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Established Camping

Lake Russell Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Lake Russell Recreation Area, near Mt. Airy, Georgia, is a scenic spot that invites you to unwind and connect with nature. With its beautiful surroundings and ample shade, it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

This campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it suitable for various camping styles. Visitors often rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the nearby trails, perfect for hiking and exploring. One camper shared, “I love this campground! It feels pretty secluded from the city because of the long drive in.”

Amenities include drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood for those cozy campfire nights. While there are no showers, the restrooms are clean and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay. Campers have noted that the sites can feel a bit close together, but the overall vibe remains relaxed and friendly.

For outdoor activities, the lake is ideal for fishing and swimming, and there are plenty of trails for hiking. Some reviewers mentioned the beauty of the lake and the surrounding forest, making it a perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway. If you're looking to disconnect and enjoy some quality time outdoors, Lake Russell Recreation Area is a solid choice.

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Location

Lake Russell Recreation Area is located in Georgia

Detail location of 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 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

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites 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

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 22, 2024

Natural beauty

This was my second time here and I wasn’t a huge fan of this site. Otherwise, beautiful campground with lots of shade and plenty of trails. Limited to no service out here.

Site15
Month of VisitApril
  • Play button icon
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  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Hanna P., April 22, 2024
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2024

Disconnect for the weekend

I love this campground! It feels pretty secluded from the city because of the long drive in. Beautiful sites and plenty of trails nearby. My friend and I brought our hammocks and enjoyed a very peaceful weekend.

Site11
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Hanna P., April 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Hanna P., April 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Hanna P., April 22, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2024

Quiet Easter Weekend

We booked a last minute night here for Easter weekend to get out of the city. It one of the only places available due to our last minute decision. We stayed in Loop A. It’s smaller than Loop B. With plenty of trees for hammocks, we had plenty of room for both of our tents, 2 hammocks, and both cars. Loop A is in walking distance to the beach area/day use area. It was so peaceful! There’s one bathroom in Loop A. With 2 stalls and one shower in the women’s portion. I’m assuming then men’s is the same. I’d definitely stay here again! I have Verizon and I had one bar here. Enough to send/receive a text but that’s about it.

Site11
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Elizabeth G., April 3, 2024
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Elizabeth G., April 3, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2023

Beautiful But Cramped Campsites

The campground and lake was beautiful with a few easy hiking trails and clean restrooms.

We visited in November and there were not very many other campers which was a good thing since the campsite are much closer together than we prefer.

There was a Burn Ban in effect while we were there, and sadly, the reservation system on Recreation.gov app made no mention of that ban. A camping trip with no campfire is not ideal to say the least.

Site15
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by WDRoberson , November 27, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2021

Correction

I called Lake Russell and they have no electric hookups. This app says they do so be aware.

Reviewed Feb. 17, 2021

Nice Lake side camp site

We stayed at the campground over the 2020 Labor day week. It was a nice site. Bath houses were decent. Water was located through out the campgrounds. We stayed in the back loop which is more level. Note you do not need to pay the day use fee if you are camping. The camp host actually retrieved our money we put in the envelope when i mentioned it during check in. The trails in the area have been impacted by several storms in the last few years and many of them are blocked by fallen trees.

Site39
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2020

Would recommend

Not as cramped & crowded as State parks. First loop is first come first serve, with sites closer to the beach side of lake, if you're there in the summer. However, the reserved sites on 2nd loop are more private & some offer good lake views. Bathrooms were plenty & decent. Hosts brought firewood by at check-in, available to purchase, very convenient. Cute rural Towns nearby for shopping & eating.

  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Elizabeth W., November 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Elizabeth W., November 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Elizabeth W., November 15, 2020
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Beautiful lake!

Beautiful lake for fishing with hiking trails around. There’s plenty of dispersed picnic area for day use. I saw some signs that said horses could use one of the hiking trails so that’s cool. Looks a little bit overgrown in the back portion but my guess is since things were shut down for awhile for covid. Very peaceful!

  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Elizabeth G., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Elizabeth G., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Elizabeth G., June 30, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2016

A Wonderful Uncrowded Gem

As a native Atlantan, I had never heard of Russell Lake but saw a sign and dropped by. Color me impressed...

2 different loops with 42 sites of varying sizes from tiny to monsterous - assume itncould accommodate RVs. Some sites overlook the lake - which includes a cacophony of frogs, crickets, and deer, Each site includes tent pad, fire ring. picnic table, lantern post. Trash, potable water, and bathhouses accessible on both loops.

I prefer the lower loop bc it is a quick 3 min walk to the large beach and swimming area. No motorized boats are allowed, so the lake is wonderfully peaceful. There are very few people who are at the lake - even on 4th of July wknd!

There are quite a few hiking trails from the easy Russell Lake Loop, to more challenging trails like Ladyslipper.

The campground has had some wear and tear. I spent more than an hour picking up cig butts from one campsite and the bathrooms aren't the greatest... but the Civilian Conservation Corps has been working on cleaning stuff up.

Hint: the bathroom at the beach is MUCH nicer if you don't mind cold showers (hot ones in camp loop). Another bonus is that there is a convenience store just outside the entrance to stock up on ice, etc.

  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Hiking Diva .., July 13, 2016
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Hiking Diva .., July 13, 2016
  • Review photo of Lake Russell Recreation Area by Hiking Diva .., July 13, 2016
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Lake Russell Campground?

Lake Russell Campground offers 42 sites spread across two different loops (Loop A and Loop B). The campground has clean restrooms and bathhouses throughout the property. Water access points are available throughout the campground. It's important to note that there are no electric hookups at this facility. Some sites overlook the lake, with Loop B offering more private sites with good lake views. There are day use areas with dispersed picnic spots. Loop A is first-come, first-served, while Loop B sites can be reserved in advance.

What recreational activities can you do at Lake Russell Recreation Area?

Lake Russell Recreation Area offers numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing and swimming in the beautiful lake, and there are several easy hiking trails around the property. The area features designated horse trails for equestrian use. Hammocking is popular among campers due to the plentiful trees. There are dispersed picnic areas for day use throughout the recreation area. Wildlife observation and birding are also common activities, with the lake area hosting frogs, crickets, and other natural sounds that create a peaceful atmosphere for outdoor enjoyment.

Where is Lake Russell Campground located in Georgia?

Lake Russell Campground is located in northeast Georgia, near the towns of Cornelia and Mt. Airy. The recreation area feels secluded from city life due to the long drive in. The campground is nestled in a wooded setting surrounding Lake Russell, providing a peaceful natural environment away from urban areas. For specific directions, contact the campground directly or check with the managing agency.

Is there a map available of Lake Russell Campground?

Yes, maps of Lake Russell Campground are typically available. The campground has two distinct loops (Loop A and Loop B) with 42 total sites of varying sizes. Loop A is smaller than Loop B, and site locations relative to the lake and beach areas are important for planning. For the most current and detailed maps, check with the campground office upon arrival, contact the managing agency before your trip, or visit their official website. Having a map is helpful for understanding trail locations, campsite arrangements, and amenities like bathrooms and water access points.