LAKE RUSSELL RECREATION AREA
Federal / Recreation.gov
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
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
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
34.49315, -83.49496
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:18 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Cornelia, GA.
Today
91°F
Sunny
1% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Tonight
71°F
Mostly Clear
2% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Friday
92°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
17% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Friday Night
71°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
55% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Saturday
87°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
89% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Saturday Night
70°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
80% rain · wind 0 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
Share your adventure
Link a YouTube video from your trip so others can see what the land feels like — and so parks can see real people loving their places.
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