Richard B. Russell State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Richard B. Russell State Park is found along Richard B. Russell Lake in northern Georgia. The park itself encompasses 2,508 acres of land and offers access to the 26,650-acre lake. At the park, visitors can take advantage of some of the best fishing and boating opportunities in Georgia, as well as the park's well-known disc golf course. Historically, some excavations near the park in 1980 determined that Paleo-Indian people lived on the parkland over 10,000 years ago. Specifically, excavations were done at the bottom of Richard B. Russell Lake before the lake was artificially created, and the excavation sites, called Rucker's Bottom, now sit at the bottom of the lake. Additionally, this lake served as a training ground for international athletes during the 1996 Summer Olympics, which were held in Atlanta.
Spring 54-80 F
Summer 67-89 F
Fall 46-73 F
Winter 29-52 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Richard B. Russell State Park
The campground at Richard B. Russell State Park is open year-round and features amenities such as cable television hookups, Wi-Fi, shower houses, laundry facilities, and modern restrooms. You can stay at one of 27 campsites at the park that feature standard 30-amp electrical hookups and spaces that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long. The campground is also pet-friendly. Two campsites are handicap-accessible, and most sites have standard water hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings.
What to Do at
Richard B. Russell State Park
This state park is known for its disc golf course, which features 27 disc baskets in a field near the park entrance. There is also a traditional golf course, Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course, with 18 holes at 72 par. The golf course also features a driving range, a cafe, and a pro golf shop. The cafe features buffet-style dining and a reservable group room.
Fishing
Anglers love visiting this state park to fish in Richard B. Russell Lake. Fish that can be found in the lake include spotted, striped, and largemouth bass. You can also try your luck catching black crappie, bluegill, and green sunfish. You may find fishing spots near the picnic area, golf course, or boat launches near the park entrance and cottage areas.
Hiking
Richard B. Russell State Park offers six miles of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Routes include the Cottage Loop, Beach, and Campground Trails, which are all gravel paved paths. The Blackwell Bridge Trail is wheelchair accessible, and you can see a steel bridge and enjoy waterfront views along its path.
Boating
Motorized and nonmotorized boating is allowed at this state park, and multiple boat launches are available for visitors. If you did not bring yours, kayaks and canoes are also available to rent.
Swimming
There is a seasonal sandy beach that is open for swimming during the summer months. There is a picnic area and restrooms nearby.
Biking
Richard B. Russell State Park is part of the Muddy Spokes Club, which is a statewide biking club that rewards members for completing biking trails at many state parks. Club members who complete the trails at this state park, plus at least 11 other Georgia state parks, can earn a certificate of bike trail completion.
How to Get to
Richard B. Russell State Park
Richard B. Russell State Park is within a short distance of Augusta, Athens, Columbia, and Atlanta in Georgia. To get to the park quickly from Athens, take US-29 North to GA-72 East. From there, continue on GA-72 East for approximately 28 miles. After that, turn left onto GA-77 North and North Oliver Street, continue for a mile, and turn right onto Ruckersville Road. Continue for 8 miles, then turn right onto Russell State Park Drive to enter the park.
Entering Richard B. Russell State Park
After entering this park, visitors can find the park office directly on the right. Parking areas are scattered throughout the park, with lots available near the boat launch areas and at the campground, the disc golf course, the picnic shelters, and the main golf course. The park's daily hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Most areas in the park are ADA-accessible, including the swimming beach.
Richard B. Russell State Park Entry Fee per vehicle : $5.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Richard B. Russell State Park
A good time to visit this state park for a day trip is when the swimming beach is open in the summer. However, the best time of year for campers to stay at the park may be during winter when the campground is not crowded.
Northern Georgia is abundant in wildlife, and rare species, including bald eagles, Appalachian cottontails, bog turtles, and northern amber bumblebees, may be spotted while at Richard B. Russell State Park. More common animals that roam the park include deer, beavers, river otters, foxes, squirrels, and even American black bears.
There are 27 campsites at this state park, and these sites can accommodate tents or RVs. Every site can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length.
Campers are encouraged to make a reservation online before arriving at Richard B. Russell State Park, and all campsites and cottages are available for reservations. Camping at this park costs $38 per night or $266 per week.
Pets are welcome at this state park, and you can bring them with you on most of the hiking trails. However, they are not allowed on the Blackwell Bridge Trail, must be on a leash, and you are responsible for picking up after your furry family members.