Georgia / Habersham County / Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Lake Russell Recreation Area

Open — Open year-round, reservation-only through Recreation.gov. Loop A operates spring through late fall or early winter. 14-day stay limit; campers must leave National Forest land for 30 days after accumulating 14 days within any 30-day period.

About

Nestled in the cool mountain air of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Lake Russell Recreation Area offers a comprehensive outdoor experience centered around its 100-acre lake. The campground features 42 sites distributed along two paved loops, accommodating both tent and RV camping without hookups. Loop A contains 16 sites with one flush restroom and a dump station, while Loop B offers 26 sites with two flush restroom buildings equipped with hot showers. All sites include standard amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. The recreation area provides diverse outdoor activities including swimming at the adjacent beach, fishing (Georgia license required), and boating with electric trolling motors only. Multiple hiking and biking trails connect the campground to the surrounding Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area, including the Lady Slipper Trail, Lake Russell Foot Trail, Rhododendron Trail, and Sourwood Trail. Water is available from spigots within each loop, and a dump station serves RV campers. The campground enforces a 14-day maximum stay within any 30-day period, with all camping by advance reservation only through Recreation.gov.

Directions

Take GA 365/US 23 North from Gainesville past Cornelia to Highway 197. Turn right for approximately 3 miles until dead-end. Right on Dicks Hill Parkway for approximately 3/4 mile. Turn left onto the paved Lake Russell Road.

Nearby Campgrounds