Lake Gaston

Brunswick & Mecklenburg Counties, Virginia, USA

Lake Gaston is one of Virginia’s most desirable recreational and residential lakes.

20,300 acres

Surface Area

95 ft

Max Depth

350 miles

Shoreline

1963

Created

Crystal Dickens

Realtor, Strategic Pricing Specialist, Certified Luxury Home Specialist | Pointe Realty Group

I’m proud to be voted Lake Gaston’s Favorite Real Estate Agent and one of the area’s top producers. As a full-time resident with over 500 transactions since 2004, I’m passionate about delivering extraordinary service, standout marketing, and a genuine commitment to helping you find your perfect Lake Gaston home.

252-326-4194

crystaldickens@gmail.com

www.CrystalDickens.com

Find Your Lake Home

About Lake Gaston

Lake Gaston was engineered as part of a hydroelectric chain on the Roanoke River, extending across Virginia and North Carolina. Completed in 1963, it provides both power generation and recreational enjoyment for thousands of residents and visitors. Its consistent water levels and wide channels make it one of the safest and most predictable lakes for boating and fishing.

The Virginia side features several well-developed communities such as Gasburg, Bracey, and Ebony, each offering waterfront living, marinas, and local hospitality. Visitors can explore peaceful coves, dine lakeside, or enjoy the stunning sunsets from the Gaston Dam overlook. The area is also rich in cultural history, small-town charm, and access to regional attractions like the South Hill Wine Trail and Lake Country’s golf resorts.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Occoneechee State Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Location: Brunswick & Mecklenburg Counties, Virginia
Surface Area: 20,300 acres
Shoreline: Over 350 miles
Average Depth: 40 feet (maximum ~95 feet)
Elevation: 200 feet above sea level
Created: 1963 (Gaston Dam / Dominion Energy)
Water Source: Roanoke River
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill
Average Summer Water Temperature: ~78°F
Nearby Towns: Gasburg, Bracey, South Hill, and Lawrenceville

Lake Gaston Vacation Homes For Rent

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Lake Gaston EVENT GUIDE

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Lake Gaston DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Boating & Jet Skiing: The wide-open main lake and well-marked coves are ideal for powerboats, pontoons, and personal watercraft.

Fishing Adventures: The Virginia side is popular for striped bass and catfish fishing, with multiple access ramps and tournament venues.

Marina Dining: Dock-and-dine restaurants like WatersView and Shady Shack provide lakeside meals and live entertainment.

Golf & Relaxation: Play a round at Tanglewood Shores Golf Club, or spend the afternoon exploring boutique shops in South Hill.

Camping & Trails: Occoneechee State Park offers lakeside camping, trails, and wildlife viewing along the dam’s north end.

Access, marinas & ramps

Public Ramps: The Gasburg Public Ramp and Holly Grove Marina provide convenient launch areas with ample parking.

Full-Service Marinas: Options include Americamps, The Club, and Shady Shack, all offering rentals, storage, and fuel.

Private Access: Several gated neighborhoods offer private docks and secure slips for residents.

Accessibility: Located just off I-85, Lake Gaston is a quick drive from Richmond, Petersburg, and South Hill—making weekend getaways easy.

Safety & regulations

Boating Compliance: All operators must follow Virginia Boating Safety regulations; courses are available online and locally.
Fishing License: Either Virginia or North Carolina licenses are accepted throughout most of the lake.
Environmental Awareness: Lake residents emphasize clean boating and shoreline preservation, with recycling and litter programs sponsored by the Lake Gaston Association.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Occoneechee State Park: Just 35–40 minutes northwest of Lake Gaston, Occoneechee State Park near Clarksville features stunning lake overlooks, wooded trails, camping areas, and a marina. It’s one of Virginia’s most scenic state parks—ideal for hiking, picnicking, or wildlife spotting.
South Hill & Rosemont Vineyards: A short drive north brings you to South Hill, home to boutique shops, local restaurants, and Rosemont Vineyards & Winery, where you can enjoy tastings, tours, and weekend events in a beautiful countryside setting.
Clarksville on the Lake: Virginia’s only official lakefront town is about 40 minutes from Lake Gaston. Walk the historic downtown streets, browse antique stores, and dine with lake views. Don’t miss the Virginia Lake Festival (“LakeFest”) every July—one of the state’s premier summer celebrations.
Brunswick County Heritage Museum: Located in Lawrenceville, this local museum showcases the area’s rich history, from Native American culture to the Civil War and the early railroad era. It’s an educational and inspiring stop for history enthusiasts.
Tanglewood Shores Golf & Country Club: Enjoy a relaxing round of golf at this beautiful semi-private course in Bracey, featuring tree-lined fairways, water views, and a welcoming clubhouse open to visitors.
Buggs Island (Kerr Lake) Excursion: Just a short drive west, explore Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Lake)—Virginia’s largest reservoir—with sandy beaches, additional marinas, and abundant fishing opportunities. It’s a great way to experience both of Virginia’s most beloved lakes in one trip.
Local Shopping & Dining: Gasburg and Bracey offer cozy lakeside restaurants, general stores, and outdoor outfitters for boat rentals, bait, and souvenirs. Stop at WatersView Restaurant or The Pointe at Lake Gaston for a meal with a stunning sunset view over the water.

Events & community

Lake Gaston’s Virginia side features a strong community spirit with festivals, fireworks, and boating events. The Gasburg Volunteer Fire Department hosts an annual Fourth of July Parade and BBQ, while marinas hold poker runs and lighted boat shows. The Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce and LGA (Lake Gaston Association) support business growth, tourism, and environmental stewardship, ensuring the area remains vibrant and welcoming year-round.