Lake Gaston stretches about 35 miles along the Roanoke River, covering more than 20,000 acres with 350 miles of shoreline in Virginia and North Carolina.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Gaston, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The Virginia side lies in Brunswick and Mecklenburg counties near South Hill, and Gaston Dam, built in 1963, sits downstream on the North Carolina side below Buggs Island Lake.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Gaston
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Lake Gaston with no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Lake Gaston, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Lake Gaston.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Lake Gaston while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Gaston at a glance
| Location | Brunswick and Mecklenburg |
|---|---|
| Size | More than 20,000 acres |
| Length | About 35 miles |
| Shoreline | About 350 miles |
| Created | 1963 |
| Upstream | Buggs Island Lake |
Best things to do on Lake Gaston
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Sandbar stops – shallow coves on calm days.
Where to launch at Lake Gaston
- Public ramps – launches on the Virginia side of the lake.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Gaston
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Virginia requires an observer besides the driver when towing unless the rider wears a life jacket.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in Virginia.
Virginia boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed by one must wear one. Inflatable life jackets aren't allowed on jet skis.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver unless the person being towed wears a life jacket, so plan on both. Towing behind a boat is allowed only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver, and jet skis must slow to no-wake speed within 50 feet of docks, piers, boat ramps, people in the water and other boats.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, and watch for local speed limits set by each lake.
Map of Lake Gaston
Lake Gaston rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Gaston?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Lake Gaston myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Lake Gaston, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is the Virginia side of Lake Gaston?
In Brunswick and Mecklenburg counties, near South Hill.
Can you jet ski on Lake Gaston?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Gaston.
How big is Lake Gaston?
More than 20,000 acres, about 35 miles long with 350 miles of shoreline.
Do you rent on the North Carolina side too?
Yes. We also have rentals ready on the North Carolina side, and each side has its own page.