Gaston's White River Resort - Lakeview, Arkansas

Gaston’s White River Resort: A Comprehensive Overview

Gaston’s White River Resort, located at 1777 River Rd, Lakeview, AR 72642, United States, presents a compelling destination for travelers seeking a blend of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences. With a dedicated phone line at 8704315202 and a detailed website at gastons.com, the resort offers a wealth of information for prospective guests. This resort distinguishes itself as a resort hotel, boasting an airstrip for convenient access, and offering a variety of activities including fishing charters and a charming gift shop. Furthermore, guests can enjoy delicious meals at the resort’s restaurant. The overall atmosphere suggests a strong focus on providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors of all kinds.

Location and Setting

Nestled along the White River, Gaston’s White River Resort benefits from a picturesque setting. The location itself is a significant draw, providing immediate access to the river's renowned fishing opportunities and stunning natural beauty. The resort is situated in Lakeview, Arkansas, a region known for its rich wildlife and serene landscapes. The proximity to the river creates a tranquil environment, ideal for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The expansive grounds contribute to the feeling of space and privacy, further enhancing the resort’s appeal. The surrounding area features diverse wildlife, including peacocks, adding to the resort’s unique charm.

Amenities and Activities

Gaston’s White River Resort caters to a diverse range of interests. Beyond the core offerings of a resort hotel, several features contribute to a comprehensive experience. The presence of an airstrip immediately sets it apart, suggesting a commitment to accommodating guests with private aircraft. The fishing charters are a major draw, capitalizing on the White River’s reputation as a premier fishing destination. The gift shop provides opportunities to purchase souvenirs and local goods, while the restaurant offers a place to indulge in meals and refreshments. Notably, the resort actively promotes wildlife viewing, with numerous opportunities to observe local fauna, including the distinctive peacocks roaming the grounds – a feature frequently mentioned positively by guests. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore the river and its surroundings, contributing to a sense of adventure and connection with nature.

Guest Feedback and Observations

Based on publicly available reviews, Gaston’s White River Resort consistently receives positive feedback, with an average rating of 4.5/5 on Google My Business. While some guests have highlighted minor aspects for improvement, the overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction and enjoyment. The consistent praise for the guides, particularly Dave, underscores the quality of the fishing charters and the expertise of the resort’s staff. Many guests specifically mention the abundance of wildlife, including the peacocks, as a highlight of their visit. The cabin accommodation is generally described as “decent,” suggesting a comfortable and functional base for exploring the resort. However, there's a recurring note regarding the restaurant, with some comments suggesting that the cuisine could benefit from more robust seasoning. Despite this, guests consistently emphasize the overall value and positive experience provided by the resort. The “great service” and “awesome guide” comments consistently point to a dedication to customer satisfaction.

Recommended Information for Visitors

For prospective guests considering a visit to Gaston’s White River Resort, several key pieces of information are recommended. Firstly, booking well in advance is advisable, particularly during peak season, due to the popularity of the fishing charters. Guests should consider the cabin options carefully, as while generally comfortable, they may not offer the same level of luxury as the hotel rooms. The restaurant, while providing edible and decent servings, might benefit from exploring different culinary styles. Finally, be prepared to embrace the natural surroundings and take advantage of the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities – the peacocks are a particular highlight.

Key Features Summary:

• Resort Hotel: Comfortable and well-maintained accommodations.
• Airstrip: Convenient access for private aircraft.
• Fishing Charters: Guided fishing excursions on the White River.
• Gift Shop: A selection of souvenirs and local goods.
• Restaurant: On-site dining with a range of menu options.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe local fauna, including peacocks.

👍 Reviews of Gaston's White River Resort

Tony S.

5/5

Place was great, 1st timer, service was great - got a guide for one day ( recommend ) - We had Dave. Dave was awesome, Dave put us on the fish, we limited out, then he put us where the trophies lurked. He did all the things. Lots of wildlife up and down the river. Zoo was neat, peacocks were cool. Cabin was decent, no complaints. the restaurant.... ehh.. edible, decent servings, but., do they not know about spices? The blackened chicken pasta lacked any actual flavor. - minor details for an otherwise really awesome trip.

FoodieFreak479

I fish all over the world. This is a top 10 resort for any fresh water fishing. Huge brown and plentiful rainbow. Great lodging and a delicious restaurant. We've been several times, and used a different guide each time. They have all been excellent.

Adrienne L.

5/5

I cannot say enough nice things about Gastons. Ease of booking, thanks to the best front desk staff, and flexible with changes. Truly wonderful staff and accommodations. Also pet friendly which I must have. Immaculate and pristine grounds and rooms. Incredible restraunt onsite open for every meal. From A to Z this is an extraordinary place to spend some time. Cabins sit right on the water and are not duplexes, they are individuals. Fantastic for people and couples to not have to listen to others kids through a thin wall... while I was here it rained heavily steadily. It dampened (haha) my stay. So I spent time in the restaurant and bar. If I could give the restaurant, host, bar, chef, servers and other staff more than five stars I absolutely would. I was very well taken care of on a very busy holiday weekend. There are peacocks and planes (yes airplanes) and lots of wildlife. If you are reading this, book it. Book it and be glad you did. Please over tip the staff. They earn it, they are worth it, and they are a cut above all the rest. I sat most of the weekend and watched the river go by and watched all the boats and the people fishing in the storm and it was sublime. It was magical honestly. My bed faced a giant window, and I woke up to a breathtaking view every morning.
Thank you Gastons, you are doing it right. The ozarks is lucky to have you.
Blessings

Aldenloaferman

We stayed three nights in cabin 4 the first few days of February and the experience was wonderful! The staff are all enthusiastic about making your stay memorable. Whether it's walking into the restaurant, going in the office/gift shop, walking down to the boat dock or meeting your fishing guide, they all have a smile on their face and a friendly greeting.| |Highlights - the food quality is excellent. The breakfast buffet is well stocked, and you can also order omelets, French toast, etc. cooked to order. Many of the desserts are homemade: key lime pie, lavender cheesecake and turtle pie - these are worth the trip by themselves. The chef is in the kitchen and comes out to visit with everyone. The dinner specials are delicious: prime rib, ribeyes, trout cooked any way you want it, and other entrees. The sandwiches for lunch are a must - soft fresh bread and heaping with meat and cheese with home made french fries. Some have said the restaurant decor is dated, but it tells a story, the story of the Gaston family, the story of Bull Shoals lake and dam, and the story of trout fishing in Arkansas. ||The cabins are clean as a whistle, towels are changed daily, the water pressure is strong. Our cabin had a fireplace and we built a nice fire each night. They supply the firewood, and to top it off they also supply cedar kindling each day to get your fire started. We had a medium sized TV and many cable stations. The wi-fi is good for email, a little slow with my some of my work software. It looks like these cabins were built in the 60s and 70s; so, the rooms, bathroom and kitchen are a little smaller that what you find in a newly built resort hotel. But remember, this is a fishing resort and not the Four Seasons. The cabins we have stayed in, have all been updated. ||We fished with a guide two days. The fishing was fabulous. We had breakfast at 6:30 am and then got in a fishing boat at 7:30. A great guide is priceless. He put us on the fish, in the right spots with the right bait, and we loved it. It was cold on the river, around 40 degrees at the start. I wore two pair of long underwear and heavy trousers with a ski jacket, gloves, balaclava, and took hand warmers. Stayed warm all morning. We dressed like a winter football game or snow skiing. We went back to the dock at 11:30, had lunch at the restaurant, then back on the river from 12:30 to 3 or so. We caught many small to medium rainbow trout, their steady action was great, but the magic was the brown trout. We caught 6 pretty large, 20 to 22 inch, brown trout over 2 days. Some of the biggest trout we have ever caught on the White River. You know I doled out a couple of big tips! If your wife has never fished, this is perfect for her. The guide will bait her line, cast her rod, take her fish off the hook, and put the fish in her hands so you can take the photo of a lifetime. It doesn't get any better than this. ||I'm a banker in Little Rock and have never met any of the Gastons, but I admire a well run operation, and that's just what this is. Gaston's resort is living history for the state of Arkansas and surrounding areas. It is in some ways similar to the experience you find at the larger National Parks out west. The restaurant, bar, and office are packed with the history of the area, the story of Bull Shoals Dam and the resulting sport of trout fishing in Arkansas. It provides a first class experience. We have a gem in our midst.

Joe T.

5/5

Just stayed at Gaston’s for 2 nights from 11/15-11/17. Rooms were fine for what we needed and signed up for. Might upgrade to a bigger cabin next time. Beautiful area. Staff at the lodge and restaurant/bar were all super friendly and accommodating. Food at the restaurant was great! Did a little bank fishing that produced more than expected and did a full day trip with Dalton. He was a great guide that put us on the trout and was a pleasure to be with out on the water! Would absolutely recommend staying here and can’t wait to come back!

755mikaelm

I had reserved a room for three days of fishing, however my guide called and cancelled due to weather. Gaston’s would not refund the deposit nor did they even offer to use the deposit for the following year. This is not how a business should treat repeating customers. Never ever going there again.

Boone

2/5

We fly in for dining quite often. The setting is beautiful and the food was adequate but the service was nonexistent. We never saw our server after we were seated and ordered. We eventually asked one of the other servers for more coffee and she was very pleasant.
After waiting an extended period of time, we went to the front counter and asked for our check. The lady who had originally greeted us went to find our server but she offered no apology or explanation and made no effort toward service recovery.
Mistakes happen and can be a great opportunity for professional service recovery that could have made all the difference - well run organizations know how important this is.
We will fly in again and hopefully the leadership will make the effort to work with the service staff to improve the customer experience.

Sgt O.

5/5

Visited Gaston's on 9 Aug, 2024 with my nephew. We felt 24 was the best landing and 06 the best takeoff. On the 06 takeoff, there are a few trees to your left that you will need to sidestep and establish a positive right turn climb as soon as possible. Use all of the available grass unless your in a low speed take off plane. Food was great, waitress was AWESOME and the restaurant atmosphere was perfect.