Lake Russell Recreation Area

Situated along the peaceful shore of the 100-acre Lake Russell, this developed recreation area offers 42 campsites that accommodate both tent and RV camping and a picnic shelter with seating for 30 is available on a first come first serve basis. With a large grass-covered beach and swimming area as well as two paved campground loop roads for easy access to all that this outdoor mecca has to offer in the way of camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and boating (non-motorized/electric watercraft only), this bucolic getaway is sure to become an outdoor destination for the entire family!
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | Lake Russell Campground and swim beach is open year-round |
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Reservations: | Reservations accepted and first come first serve sites available. Call 1-877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov |
Fees: | Camping: $18/site/night single, $36/double site/night, Picnic and Swim Site: $5/non-commercial vehicle up to 6 people, $1/person over 6 people in non-commercial vehicle. Boat launch and Trailhead Parking: $5/vehicle/day |
Permit Info: | Georgia fishing license required for fishing. |
Open Season: | Open Year-round |
Restrictions: | The length of stay is limited to 14 days. All campers must vacate the site at the 14 days maximum in order to allow other visitors to enjoy the same site. On the lake there are no gasoline powered motors allowed, only electric trolling motors are permitted. |
Closest Towns: | The nearest town is approximately 12 miles, or 20 minutes, to Cornelia, GA. Here campers will find restaurants, grocery stores, etc. |
Water: | Drinking water (municiple source) provided |
Restroom: | 4 Flush facilities |
Passes: | The Interagency Senior and Access Passes and the Golden Age and Access Passports are accepted. These passes entitle the pass holder to a 50% discount on camping fees. Go Find Outdoors Annual Day Use Passes are available year-round - Contact 706-778-8427. The Go Find Outdoors Annual passes are not the America The Beautiful Pass. The Go Find Outdoors passes are only good for their permitted sites and no others. |
Operated By: | FIND Outdoors |
Information Center: | Please contact the Chattooga River Ranger District office at 706-754-6221 or FIND Outdoors at 706-778-8427. |
General Information
Directions:Physical Address: 3034 Lake Russell Rd., Mt. Airy, GA
Take Ga 365/U.S. 23 North from Gainesville past Cornelia to Hwy 197. Turn right for approximately 3 miles until dead-end. Right on Dicks Hill Parkway for approx.3/4 mile. Turn left onto the paved Lake Russell Road.
Activities
Campground Camping
Loop A
- 16 camping sites
- 1 Conventional flush restroom.
- Standard amenities (i.e. grill, picnic tables, lantern post, etc)
- Easy access to the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area on trail system that goes around the lake
- Easy access to Lake Russell Beach
- Access to Lake Russell boat ramp
Loop B
- 26 camping sites.
- 2 Conventional flush restrooms, all with hot showers
- 1 Dump station
- Standard amenities (i.e. grill, picnic tables, lantern post, etc).
- Easy access to the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area on trail system that goes around the lake
- Easy access to the Lake Russell Beach
- Access to Lake Russell boat ramp
RV Camping
Dump station located near entrance to in Loop A.
No electric at sites.
Water at spigots within the loop
Length of stay is 21 day.
No. of Sites | 31 |
Reservation Info | None Required |
Hookup - Water | None |
Dump Stations | One |
Hookups - Electric | None |
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fishing for bass and bream is popular. Fishing/courtesy dock at boat launch area. Boat ramp is open year round.
Fish Species | Bass, crappie, perch, catfish and bream |
Day Hiking
- Lake Russell Loop Trail (trail length 4.6 miles).
- Rhododentron Trail (trail length 1.5 miles).
- Sourwood Trail (trail length 2.7 miles).
- Lady Slipper Trail (trail length 6.2 miles) open to Horseback riding, Hiking, and Bicycle.
Picnicking
27 picnic sites with tables and grills, are located on each side of the beach area. The bath house is located centrally. Paved trails wind through the area. Designated paved parking is available for about 60 vehicles. A group shelter is available.
Boating - Motorized
Electric motors only.
Launch Ramps | Boat Launch |
Type of Craft | motorized |
Boating - Non-Motorized
Swimming
Large grassy area serves as a "beach" for the children as well as the adults.
Alerts & Warnings
- Helton Creek Falls and Trail Temporarily Closed
- Coleman River Rd (FSR #54) Closure
- CAUTION Waterfall Dangers
- Road Closures on the Chattooga River Ranger District
- CALL BEFORE YOU HAUL - ATV and OHV
- Holcomb Creek Falls trail closure
- Panther Creek Trail Temporary Hiker Restrictions
- Don't Move Firewood!