's not safe. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake offers beautiful sunrise views, and the lack of light pollution makes it ideal for astrophotography. Reddit

The natural setting around Lake Durant provides opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise. Reddit

No specific restrictions on photography were mentioned in the provided content. Reddit

Sunrise offers picturesque views of the lake. Nighttime is excellent for stargazing photography. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, the natural environment suggests potential for wildlife photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Lake Durant Park and Campground should be prepared for a rustic experience. While the open areas and lake access are appealing, the reported issues with pavilion and bathroom maintenance, including spiderwebs and wasp nests, require vigilance. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially around potential hazards like the tree swing with damaged chains. Reddit

Bringing your own entertainment and food is essential, as amenities are limited and cooking facilities may be broken. Confirming tent site locations in advance is crucial to avoid confusion and potential extra charges. The park's natural beauty, particularly for stargazing, can be a wonderful experience for families, but managing expectations regarding facility upkeep is key. Reddit

🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Lake Durant is a draw for fishing enthusiasts, with one reviewer having an 'amazing 2 days fishing.' The easy access to the water from the campground is a definite plus. For hikers, the proximity to the Northville-Placid Trail via Route 28 parking pull-offs provides excellent opportunities for exploration. Reddit

However, be aware of potential environmental concerns. The lake is reported to have dangerous levels of algae, and drinking water from spigots has caused illness in pets. It's advisable to research current water quality advisories and bring your own potable water. Despite these issues, the natural setting offers a good base for those seeking outdoor activities. Reddit

🚗 Budget Travelers

While Lake Durant Park and Campground offers a natural setting, budget travelers should be mindful of potential hidden costs and the need for self-sufficiency. One review mentioned that non-local campers might be charged double the rate of locals, so clarifying pricing upfront is essential. Reddit

Given the reported lack of maintenance and broken facilities, budget travelers will need to pack extra supplies, including cleaning materials and potentially their own cooking gear. The need to bring all food and water adds to the overall cost. However, for those prioritizing a natural escape and willing to overlook amenity issues, it can still be a viable option. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Campground Amenities

Lake Durant Campground's amenities have been a significant point of contention for visitors. Multiple reviews highlight issues with the cleanliness and functionality of pavilions and bathrooms. Expect to find cobwebs, rust, wasp nests, and overflowing trash cans. The brick stoves at the pavilions are reportedly broken and unusable, and water sources may not be connected or working. Reddit

This lack of maintenance means visitors should come prepared for a more rustic experience. Bringing your own cleaning supplies, bug spray, and potentially portable cooking equipment is highly recommended. The inconsistent state of facilities can detract from the overall camping experience, so managing expectations is key. Reddit

Furthermore, finding designated tent sites can be a challenge due to unclear signage. Some campers have reported being directed to set up in RV spots or being asked for additional fees upon arrival. It's crucial to confirm your booking details and arrival procedures with the park management in advance to avoid any misunderstandings or unexpected charges. Reddit

Accessing the Northville-Placid Trail

For hikers looking to explore the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT), Lake Durant Park offers convenient access points. There are designated parking pull-offs located on both sides of Route 28 precisely where the NPT crosses the road. This makes it an accessible starting or ending point for multi-day treks or shorter day hikes along this popular trail. Reddit

While the trail itself is mentioned as being potentially busy, the parking areas are described as simple pull-offs. This suggests a more informal access rather than a formal trailhead with extensive facilities. Hikers should be prepared for a wilderness experience, ensuring they have adequate supplies, navigation tools, and knowledge of trail conditions. Reddit

It's worth noting that one reviewer mentioned leaving a car at these pull-offs for a multi-day hike, indicating a level of trust in the security of these spots. However, as with any remote parking, it's always wise to take precautions and avoid leaving valuables visible. Reddit

Wildlife and Water Safety

While Lake Durant offers a natural setting, visitors should be aware of potential wildlife and water safety concerns. One review detailed a concerning incident where a visitor's mother was bitten by a spider at a pavilion, leading to illness. The presence of spiders and wasp nests in common areas poses a risk, especially for those with allergies. Reddit

Water safety is another critical issue. A significant concern raised is the lake's water quality, with one reviewer stating it's filled with dangerous levels of algae. Furthermore, drinking water from the RV site spigots reportedly made dogs very sick, strongly advising against its consumption. Reddit

Given these concerns, it's imperative for visitors to exercise caution. Bring your own potable water, be vigilant about potential insect bites, and supervise children and pets closely. If you plan on fishing, be aware of any local advisement regarding fish consumption. Reddit

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