Within the Georgetown Recreation Area, Russell Park operates as an Army Corps of Engineers campground along the San Gabriel River. The facility provides 27 tent-only sites accessible by car, each equipped with a sun awning, picnic table, and fire pit with grill. Reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov, with check-in at 3 PM and check-out at 2 PM.
The campground sits directly on the 26.2-mile San Gabriel River Trail that circles Lake Georgetown. This trail passes through mixed terrain of forests and grasslands, with roughly 40% offering tree coverage while 60% remains exposed. David notes that "not every site works for hammock camping, as some lack trees the required distance apart." A designated swimming area operates within the campground boundaries, and the location provides convenient trail access for hikers and backpackers.
The park maintains restroom facilities with showers, though conditions vary by location. Reviews indicate the day-use area restrooms offer better cleanliness than those in the camping section. Nearby options include Cedar Hollow Campground less than a mile south and Jim Hogg Park about a mile northeast.
Summer hiking requires extra water and sun protection due to the trail's exposure. Dogs are permitted on leash throughout the area.
Description
Overview
Russell Park is located on the west side of Georgetown Lake, in the Texas Hill Country approximately 25 miles north of Austin. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the San Gabriel River Trail.
Recreation
Boating is the most popular way to enjoy the lake, and a boat ramp is provided for guests. Fishing is excellent in the area, and the lake contains black bass, white bass, hybrid stripers, white crappie and channel and flathead catfish, but it's most known for its abundance of smallmouth bass. Fishing docks are located on the shore within the campground. The San Gabriel River Trail is a 26-mile rugged path winding through dense juniper forest, hardwood bottomlands and prairie grasslands. The trail extends completely around Georgetown Lake via the dam and is open to hiking and biking. Hunting is available for small game species such as dove, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel, as well as white-tailed deer. Hunting is by permit only.
Facilities
Russell Park is open year round and offers 27 primitive campsites with drinking water and flush toilets close by. Ten of these campsites have screened shelters which contain bunk beds with no bedding. Additional amenities include a Swim Beach and Day Use Area. The Swim Beach and Day Use Area is closed annually from November to March.
Natural Features
Georgetown Lake is a reservoir on the North Fork San Gabriel River in central Texas. The dam was completed in 1979 to provide flood control and water supply for the nearby community of Georgetown, and now provides countless recreation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby town of Georgetown offers gas, groceries and more. The historic downtown square district has shops and restaurants, and concerts and events are held on a regular basis. Additionally, Austin is located just 25 miles from the lake, offering countless tourist attractions.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. On-site personnel are not able to modify reservations. Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee. Refunds: Customers can request refunds online up to 7 days after the scheduled departure date. After 7 days, customers must request refunds through the call center. Cancellation fees are non-refundable.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRussell Park is located in Texas
Directions
From I-35, take FM 2338 west 7.5 miles to FM 3405, then go south 2 miles to CR 262. Go east 2 miles to the park entrance.
Address
2101 CR 262
Georgetown, TX 78633
Coordinates
30.6775 N
97.7591667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
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
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 38 min from Killeen, TX
- 38 min from Austin, TX
- 1 hr 18 min from Waco, TX
- 1 hr 56 min from College Station, TX
