Gaston County Park
Rate this placeNearby: Martha Rivers Park Lineberger Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gaston County Park is a popular recreational destination located in the state of North Carolina.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including fishing, hiking, boating, and picnicking. One of the main attractions of the park is the beautiful Lake Gaston, which covers over 20,000 acres and is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.
Other points of interest at Gaston County Park include a variety of hiking and walking trails, a playground area for children, and several picnic shelters. The park also has a boat ramp, making it easy for visitors to launch their boats and explore the lake.
Interesting facts about Gaston County Park include that it is located in the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont, which is known for its rolling hills and beautiful scenery. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and herons.
The best time of year to visit Gaston County Park is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. However, the park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year.
Overall, Gaston County Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in North Carolina. With its beautiful lake, scenic hiking trails, and variety of recreational activities, it is a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Kings Mountain State Park
|
||
McDowell Nature Preserve
|
||
Hounds Gateway Campground
|
Martha Rivers Park
Lineberger Park
New Hope Recreation Area
Sims Legion Park
Gaston County Park at Chapel Grove