## 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 &amp; 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.\_\_

Russell Park

This is a review of the established campsites at Russell Park along the San Gabriel River Trail. Reservations for campsites can be made through (877) 444-6777 or [www.recreation.gov.](http://www.recreation.gov.)

These are drive up campsites where you may park your car next to your assigned site. The campsites have a sun awning, picnic table, campfire pit/grill. Russell Park has 27 tent-only sites with no utilities. Check-in time for reservations is 3 pm and check-out time is 2pm. There is a designated swimming area within the campground. 

One of the advantages of this park is that it sits along the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries. I'd say that 40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed. In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure makes this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you are walking within site of Lake Georgetown, it is not always convenient to access the water. So carry plenty of water. 

The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing. During the weekdays you may not see a single person. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.

Russell Park + Trees + Trail + Lake

This is a great little spot. Very secluded for being so close to civilization. Perfect for a weekend camp. Bathrooms could be nicer. Didn’t look into the showers this trip. About an hour ish outside of Austin. 