Lake Russell Recreation Area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campground features two separate loops with a total of 42 campsites and offers a range of terrain from shoreline spots to wooded retreats. Cell service is limited to non-existent in most areas, making it a true disconnect from urban environments.
What to do
Hike nearby trails: Lake Russell offers multiple hiking paths, from the easy Russell Lake Loop to more challenging options like Ladyslipper Trail. "There are several hiking trails from the easy Russell Lake Loop, to more challenging trails like Ladyslipper. 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," notes a camper at Lake Russell Recreation Area.
Swim at the beach area: There's a designated swimming area with a sandy beach within walking distance of Loop A. "Loop A is in walking distance to the beach area/day use area. It was so peaceful!" reports a recent visitor to Lake Russell Recreation Area.
Explore Tallulah Gorge: Just a short drive away, you can hike through one of Georgia's most dramatic landscapes. "When traveling to Georgia by far one of the most impressive sites to see is the Tallulah Gorge State Park. The big draw to this park of course is the falls, and seeing many falls before I was thinking it would be like many of those, however what I wasn't expecting was how different the cascading falls would be," explains a visitor to Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground.
What campers like
Non-motorized lake: The lake prohibits motorized boats, creating a tranquil environment. "The lake prohibits motorized boats, so the lake is wonderfully peaceful," shares one camper at Lake Russell Recreation Area.
Private campsites: Many sites offer good separation and privacy, especially in the back loop. "However, the reserved sites on 2nd loop are more private & some offer good lake views. Bathrooms were plenty & decent," notes a camper at Lake Russell.
Access to mountain trails: The surrounding area offers excellent hiking opportunities. "There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You're only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain," explains a visitor to Unicoi State Park & Lodge.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Facilities are functional but basic. "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," explains one Lake Russell visitor.
Weather considerations: The region experiences distinct seasons. "Once the leaves fall off, it's a bit spooky (my interpretation) and can get windy without the leaves," notes a camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground.
Bear awareness: This is active bear country. "Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons," shares a Unicoi State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: Most campgrounds near Mount Airy accommodate pets. "We tent camp, and the campsites are always clean when you arrive, and the volunteers are so sweet. We love that it's on the lake because family members have boats and its just easy to jump on at the campsite dock," explains a visitor to Don Carter State Park Campground.
Beach access for kids: Several campgrounds offer sandy beach areas ideal for families with children. "There is also a beach for the kids to play at as well, very well kept," notes another Don Carter visitor.
Proximity to attractions: The area provides access to regional highlights. "My kids and I went camping at Unicoi Park in the summer and there is plenty to keep them busy. They played in the creek, on the swing set and walked the trail to the swimming section of the lake. The trail isn't too far and it has just enough woods to feel like an old school camp," explains a family who visited Unicoi State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Mount Airy have varying site sizes. "Nice concrete pads in a former pasture. Not a lot of shade for most sites," notes a visitor to Currahee RV Park.
Utility connections: Check placement of hookups when booking. "Only issue with the site is that the sewer drain is much higher than the pad and camper," explains another Currahee RV Park visitor.
Size restrictions: Be aware of length limitations at some campgrounds. "Who ever decided that every campsite needed to be asphalt should be hung! This is a newer State Park in Georgia and it could be nice, but it's been paved over. They classify them as RV sites, but they are parking lots," explains an RVer who stayed at Don Carter State Park.
Ranger
