As a mom, I can confidently say that Lake Gaston, NC is an amazing destination for families. First and foremost, the lake itself is a natural wonderland, offering endless opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and water sports. Right on the North Carolina and Virginia border sits the gorgeous Lake Gaston. This 20,000-acre lake is perfect for new or seasoned swimmers, boaters, kayakers, and everything in between.
If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Lake Gaston then you also need to know about what kind of accommodations would be perfect for your family or friends. Do you need a large property or something more modest? Do you need ample entertainment for the children or is it an adults only trip?
Below we will discuss some of the best places to go and fun activities to do and a selection of Lake Gaston rentals for every budget and preference.
Things to do in Lake Gaston
There are so many things to do in Lake Gaston, North Carolina for families. That said, we went ahead and narrowed down the list to make it super easy for you to plan your next vacation.
Take Out a Boat or Jet Ski
The great thing about Lake Gaston is no matter where you choose to stay there will be several marinas and boat ramps at your disposal.
If you haul your own boat to Lake Gaston, you will be able to find temporary parking at a marina.
If you don’t have your own boat or jet ski, Lake Gaston Summer Rentals has you covered.
Lake Gaston Summer rentals has several pontoon boats that you can rent for a day or rent for multiple days. They also offer jet ski rentals for a day, half a day, or overnight.
If you ever wanted to drive a boat but need some guidance, contact AF Wake and they will personalize a boat driving lesson based on your level of knowledge and skill. If your kids are too young to practice their driving skills, you can arrange for them to have wakeboarding or wakesurfing lessons so they can get in on some action too.
Drop a Line
If you love to fish or want to try it for the first time, the place to do it is at Lake Gaston. You and your kids can test your skills and luck trying to catch catfish, walleye, bass, pickerel, or bluegill.
Wanna real in the big one? Blues Brothers Charters has made a reputation of catching record-breaking sized fish. Fish that are over a certain weight are photographed then thrown right back into the water to help preserve the sport.
Prefer to keep what you catch? At Arthur’s Fishing Guide Service, you can fish with longtime resident and local legend Butch Arthur, known to fish in all weather conditions. Butch will teach you to locate, catch, and clean whatever fish is on the end of your line.
At Arthur’s Fishing Guide Service, you’re encouraged to bring your children so they can learn about and enjoy the sport of fishing or just relax out on the water.
Hiking
There are many trails filled with beautiful wilderness for you and the family to explore at Lake Gaston. Liberty Hill Trail is a 1.25-mile trail that goes around the lake.
This trail is mild and perfect for families with young children looking for a more leisurely walk. You can take a morning run to get the day started or take a walk to dry off from a day at the lake.
Visit a Winery
If you’re worried about leaving the kids back at the rental for this activity, fear not. Children are welcome at Rosemont Winery. During the summer, Rosemont Winery offers free concerts where everyone of all ages are welcome to come and explore the grounds and listen to live music. The grounds are lush, the wines delicious, and the atmosphere is just perfect for all occasions!
If you want an adults only day, you can book a wine tasting and be treated to a flight of four wines from a plethora of options. Try the dry yet sophisticated 2021 Rosé that goes perfectly with a warm afternoon, or perhaps the bright Virginia White is more to your taste.
The winery will provide snacks to go with your wine selection, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic and pair your wine with your favorite foods! Enjoy your food!
Dine Out
If you want a break from cooking or just want to try out some local food, there is no shortage of dining options at Lake Gaston.
The Pointe at Lake Gaston is the ultimate casual dining option where wearing shorts and flip-flops are welcome. Their menu has everything from fish & chips to brisket mac n’ cheese to street tacos. There are so many options you and your family may have to splurge and get a few plates to share.
Do you want to dress up and have a white tablecloth dining experience? Visit Watersview Restaurant and indulge in some elegance. Dinner options are elegant and come on big plates serving favorites like filet mignon, creamy cajun pasta, or herb brined bone-in pork chop.
Visit a Festival
At Lake Gaston they love a good festival.
Lake Gaston Lions Annual Seafood Festival is a major fundraiser to support the sight-impaired community. At this festival, there’s all-you-can-eat oysters, shrimp, fish, and hushpuppies, all-you-can-drink, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and live music.
Another food-focused festival is the Battle of the Barbeque. At this festival, avid grillers compete for the best BBQ in different categories for prizes.
The Lake Gaston Big Air Fair showcases athleticism and skill in all things water sports. You and your family will be treated to watching water sports athletes show off their best tricks while listening to great music, enjoying tasty food, and picking out some free swag to bring home.
Where to Stay at Lake Gaston – The Best Lake Gaston Rentals
Now that you know what activities and places to visit are at Lake Gaston the next step is to figure out where to stay during your vacation.
Below we will discuss just some of the wonderful Lake Gaston rentals you, your family, and friends can stay.
Blue Point
First on the list for Lake Gaston Rentals is Blue Pointe. If you’re looking for a room with a view, then Blue Point is the one for you. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom cottage can sleep up to twelve guests at a time.
While this rental comes with plenty of space, great amenities, and modern furnishings, what is really special about this property is the lot it sits on.
Blue Point is located at the mouth of a cove that opens up into a lake. You and your guests will have direct access to the water without having to worry about boat traffic.
With private dock access, you can swim, fish, or just take in a sunset lakeside. If you’re worried about your little ones who may not be able to swim yet, this property also has a large, completely fenced backyard so your children can run free without you having to worry about them getting too close to the water’s edge.
The Magnolia
Just like the flower it’s named for, The Magnolia is simply beautiful. This private lakefront villa can sleep up to nineteen guests at a time. No need to edit your guest list if you’re staying at The Magnolia. All are welcome!
Not only is this property spacious, it is immaculately decorated that strikes the balance between luxury and comfort. You can enjoy a coffee while taking in the sunrise on the sunrise porch and in the evening unwind with your favorite glass of wine on the sunset porch.
You read that right– there are two porches at this rental so you can have the perfect view of the sunrise and the sunset during your stay!
After taking a dip off your private dock, you and your children can play pool or video games in the game room or take in a movie in The Magnolia’s theater room. The owners of this property will also load up the refrigerator, arrange a wine tasting, or set up wakeboarding lessons for your kids if you so desire.
Talk about a hassle-free vacation!
Simply Irresistible on Lake Gaston
This cottage will be your home away from home. Simply Irresistible on Lake Gaston is a waterfront Lake Gaston rental property with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is perfect for a family looking to spend quality time together.
Complete with ample space, a lovely kitchen, and game room, this cottage will allow you to make wonderful memories with your family. As an extra bonus, Simply Irresistible comes equipped with kayaks, floating tubes, and an assortment of lifejackets for you to use at your leisure.
No need to worry about lugging that kayak from the house to water as all the equipment you need for a fun day out on the lake is kept in the boathouse right off your private dock.
At just seven minutes from restaurants and shops, you can easily take a trip into town to dine out and then return to your cottage just in time for a late board game in the game room.
Hook, Wine, and Sinker
If you’re looking to reconnect with old friends or get together with new ones, Hook, Wine, and Sinker is the perfect party pad for you.
This four-bedroom, four-bathroom property sleeps up to twelve guests at a time. You and your guests can kick back and have a cold drink on the waterside patio or waterside deck. If you’re the competitive type, test your skills with foosball or play a round of air hockey to see who reigns supreme.
If you want to take the competition up a notch, you and your pals can team up and play sandpit volleyball on the recently completed volleyball court. Feel free to grill up some favorites on the gas grill, then retire by the firepit in the evenings where you can make “s’more” memories fireside.
Big Water Lodge
If you’re planning a vacation with several kids in tow, Big Water Lodge is the place you want to stay. This rental with majestic lake views sleeps up to sixteen people. There are five bedrooms, and two of them include multiple bunk beds which allow up to ten children to sleep comfortably.
This house comes with all the bells and whistles including a large kitchen, comfy living room, two offices, swing set, and finished basement with tables, chairs, and toys all designed for your little one’s entertainment.
Of course, with a name like Big Water Lodge you would expect it to be right on the water and you would be correct! Big Water Lodge sits lakeside and has its own private dock and boathouse complete with kayaks and life jackets to use during your stay.
Right over the double boathouse is an enormous party deck perfect for entertaining guests or sunbathing on the reclining lounge chairs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Gaston Rentals
How can I book a boat or jet ski at Lake Gaston Rentals?
You can book specific boats and jet skis on their website.
How much do wakeboarding and wake surfing lessons cost at AF Wake?
If you bring your own boat, the price will range between $105 to $175 per hour for wakeboarding or wakesurfing lessons.
If AF Wake uses one of their boats, the price will range between $215 to $275 per hour for wakeboarding or wake surfing lessons.
More information can be found here.
How can I book a stay at one of the vacation rentals in this article?
If one or more of the rentals piqued your interest, make sure to check out their website for pricing, availability, and additional features. All reservations can be done online through each rentals’ website.
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Pin-it for later: Lake Gaston Rentals
