Spend a Day at Roanoke Rapids Lake!
Whether you’re an avid paddler, amateur angler, first-class bird-watcher, or just enjoy spending time in the outdoors, you’ll find all these activities and more at Roanoke Rapids Lake.
Boating and Fishing
The 4,600-acre Roanoke Rapids Lake boasts nearly 50 miles of shoreline to explore by water. Boat launches are located at the west end of Fifth Street, at the south end of Old Gaston Road, and at the north end of Van Warren Road.
You can fish from your boat, as well as from shore. You’ll find land-based fishing sites at the north side of the Roanoke Rapids Dam at 828 Family Lane, Thelma Bank at 1017 Van Warren Road, and Roanoke Rapids Tailrace Fishing Area at 100 Oakwood Drive—just cross over the footbridge to reach the water. Make sure to get your license before you head out with your tackle box and rod!
Family-Friendly Activities
The Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use Park, located at 100 Oakwood Ave, comprises a 17-acre lakefront site with a playground to keep the little ones busy, sand volleyball pits and a nine-hole disc golf course for group fun, picnic shelters and grills for building family memories of summertime cookouts, and an unguarded beach for public swimming. Take a stroll along the trails that weave throughout the park, walk the shoreline with an eye out for some of the area’s many wading birds, or just plop down on the beach to take in a stunning sunset over the water. Entry to the park is free, but reservations are recommended for the picnic shelters.
Dining near the Park
If a day on the water or at the beach has stoked your appetite, you’re in luck because you’ll find several satisfying restaurants near the lake. If your day of fishing only led to tales of the one that got away, stop into the Mayflower Restaurant, a Roanoke Rapids establishment known for its seafood dishes. If you’re seeking some games with your meal, the Misfits Bar and Grill at Fairwood Lanes has you covered. Enjoy an appetizer of fried pickles or mozzarella sticks, or dig into a hearty plate of beef tips with all the fixings, then bowl some frames to continue the fun. For good, old-fashioned comfort fare, head to Carini’s Italian Restaurant. You’ll find heaping plates of linguine, filled ravioli, and delicious stromboli sure to put a smile on your face.
Accommodations
If you’re coming to the area to play, you’ll find plenty of accommodations to suit any style and budget. The Hampton Inn offers comfortable rooms with complimentary high-speed Internet, hot breakfast, and 24-hour coffee and tea in the lobby. It's conveniently located near local attractions, making it a great choice for exploring the area. At the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, pick up a complimentary coffee and cookie before heading to your well-appointed room or suite to relax. The hotel offers an indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center, as well as a free hot breakfast each morning. Just off Route 95, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites provides the perfect homebase for visiting Roanoke Rapids. The relaxing rooms and free deluxe continental breakfast, as well as the seasonal outdoor pool, exercise room, and business center, make this hotel the perfect home away from home.
Roanoke Rapids Lake provides a rich mix of fun and relaxing activities, and after your first visit, you’ll be sure to plan a return trip soon.