Lake Russell Recreation Area

Area Status: Open

View of Lake Russell through fall foliage of red and purple

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!

Title:	Lake Russell portal sign
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Boat ramp and dock at Lake Russell campground

Title:	Lake Russell boat ramp
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View of picnic area and lake from bath house

Title:	Lake Russell picnic table
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View of Lake Russell swimming area and benches fronting the lake

Title:	Lake Russell swimming area
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Title:	Lake Russell fall color
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At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Lake Russell Campground and swim beach is open year-round
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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

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.