Gaston's White River Resort - Lakeview, Arkansas

Gaston’s White River Resort: A Premier Arkansas Destination

Gaston’s White River Resort, located at 1777 River Rd, Lakeview, AR 72642, United States, presents a compelling option for travelers seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable accommodation. With a phone number of 8704315202 and a comprehensive website at gastons.com, the resort offers a diverse range of activities and amenities designed to cater to a variety of interests. It’s a destination that consistently receives positive feedback, as evidenced by its substantial presence on Google My Business with over 434 reviews, averaging a highly respectable 4.5/5.

Resort Overview and Amenities

Gaston’s White River Resort operates as a resort hotel, providing guests with a convenient base for exploring the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas. The resort's facilities are thoughtfully designed to enhance the guest experience. Key features include an airstrip, facilitating convenient transportation for guests and activities. Furthermore, the resort boasts a well-equipped fishing charter service, allowing anglers to capitalize on the region’s renowned fishing opportunities. A charming gift shop offers a selection of souvenirs and local crafts, while the on-site restaurant provides dining options for guests. The cabins are described as ‘decent,’ suggesting a comfortable and functional lodging experience.

Location and Accessibility

Situated in Lakeview, Arkansas, Gaston’s White River Resort benefits from its proximity to the White River, a prime location for fishing and water-based recreation. The resort’s address, 1777 River Rd, places it directly on the river, maximizing access to the waterway. The surrounding area is known for its abundant wildlife, including a notable collection of peacocks, adding to the resort’s unique charm. Guests can easily reach the resort via Highway 62, providing convenient access from major Arkansas cities. The region is known for its scenic beauty, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural landscape.

Activities and Experiences

Beyond the core offerings of fishing and accommodation, Gaston’s White River Resort provides a variety of activities to keep guests entertained. The airstrip allows for aerial tours and unique perspectives of the surrounding area. Guests can also expect to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the aforementioned peacocks, fostering an engaging and educational experience. The resort’s commitment to preserving the natural environment is apparent in the abundance of wildlife observed throughout the property. The resort itself seems to cultivate an atmosphere where guests can fully immerse themselves in the outdoors, creating lasting memories.

Dining and Culinary Offerings

The resort’s restaurant serves as a central hub for culinary experiences. While some patrons have noted minor shortcomings in the spice selection – specifically referencing the lack of flavor in dishes like the blackened chicken pasta – the overall quality of the food is generally considered ‘edible’ and ‘decent,’ with ‘reasonable servings.’ This suggests a focus on providing satisfying meals rather than culinary innovation. However, the diverse range of offerings and the restaurant’s convenient location likely contribute to a positive dining experience for many guests.

Guest Feedback and Recommendations

The substantial number of Google My Business reviews (over 434) offers valuable insights into the guest experience. Many visitors highlight the exceptional service provided by guides, such as Dave, who are commended for their expertise and ability to locate fish. One reviewer specifically recommends Dave, emphasizing his skill in guiding guests to productive fishing spots and even directing them to areas with trophy fish. The wildlife viewing opportunities, including the peacock exhibit, are consistently praised. Cabin accommodations are generally considered acceptable, with no major complaints reported. Overall, the resort’s success appears to stem from a combination of factors: a prime location, knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and a dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the region.

Recommended Information for Prospective Visitors

• Accommodation Types: Cabins and hotel rooms are available.
• Activities: Fishing charters, wildlife viewing, and potential for aerial tours.
• Dining: On-site restaurant with a variety of menu options.
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season.
• Contact: 870-431-5202 or visit gastons.com

In conclusion, Gaston’s White River Resort presents a well-rounded destination for travelers seeking an Arkansas adventure. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and comfortable accommodations makes it a worthwhile choice for a memorable getaway.

👍 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.

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.

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!

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.