Rankin Lake Park
Rankin Lake Park
4.5
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
115 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
38
Average
1
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Hazel S
1 contribution
Sep 2021
The gunfire is invasive, loud, and completely detracts from the serenity of the lake. Wish there could be a way to shut the ranges down or limit their hours.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trish A
Gastonia, NC4 contributions
Apr 2021
The gun fire is disturbing! My lab was very upset by it and so was I. Also, I picked up a straw and another piece of plastic on my run. Is it possible to BAN single use plastics in parks and especially where there are bodies of water and wildlife?
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
npotter2017
Charlotte, NC145 contributions
Sep 2020
As mentioned by some of the other reviewers, this park is located very near to at least one, perhaps two, firing ranges. The sound of gunfire is loud and distracting and is the only reason I didn't give this park 5 stars. On the far side of the park the gunfire is so loud that you want to duck and run. Besides the strange gunfire, the park is gorgeous with lots to offer including boat rentals, fishing, large shelters and wonderful trails. Although you will want to just sit and stare at the water all day, don't - instead look for wildflowers and native plants and butterflies lining the water's edge including Joe Pye Weed, Muscadine grapes, Golden Rod, and various asters. Take the trail off to the left of the bathrooms to enter a bamboo forest and access other trails. The park is located directly behind Wendy's - follow the road right next to Wendy's until you see the park parking lot.
Written 14 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony M
Gastonia, NC20 contributions
Sep 2019
This place is great. They've revamped and renovated it in the last few years. You can run or walk around the lake, about 1.5miles. They also have boat and peddle boat rentals as well as kayaks. There are family picnic shelter too for large gatherings and fishing piers as well. This is a great place.
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gee1227201230
Arlington, VA76 contributions
Jul 2019
This is a beautiful lake and the fishing is wonderful and relaxing. they have several walking paths with very nice nature that you would love. They have several areas too meet and greet under a covering also.
Written 26 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam M
Swaffham, UK73 contributions
Sep 2019
I am travelling with my son who is autistic. Although other reviews mentioned the noise from the range I didn't appreciate it was so close. My son could not cope with the noise and we had to leave soon after arriving. The noise is intrusive.
Written 28 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tammy W
Gastonia, North Carolina3 contributions
Jun 2019
Great place for our family reunion. Lots of things to do there or just to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Written 3 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goose
20 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
The walk around the lake has always a great experience for me. I love the cleanliness of the walkway and I like looking at the water creatures.
Written 7 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PattyHNashville_TN
NASHVILLE156 contributions
May 2019 • Business
Walked around the lake for exercise, Memorial Day morning. Plenty of people around so I felt completely safe. The gun range DOES make a racket.
Written 30 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael T
Shelby, NC510 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Rankin Lake park has a lot to offer if you need space, nature and recreation. The first option at the park are the picnic areas. The park has several covered picnic shelters, a few are right near the lake, others are in the wooded areas away from the lake. We enjoy the picnic shelters on the lake's edge. Next option at the park is the walking or jogging track that circles the entire lake. Bicycling or dog walking is also allowed on the path. Along the path are three large observations decks. A third option is fishing from the decks or the shore line. A playground for the children is across from lake. You may park near the playground or if you park near the lake you may cross the boardwalk to the playground. A few wild animals may also be seen while spending time at the park. Also just find a quiet spot, put the headphones on, and just relax. This is a modern park with a design for optimum enjoyment and recreation. If you happen to hear gun fire while there just know that the city of Gastonia operates a skeet and pistol range that is nearby but protected and away from the park activities.
Written 2 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone have any pictures of the inside of the clubhouse?
LKNCHOWHOUND
Cornelius, NC9,831 contributions
Such a beautiful day, I did not think to take any.
farrarkaren
Gastonia, NC1 contribution
Is there a place to have a wedding outside and a banquet hall for a reception
MarlaPB
Gastonia, NC25 contributions
They call it a clubhouse but used for receptions, church groupsetc
How's the fishing...w
daveenas
Gastonia, NC23 contributions
The lake usually has people fishing and I have asked" how"s it going?"and always get different response. You can rent a small boat with a motor or paddle a canoe to get out deeper. People can also fish from the two piers they have or from a couple of places at waters edge. Like fishing anywhere, you need to pick the right time of day and find that sweet spot. Heard it's good over toward the dam end. Need a boat for that. They rent by the hour. Crappies and Bass are what's mostly there and turtles that will take your live bait. It's a pretty place to fish for sure. Catching is the trick. People do catch fish there though. I'm an ocean surf fisher myself. Good luck!
Tina P
1 contribution
Have there been any weddings held here?
Reckless66
Denver, North Carolina45 contributions
My Gaddis family has had numerous reunions since well before I was born...I imagine. I know I lost my first tooth eating chicken and corn on the cob there during a reunion. LOL!!! We recently held a birthday party there for an elder in the family. And YES there have been weddings at the park! I just found a photo of a wedding held at the park on the FB page for the park!
Can u picnic and BBQ at Rankin lake park
Maurice J
Gastonia, NC38 contributions
Yes , they have several picnic shelters 2 very large & 3 smaller
ones but reservations are required all have charcoal barbeque
grills.Hope this helps!
Mo Jernigan
Yureni R
Gastonia, NC
Is there any are where the kids can get wet
Gabrial R
Gastonia, NC
No... Back in the day people would illegally go swimming in rankin lake but now since it is considered a protected area ( due to its history here and what it used to be used for) they are very strict on rules there now. There is however a creek that you can get to by walking down the green way at rankin lake, that runs thru the wooded area that your not technically supposed to swim in but i have seen people do it.
RANKIN LAKE PARK (Gastonia) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Rankin Lake Park
- Hotels near Rankin Lake Park:
- (0.81 km) Holiday Inn Express Charlotte West - Gastonia
- (0.85 km) Motel 6 Gastonia
- (0.98 km) WoodSpring Suites Charlotte Gastonia
- (4.93 km) Hampton Inn Charlotte-Gastonia
- (4.80 km) Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Gastonia
- Restaurants near Rankin Lake Park:
- (0.29 km) Wendy's
- (0.51 km) Papa Johns Pizza
- (0.58 km) Tommy's Drive-In
- (0.56 km) Hardee's
- (0.50 km) Dunkin'