The Small Town Lake In North Carolina That’s An Idyllic Summer Day Trip

The small-town lake in North Carolina, Lake Gaston, is a shimmering jewel on the North Carolina/Virginia border, especially at sunset when the fading light hits it just so. It is accessible to the public at the Lake Gaston Day Use Area in Littleton — the little town with a big heart. While part of it lives in Littleton, this lake's 20,300 surface acres of revitalizing water offer more than 350 miles of shoreline. And that's what we're talking about.

The Lake Gaston Day Use Area is free, and you can drive right in and park in the designated area near the water.

Get there early to find a good spot for your chairs and blankets.

Be sure to read the rules for everyone's safety.

The public swimming area has a nice sandy beach.

You can see the string of plastic buoys roped together as a safety line to keep the boats out.

Try your luck and drop a line from the fishing pier.

Lake Gaston is well-stocked with large-mouth bass, striped bass or rockfish, crappie, sunfish, several varieties of catfish, and maybe a walleye or some other surprises.

Get out your picnic lunch here for some shady relief from the sun, or grill some hotdogs.

If you're having a party, the shelter can hold up to 40 people on a first-come, first-served basis for free.

You'll have so much fun in this gorgeous place, the time will fly by.

And before you know it, it's time to go.

Take a moment to look back at the golden sunset, because the water was never more beautiful.

On your way out of town, be sure to order a yummy pizza, pasta, or a hot sub at the long-time Italian favorite, Casa Mia's.

Don't let the little building fool you.

The staff at this place makes a mean pizza, and we love the Hawaiian the best.

Discover more on Casa Mia’s Facebook page.

We know you'll have a blast at this small-town lake in North Carolina. For more information about the Lake Gaston Day Use Area and other recreational day-use areas nearby, visit Dominion Energy's website.

And stop by the creepy Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum. Be sure to call ahead to see if any ghost tours are scheduled at 631- 220-1231.