Lake Russell Recreation Area
Open year-round. Loop B operates year-round; Loop A closes in late fall/early winter. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Maximum 14-day consecutive stay.
Road Maintenance: West Cowpen Road (FSR 17)
Temporary delays can be expected on West Cowpen Road (FSR 17) from 10/17/2026 through 11/13/2026 due to road maintenance. Road maintenance will be conducted from the GA DNR West Cowpen Check Station on Old Ga Highway 2 to its intersection with Mill Creek Road (FSR 630). Be aware of heavy…
Prescribed fire on Oconee Ranger District at Jasper County
#BurnAlerts – Oconee Ranger District The Oconee Ranger District will apply prescribed fire over the next several weeks to improve timber stands either before or after operations. The burn units are located in Putnam, Jasper, Jones and Greene counties. Smoke may be visible along adjacent…
Muskrat Road, FS 218, Temporarily Closed
Forest Service Road 218, Muskrat, is closed due to a road cave-in after recent heavy rain. Visitors may still access the parking lot for Windy Gap trail system.
About
Nestled in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Lake Russell Recreation Area Campground offers 42 campsites spread across two paved loops. Loop A has 16 sites with a conventional flush restroom, while Loop B has 26 sites served by two flush restrooms with hot showers. All sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. Potable water is available at spigots throughout, and a dump station is located near the Loop A entrance. The campground provides easy access to the 100-acre Lake Russell, which permits only electric trolling motors. Amenities include a grass beach and swim area, picnic shelter, boat launch, and fishing dock. Numerous trails connect to the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area, including the Lady Slipper Trail, Lake Russell Foot Trail, Rhododendron Trail, and Sourwood Trail. Nearby attractions include Anna Ruby Falls, Brasstown Bald (Georgia's highest point), and the Chenocetah Fire Tower. A Georgia fishing license is required for fishing. Firearms discharge is prohibited within 150 yards of the campground.
Directions
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 approximately 3/4 mile. Turn left onto paved Lake Russell Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 65ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 65ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| barbara.ramey@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (706) 754-6221 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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