Fish Camps A Gaston County Tradition
- Kayla Adams
- Jul 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
The term “fish camp” is a uniquely Southern tradition, found mostly in North Carolina and just over the border into northern South Carolina. What started as humble riverbank sheds—where fishermen would gather to fry up their fresh catch—soon grew into beloved community staples. Over time, these simple shacks gave way to full-service restaurants, sourcing their seafood from local wholesalers and farms. Today, fish camps are known not just for their golden fried flounder and crispy catfish, but for the full experience: heaping plates of hushpuppies, classic home-style sides, and a friendly, no-frills atmosphere that feels just like home.
Gaston County is home to more than 10 legendary fish camps serving up crispy fried seafood, golden hushpuppies, and hometown hospitality you won’t find anywhere else.
1401 State Rd 2519 Belmont NC
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-9pm | Friday 4pm-9:30pm | Saturday 3pm-9:30pm | Sunday 11am-3pm
A staple since the ‘60s–‘70s. Known for crispy fried catfish, chicken, and a Sunday buffet.
670 Park St Belmont NC
Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-9pm | Saturday 3:30pm-9pm
3140 Linwood Rd Gastonia NC
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 4pm-9pm | Saturday 3:30pm-9:30pm | Sunday 4pm-9pm
Established in 1981, Gaston County is home to two of their three locations with a full menu featuring seafood feasts, steak, chicken, and a salad bar.
808 N 14th St Bessemer City, NC
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4pm-8:30pm | Friday-Saturday 3pm-9pm | Sunday 11am-3pm
A true fish‑camp vibe with a warm, down‑home feel—reviewers call it “an authentic fish camp,” noting the great food and friendly service.
116 W 1st St Cherryville, NC
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 3pm-8pm
Every golden-fried fillet, hushpuppy, and made-to-order plate is served up through their iconic walk-up and drive-thru window tastes like hometown love in every bite.
4252 S New Hope Rd Cramerton, NC
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm | Friday 11am-10pm | Saturday 3pm-10pm | Sunday 11am-4pm
Serves up hearty plates of fried and broiled seafood, juicy steaks, and a beloved buffet in a cozy, down-home setting that feels like a family gathering every time you visit.
Long Creek Fish Fry
1031 Lower Dallas Hwy Dallas NC
Hours: Takeout Only
Monday 2:30pm-8:30pm | Wednesday-Thursday 11am-8:30pm | Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm | Sunday 11am-8:30pm
This take-out only fish camp is known for their salt and peppered catfish and delicious fried fish.
1341 Dallas Stanley Hwy Dallas, NC
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 3pm-8pm & Sunday 11:30am-8pm
Known for their crispy flounder, green shrimp, catfish, and hushpuppies for over 30 years—Riverside Fish House offers hearty portions, classic Southern sides, and a welcoming, family-style atmosphere that keeps locals coming back.
120 S Broad St Gastonia, NC
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11am-8pm
A beloved local gem serving up crispy Southern-style green shrimp, flounder, hearty seafood plates, and legendary fried chicken—all in a friendly, no-frills setting that keeps folks coming back for generations.
4574 S New Hope Rd Gastonia, NC
Hours: Thursday-Friday 4pm-9pm | Saturday 3pm-9pm
You’ll find generous all‑you‑can‑eat seafood platters piled high with golden flounder or perch, calabash shrimp, deviled crab, hushpuppies, salad bar, slaw, and your choice of fries or baked potato—all in a beloved, friendly fish‑camp tradition locals return to again and again since 1968.
1104 Shelby Rd Kings Mountain, NC
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm
A seafood lover’s paradise—offering generous plates of crispy fried and broiled flounder, catfish, shrimp, oysters, and deviled crab, all served up with hushpuppies, slaw, and homestyle sides in a friendly, local-owned setting that keeps folks coming back.
