Georgia · published-coordinate region
Lake Russell Recreation Area
Look beyond the campground name. Compare the actual sites and the details that matter to your trip.
USDA Forest Service41Supported overnight records
2Published site categories
41Sites with a reported party limit
A useful starting point, not a fit guarantee. Site-specific warnings are absent from this export. Published lengths may include a tow vehicle. Check the official site page for current notes, restrictions, approach and configuration before booking. No live availability is shown.
A closer look at the campground
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (706) 754-6221.
Full operator-supplied campground description · Scroll within the panel for more · Amenities may be shared by the campground, not present at every site
How much is documented?
Reported fields across the 41 supported campsite records here. A reported value can still need interpretation; missing values remain unknown in the planner.
Party limit
41
Vehicle limit
41
Vehicle length
41
Driveway entry
35
Shade
1
Bars show counts, not a quality, accessibility or suitability score.
The campsite mix
Standard Nonelectric
32
Tent Only Nonelectric
9
Operator 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.
Campground-level source text. Confirm the current route and road conditions with the operator.
THE ACTUAL SITES
41 published campsite records
Raw published values are shown below, including zeros and ambiguous text. They are not validated capacities. The planner keeps missing, zero and questionable dimensions unknown.
View all 41 published site records
| SITE / LOOP | TYPE | EQUIPMENT LIMITS | PEOPLE / VEHICLES | DRIVEWAY | ELECTRIC / SHADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site 01 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: 43 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-in 43 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 02 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Tent: 22 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 22 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 03 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 29 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 29 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 04 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 34 ft Tent: 34 ft Trailer: 34 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 34 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 05 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 38 ft Tent: 38 ft Trailer: 38 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 38 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 06 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 65 ft Tent: 65 ft Trailer: 65 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 65 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 07 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 35 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 35 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 08 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 52 ft Tent: 52 ft Trailer: 52 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 52 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 09 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 35 ft Tent: 35 ft Trailer: 35 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 35 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 10 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Tent: 30 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 30 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 11 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 33 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 33 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 12 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Tent: 30 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Not reported 30 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 13 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Tent: 30 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Not reported 30 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 14 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Tent: 30 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Not reported 30 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 15 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 42 ft Tent: 42 ft Trailer: 42 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 42 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 16 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 35 ft Tent: 35 ft Trailer: 35 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 35 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 17 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Tent: 30 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Not reported 30 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 18 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Tent: 30 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Not reported 30 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 19 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Tent: 30 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Not reported 30 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 20 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 56 ft Tent: 56 ft Trailer: 56 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 56 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 21 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 50 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 50 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 22 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 49 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 49 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 23 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 50 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 50 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 25 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 59 ft Tent: 59 ft Trailer: 59 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 59 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 26 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 60 ft Tent: 60 ft Trailer: 60 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 60 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 27 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 50 ft Tent: 50 ft Trailer: 50 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 50 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 28 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 59 ft Tent: 59 ft Trailer: 59 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 59 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 29 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 65 ft Tent: 65 ft Trailer: 65 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 65 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 30D LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 49 ft Tent: 49 ft Trailer: 49 ft Numeric screening only | 10 people 4 vehicles | Back-In 49 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 31 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 56 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 56 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 32 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 52 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 52 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 33 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 30 ft Tent: 30 ft Trailer: 30 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 30 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 34 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 59 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 59 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 35 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 37 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 37 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 36 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 50 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 50 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 37 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 46 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 46 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 38 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 51 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 51 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 39 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 51 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 51 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 40 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Rv: 59 ft Tent: 59 ft Trailer: 59 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 59 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 41 LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 53 ft Numeric screening only | 5 people 2 vehicles | Back-In 53 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 42D LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA Source updated: 2025-12-03 | Standard Nonelectric | Tent: 67 ft Numeric screening only | 10 people 4 vehicles | Back-In 67 (raw length) | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
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