How much does camping cost at Richard B Russell State Park?

Camping fees at Richard B Russell State Park range from $5-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Richard B Russell State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Richard B Russell State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Richard B Russell State Park before I book?

Yes! Richard B Russell State Park has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Richard B Russell State Park?

Richard B Russell State Park is open Dates for peak season pricing are not specified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Richard B Russell State Park?

Yes, Richard B Russell State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Richard B Russell State Park?

Cell phone service at Richard B Russell State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Richard B Russell State Park have?

Richard B Russell State Park has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Richard B Russell State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Richard B Russell State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Richard B Russell State Park?

Richard B Russell State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Richard B Russell State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Richard B Russell State Park?

Fire policies at Richard B Russell State Park: No specific fire policies are mentioned; however, grills and fire pits are available at picnic sites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.31

104 reviews

2650 RUSSELL STATE PARK DRIVE, ELBERTON, Georgia, 30635, United States

Top 23% in GAWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Georgia

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

587 ft

Price

$5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Georgia State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

587 ft

Price

$5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Georgia State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Richard B Russell State Park

$5.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $5 per day for 1-12 passenger vehicles (ParkPass) to $250 annually for larger vehicles. Georgia active duty military/veterans receive...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

2650 RUSSELL STATE PARK DRIVE, ELBERTON, Georgia, 30635, United States

Richard B Russell State Park

2650 RUSSELL STATE PARK DRIVE, ELBERTON, Georgia, 30635, United States

Nearby places

Elberton (approx. 10 miles), Athens (approx. 35 miles), Augusta (approx. 75 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest grocery and supply store is Ingles in Elberton, approximately a 15-minute drive from the campground.

Weather at Richard B Russell State Park

Best Time to Camp at Richard B Russell State Park

Fall delivers the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to low 80s during the day and dipping into the 40s on crisp mornings. This season brings lower humidity and fewer bugs than summer, along with colorful foliage around the lake. Summer highs reach around 90°F, ideal for swimming and water sports. Winter mornings can drop to 40°F. Weekend crowds peak during late October through November leaf season, but midweek visits stay quieter.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Reviewed as the most comfortable season: lower humidity, crisp mornings and scenic beauty.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Dates for peak season pricing are not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Richard B Russell State Park

Richard B. Russell State Park sits on the shores of its namesake lake near Elberton, Georgia, at 587 feet elevation. The park offers 28 campsites and cabin lodging ranging from $5 to $50 per night, with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and a boat launch. Sites vary from secluded to tightly packed, and cell service is spotty across the park.

The park offers options for tent camping, RV camping, and cabin rentals. Specific group camping details are not provided.

Historical Significance

Rucker's Bottom, now submerged beneath Lake Richard B. Russell, contains archaeological evidence of Paleo-Indian occupation dating back over 10,000 years. This site connects the area to ancient peoples who inhabited the land long before the reservoir's creation.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to low 80s during the day and dipping into the 40s on crisp mornings. This season brings lower humidity and fewer bugs than summer, along with colorful foliage around the lake. Summer highs reach around 90°F, ideal for swimming and water sports. Winter mornings can drop to 40°F. Weekend crowds peak during late October through November leaf season, but midweek visits stay quieter.

ElevationPerfectly positioned at a gentle elevation along the shores of Lake Richard B. Russell, the campground offers easy access to both waterfront activities and comfortable camping conditions, creating an ideal basecamp for your outdoor adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies a section of Lake Richard B. Russell's 26,650-acre shoreline, surrounded by mixed forests of hardwood and pine. Some campsites and cabins have direct lake views. The terrain includes trails with pea gravel surfaces that wind through the forest to the water's edge. Historical steel-pin bridges survive in the area as remnants of the pre-reservoir landscape. Wildlife is active, especially during fall months.

Geological RegionDiscover the heart of Georgia's Region 2, where 26,650 acres of Lake Richard B. Russell create a vast aquatic playground surrounded by dense forests of hardwood and pine. Adventure awaits along trails that wind through this diverse ecosystem, leading explorers to fascinating historical landmarks like preserved steel-pin bridges—silent witnesses to the area's rich past. This unique geological tapestry offers endless opportunities for discovery and connection with the natural world.

Scenic ViewsLake views are limited at campsites due to dense tree coverage; however, cottages and some sites offer clearer vistas of the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park features 20 cabins with various layouts, including options that sleep up to 8 people. Cabins are described as well-equipped with full kitchens, screened porches, and rocking chairs. Some cabins have shared docks for boaters. However, some reviews highlighted maintenance issues like cleanliness and pests.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 28 campsites feature pea gravel bases with railings around the edges. Spacing is inconsistent: some sites offer seclusion while others feel tight, particularly for RVs. The layout concentrates sites close together, which some campers found overcrowded.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via gastateparks.org or by calling 1-800-864-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not directly mentioned; however, user reviews suggest that some sites may be first-come-first-served.

Cancellation PolicyRules and regulations are posted at site offices and must be observed by all guests and visitors.

AccessibilityMost park facilities, including the swimming beach, are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious with a pea gravel base and railings around the edges. Some cabins and campsites have direct lake views.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some users noting seclusion while others describe sites as tightly packed. Site 13 provides easy lake access.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites closest to the lake (#13, #11) for better views. Larger rigs may find difficulty with smaller sites.

Best CampsitesSite 13 offers easy lake access and is frequently mentioned in reviews. Site 11 also sits close to the water. Cabins with lake views and private docks receive consistent praise, though specific cabin numbers aren't provided in the data.

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Amenities available

Richard B. Russell State Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance the camping experience. Facilities include ADA accessibility, a beach, bike rentals, biking trails, boat launch areas, disc golf, golf, cable hookups, canoe and pontoon rentals, fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic tables, restrooms, and laundry with one washer and one dryer available. The camp store offers firewood, ice, tees, and some fishing-related items. 'The roads are paved to the campsites with level parking and a pea gravel base,' one user noted. Restrooms and bathhouses are described as clean and well-maintained. Fire pits and grills are also provided at campsites.

Showers

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a wide range of activities, including fishing, boating, disc golf, traditional golf, hiking, biking, and swimming. Seasonal amenities also include canoe and kayak rentals. Wildlife viewing and geocaching are other popular activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include limited cellular service, fallen trees (as reported in cabins), and wildlife like cockroaches and spiders in cabins.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are mentioned; however, grills and fire pits are available at picnic sites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital and emergency services are located in Elberton, approximately 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available throughout the campground. Some reviewers mentioned active camp hosts who help maintain cleanliness.

Water FeaturesLake Richard B. Russell borders the camping area, offering boat docks, fishing piers, and swimming beaches.

Camp HostCamp hosts are noted for being friendly and attentive, often driving around to check on guests.

Cell CoverageCell service is described as limited and spotty, with issues noted for providers like Verizon. Several users mentioned needing to rely on Wi-Fi, which is also spotty.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

104 reviews

Satisfactory

Richard B Russell State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Richard B. Russell State Park receives mixed reviews. Positive comments highlight the park's beauty, cleanliness, and range of activities, while complaints focus on limited cell service, maintenance issues, and overcrowded sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 104 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the well-maintained trails, clean facilities, and family-friendly activities. Cabins with lake views and docks were particularly praised. The staff's friendliness and the park's...

Based on 104 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned issues with cabin cleanliness, pests, and maintenance. Limited cell service and weak Wi-Fi connectivity were common concerns. Overcrowding and tightly packed campsites were noted...

Based on 104 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 13 is noted for its easy lake access, while site 11 is praised for its proximity to the lake. Cabins 7 and 17 offer accessible amenities, though 17 lacks a well-marked no-wake zone.

Based on 104 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own paper towels, quarters for laundry, and sticks for clearing trail cobwebs. Check tree conditions around cabins for safety.

Based on 104 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention the high heat and crowded conditions, while fall and winter reviews highlight the peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty.

Based on 104 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The trails are well-marked, but cobwebs on less-used paths were a challenge.' 2. 'Cabin 20 is very ugly, with pests inside.' 3. 'The staff is very friendly, and the park is a great retreat.' 4....

Based on 104 reviews

Accessibility Features

Most facilities, including the beach, are wheelchair accessible. Cabin 7 is highlighted for its accessibility features, making it suitable for disabled veterans.

Based on 104 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but a pet fee of $50 applies for cabins. Reviews mention that the area is pet-friendly, with plenty of outdoor spaces suitable for dogs.

Based on 104 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families and boaters who book site 13 or 11 early get the most out of this place. Six miles of trails, a seasonal beach with rentals, a fishing pier, and ospreys nesting on the old iron bridge make fall visits genuinely worthwhile.

Skip if

RVs over 30 feet will fight the site spacing, cabin guests have flagged pest and maintenance issues (cockroaches, broken fixtures), and reviews describe more friction with fellow campers than you'd expect here. Verizon users are largely on their own.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.7

(216)

Calhoun Falls State Park

Calhoun Falls State Park sits on the shores of Lake Russell in upstate South Carolina, offering 86 paved campsites with water and electric hookups. The campground includes a sandy swimming beach, full-service marina, and boat ramps. Sites range from lakefront spots with direct water access to shaded wooded areas set back from the shore.