Swimming, fishing, and hiking draw campers to Lake Russell Recreation Area, a US Forest Service campground set within camping near Chattahoochee National Forest in the hills outside Mt. Airy, Georgia. The campground runs two loops with 42 sites of varying sizes, each equipped with a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post. No motorized boats are allowed on the lake, which keeps the water surface open for swimmers and non-motorized paddlers. Sites in Loop A sit within a short walk of the beach and day-use area, while Loop B's reserved sites tend to be more private and include some with lake views.
The two loops have distinct personalities. Loop A is smaller and closer to the water, making it a draw for campers who want quick beach access in summer. Loop B runs more level terrain and feels less exposed. Bathrooms and potable water are accessible from both loops, and campsite hosts have been known to bring firewood by at check-in, available for purchase. Cell coverage is limited, with Verizon users reporting roughly one bar, enough for texts but not much else.
Trails fan out from the campground in several directions, from the relatively easy Russell Lake Loop to more demanding routes like Ladyslipper. Several reviewers mention the area has seen storm damage in recent years, with fallen trees blocking some trail sections. Larry A. notes that "most of the sites are small," and recommends against bringing fifth wheels or large RVs despite the listed 67-foot maximum. Nearby Nancytown Group Campground and Brookside Campground are options for groups or those needing different configurations.
The campground runs from mid-May through late October, with nightly rates between $24 and $48. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, though Loop A operates on a first-come, first-served basis. One reviewer flagged that active burn bans may not always appear in the reservation system, so it's worth checking current fire restrictions before arrival, especially in dry fall conditions.
Description
Overview
This North Georgia mountain mecca has something for everyone, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, biking (on and off road), fishing and boating (electric, wind, or human powered), wildlife, foliage, camping,
Recreation
The Lake Russell Recreation Area maintains a swim beach for those hot summer days, along with plenty of picnic spaces with tables and grills to help fuel your day in the mountains. No dogs on the beach please, and no shore fishing within the swim area boundary.The Nancytown Recreation area adjoins the Lake Russell Rec Area and includes several popular trailheads as well as the smaller Nancytown Lake. Parking Access at Nancytown is included for day use visitors to the Lake Russell Recreation Area, and registered campers. No gas motors allowed on Lake Russell, nor the adjacent Nancytown Lake.The Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocks trout in Nancytown Lake four times between March and August. While the Broad River coursing through the adjacent WMA also produces trout for the hearty angler. Many other fish species can be found in both Nancytown Lake and Lake Russell.Mountain bikers will find miles of single track; the Lady Slipper Trail is a popular trail of moderate difficulty. There are many trail options for hikers that include the lake loop as well as the rhododendron trail that connects to the manicured area atop Chenoceta Mountain where the Chenoceta Fire Tower can be found. Additional trails abound in the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area to keep you exploring the naturalized area that covers the lake and several miles of lands in the mountains and valleys that contribute to the Broad River watershed.Road Bikers enjoy the asphalt roads that encompass both Nancytown and Lake Russell Recreation Areas, the highly motivated aim for the access road and climb the hill back toward Mt. Airy, Georgia. The nearest town, Mt. Airy includes convenience stores nearby where you can find bait and tackle, ice, drinks, and various sundries to complement your visit.
Facilities
The campground offers 42 campsites for tents and RVs, however there are no hookups. Campsites have a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern hook. Water is available throughout the campground via water hydrants. Bathrooms have flush toilets with showers.Adjacent to the campground area includes a grass-covered beach and swimming area, picnic shelter/picnic area, biking, boat launch, fishing dock, and near Loop A of the campground is a dump station.
Natural Features
Nestled in the Chattahoochee Oconee Forest, 100-acre Lake Russell is an ideal summer camping location because of the cool mountain air. There are two paved campground loops for easy access to everything there is to do here. No gas motors allowed on the lake, nor the adjacent Nancytown Lake. The Nancytown Recreation area adjoins the Lake Russell Rec Area, and includes several popular trailheads as well as the smaller Nancytown Lake. Parking Access at Nancytown is included for day use visitors to the Lake Russell Recreation Area, and registered campers. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocks trout in Nancytown Lake four times between March and August. While the Broad River courses through the adjacent WMA also produces trout for the hearty angler. Many other fish species can be found in both Nancytown Lake and Lake Russell. Mountain bikers will find miles of single track; the Lady Slipper Trail is a popular trail of moderate difficulty. There are many trail options for hikers that include the lake loop as well as the rhododendron trail that connects to the manicured area atop Chenoceta Mountain where the Chenoceta Fire Tower can be found. Additional trails abound in the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area to keep you exploring the naturalized area that covers the lake and several miles of lands in the mountains and valleys that contribute to the Broad River watershed.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (706) 754-6221.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the area can enjoy exploring Anna Ruby Falls; Brasstown Bald Recreation Area (Georgia's highest point); Cornelia, GA; and the Chenocetah Fire Tower.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Russell Recreation Area is located in Georgia near Mount Airy
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 approx.3/4 mile. Turn left onto the paved Lake Russell Road.
Address
3059 Lake Russell Road
Mt. airy, GA 30563
Coordinates
34.49315 N
83.4949611 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/1/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/1/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/1/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/1/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
