Bridging the border between North Carolina and Virginia, Lake Gaston isn’t just a blue blob on the map — it’s where nature flirts with nostalgia and where you can have as much or as little adventure as you like.
Whether you’re plan is to take the boat out on the water, or swing in a hammock beneath the canopies of pines, there’s nothing quite like a camping trip by the glistening glass waters of Lake Gaston.
But Lake Gaston is 20,000 acres in size, so you need to pick your Lake Gaston RV Park carefully to make sure you are staying at the right spot.
In this guide, we share our experience staying at Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park, which we feel is the perfect place to stay on Lake Gaston, so you can decide if this is the right place for a camping trip from Raleigh.
About Lake Gaston
Lake Gaston is a picturesque reservoir located in both North Carolina and Virginia. The man-made lake was created in 1963 because of the construction of the Gaston Dam on the Roanoke River.
This impressive engineering feat was undertaken to generate hydroelectric power, provide flood control, and supply water for nearby communities.
The lake spans over thirty-four miles, covers over 20,000 acres, and has over 350 miles of shoreline. It’s no surprise that this lake is a popular vacation destination for those seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation.
What is Lake Gaston, North Carolina known for?
One of the main reasons people visit Lake Gaston is for its wide range of water activities. From boating, tubing, and fishing to swimming, paddleboarding, and water skiing – there’s something here for everyone.
It’s a fishing enthusiast’s paradise, since the lake is stocked with game fish, including several species of bass and catfish, as well as sunfish, crappie, and rock fish. Other species of fish sometimes caught are walleye, yellow perch, and chain pickerel.
The lush forests and rolling hills surrounding the lake make it a great spot for hiking and biking, with several scenic trails located in the surrounding areas. In addition, visitors can enjoy golfing, birdwatching, and even hunting in the nearby forests.
You get to choose whether you want an active camping getaway, or if, like us, you’re in need of more of a rest, you can have that too. We spent our days swimming, paddleboarding, and roasting s’mores around the campfire.
There’s also a lot to do in nearby Halifax County (part of which Lake Gaston is situated in) We absolutely loved the small-town of Littleton and the exciting reinvention it’s currently going through. Here is our itinerary for Halifax County.
Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park
One of the most popular and accessible places to camp at Lake Gaston is the Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Campground, which is located in a nicely wooded area on the southern shores of Lake Gaston near Littleton in North Carolina.
The park offers a variety of amenities, including full RV hookups, tent sites, laundry facilities, and a clubhouse with a kitchen and TV.
There’s also a swimming pool, playground, and dog park on-site, making it a great option for families with children and pets. There’s also a free WiFi hot spot, laundry facilities with washers and dryers, and a boat ramp and marina where you can launch your own boats/kayaks.
We’ve stayed at a lot of Thousand Trails campsites during our RV trip across the US, and the Lake Gaston one is a rather good one.
What is a Thousand Trails Campsite?
A Thousand Trails RV campsite is a type of campground that offers outdoor enthusiasts a unique and affordable way to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying a variety of recreational activities.
Developed by the Thousand Trails company, these campgrounds are located throughout the United States and offer a membership-based system for visitors. Members gain access to a network of campgrounds across the country, allowing them to explore different regions and enjoy diverse landscapes.
Thousand Trails campgrounds typically feature spacious RV and tent sites, as well as resort amenities such as swimming pools, hiking trails, fishing ponds, and community centers.
The campgrounds are often nestled in scenic areas, providing a serene and peaceful environment for campers to retreat to.
Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, a Thousand Trails campsite offers a convenient and enjoyable way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
We had a Thousand Trails membership (the lowest friend referral tier) on our RV trip across the USA. It saved us money, as once you have a membership, you don’t have to pay nightly camping fees.
Again, you reserve your spot in advance, but it’s first-come come-first first-served basis to claim a spot.
It’s a high-priced membership, so you do want to ensure you will camp fairly often to use it. You are restricted to using just other Thousand Trails campsites, with locations across the country.
The good news is you don’t need a membership to stay in a Thousand Trails campground.
They have rates for non-members. As it’s a camping resort, it has more amenities, so it tends to be higher-priced compared to other campsites. This may suit those wanting more resort-style facilities, especially for families.
Tent Sites & RV Sites
What’s great about the campsites at Lake Gaston is that they are heavily wooded, so it will give you that true nature camping experience. There’s nothing I hate more than an RV park that’s just a parking lot.
Most sites will have a pretty view – either woods or the lake – as well as a fire pit and picnic table.
It’s important to note that while you can reserve a spot online (recommended), all sites are first-come, first-served. This is typical of Thousand Trails sites. So, arrive early so you can choose a good spot. Check-in time is 12pm. There will be a lot of long-term seasonal RVers taking up the spots, so you may have to settle for what’s left over. But you’ll be granted a large dose of serenity no matter what.
Once you check in, you’re told what sites are available, and you can go and have a look before you claim a spot. You may want to be quick if there is a line of people waiting.
We were tent camping and ended up with a tiny spot crammed to the side in the woods. It was not ideal, and there was no power!
Lake Gaston has ten shaded tent sites, and at $59 a night for no power, I find it super expensive! But that’s the way the US is right now for everything.
Thankfully, we didn’t get any neighbors during our stay as these tent sites were close to each other. We could spread out a bit, which was a blessing.
There are a large number of RV sites, but only a small number have shaded full hook-ups. These sites for RVs up to 38′ offer water and thirty-amp electric. You select your site upon arrival. 50 amp or sewer is based upon availability at check-in. They start at $83 a night, and reduce to $72 per night if you stay for a week or more.
Always check current prices before booking, as they can change seasonally and may not be accurate as to when this post was published.
Read more reviews on TripAdvisor. If you don’t have much experience with tent camping, we have lots of tips for you!
Video: Weekend camping getaway at Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park
Things to do at Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park
If you’re paying those high prices for camping, you want to ensure there is no shortage of unique activities for you to enjoy. At the Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park, you have a lot to choose from, and it’s a real family-oriented environment.
When it comes to things to do while camping at Lake Gaston RV Park, visitors can take advantage of the park’s boat rentals to explore the lake, go fishing, or simply relax by the water.
Many guests like to get around on golf carts as well, so bring your own if you have it! Although I think it’s small enough to easily get around on foot.
Swimming Beaches
There are two swimming beaches located in the RV park area. One is better suited to water activities, the other is much smaller and a little reedier, but still adequate for swimming.
There were a lot of midges/sandflies on the beach, so bring your repellent. There is also not a lot of shade. Our Sun Ninja Tent was too big to put up on such a small beach.
Water Activities
If you have a kayak or paddle board, I suggest bringing it on your camping trip. We have an inflatable paddle board from Body Glove and love it! We enjoyed taking ours out on the water.
I went out on my own early one morning and almost had the lake to myself. It was so calm and serene, and I paddled over to one of the picturesque coves on the other side. You will need to be careful of boats and water skiers zipping past, though.
Of course, fishing is popular on Lake Gaston, and there are several piers to fish off. The lake is well stocked with game fish.
So bring your fishing gear. Many bring their own boats to the park, but you can rent boats upon arrival. It’s first-come, first-served!
Games and Playgrounds + Pools
Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park has plenty of courts for you to enjoy some game time with a group of friends.
There are beach volleyball courts, tetherball, horseshoe throwing, and gaga ball courts. In fact, this was the first place we ever heard of Gaga ball.
There is also a small kids’ playground and a swimming pool. For us, if you have a lake this beautiful, why would you swim in a chemical-laden pool? But each to their own!
We enjoyed sitting in the common area by the lake, playing cards, and enjoying the sunset.
Mini-Golf
We enjoyed playing a few rounds of mini golf to fill in some time when we got bored of swimming and sunbaking. It’s a small course with a pretty setting on the lake.
Hiking
Normally, we’d be out enjoying the hiking trails, but on this camping trip, we stuck to a small walk around the RV Park! There are many trails in the Lake Gaston area for you to enjoy.
Enjoy sunrise or sunset on the lake
Sunset is always a treat on Lake Gaston. So, head to the water with your cooler and snacks!
General Store
There is a general store that sells some food, fishing gear, camp gear, drinks, ice cream etc. The girls loved the ice cream, and Craig said the burgers were delicious! We found the service here to be great and the friendly staff are helpful. It was that way throughout the park.
Planned activities
Families especially will love the wide variety of planned activities and seasonal entertainment the resort puts on.
So be sure to check the schedule each day. When we were there, they had bingo, arts and crafts, and a well-attended dance party at night that was well attended.
They have regular church services and special occasion events!
The nearby town of Littleton offers several shops and restaurants to explore, and there are several wineries and breweries located in the surrounding areas.
How to get to Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park
The lake is easily accessible by car and is about a 90 min drive from Raleigh, North Carolina. There are also several airports located within a two-hour drive from the lake for those flying in.
The Address is 561 Fleming Dairy Rd., Littleton, NC 27850
And if you wanted to stay in Lake Gaston, but not camp, you can use the handy map below to help you find some vacation rentals.
FAQS about Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park
Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Lake Gaston.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed at Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park, but must be kept on a leash and supervised at all times. They’re not permitted in common building areas, the pool, or most lake areas, except designated pet zones. Clean up after your pets.
How long should you visit Lake Gaston for?
If you’re planning a trip to Lake Gaston, it’s recommended to stay for at least a few days to take advantage of all the activities and attractions the area has to offer.
When is check in / check out at the Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park?
Nice and easy answer for you, check in and check out is at 12pm for Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park!
Is there a dump station at the RV Park?
Of course! Honeywagon service is also available at Thousand Trails Lake Gaston RV Park for a nominal charge, 3 times per week. Sign-up is required the day before, and the service is not available on your day of arrival or your day of departure.
Is Lake Gaston man-made?
Lake Gaston is a 20,000-acre artificial lake, created as a result of the construction of the Gaston Dam. It’s roughly 40% the size of Kerr Reservoir and 450% larger than Roanoke Rapids Lake, which is situated downstream.
When was Lake Gaston built?
The Lake Gaston dam was built in 1963 by Virginia Power and Electric Company (now Dominion Virginia Power), just south of the Virginia/North Carolina border.
Are there alligators in Lake Gaston?
No. Alligators have not been found in Lake Gaston, they do not venture that far inland in North Carolina.
Are there snakes in Lake Gaston?
The copperhead, cottonmouth, and timber rattlesnake are three venomous snake species still found in or near Lake Gaston.
Final thoughts
Lake Gaston is a beautiful and exciting vacation destination that offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking to camp at the Lake Gaston RV Park or simply spend a day on the water, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this stunning North Carolina Lake.
Camping in a beautiful natural environment like this can give you vast amounts of Zen benefits you need to survive the chaos of everyday life. Obviously, the longer the better!
We really enjoyed camping here as an alternative to our favorite camping place near Raleigh: Kerr Lake
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