Lake Russell Recreation Area

Looking for a place to stay during your Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest adventure? Well, look no further than Lake Russell Recreation Area! You and your pooch can sleep surrounded by some seriously serene scenery, and you won't even need to sacrifice any of your creature comforts during your stay! Unlike most US Forest Service campgrounds, Lake Russell offers flushing toilets and hot showers, but no RV hookups.

While you're here, you and your canine camper can reap the benefit of Lake Russell’s fabulous location! The sites sit surrounded by majestic mature hardwoods, and many sites have lakeside views. You may even be treated to the hauntingly beautiful sight of the Blue Ghost firefly buzzing through the trees! You can choose to stay at a tent-only site if you’re looking to get away from the noise of your neighbors' RVs, and double sites are available for larger groups. There’s no entrance fee to the area, and sites start at $18.

The picnic tables at each site provide a paw-fect place for you and your furry friend to sit and soak up your surroundings, but if you’d like to get a little more adventurous, there’s no shortage of things for you two to see and do! If casting a line is your idea of a good time, you’re in luck -- the lake is well-stocked with bass, crappie, and sunfish. Non-furry family members will have a whale of a time at the playground and beach, which features a waterslide. 

Hound-dog hikers shouldn’t feel left out, either -- laid-back lapdogs searching for a short but sweet stroll will find one on the three-mile, mostly level Sourwood Trail, and the six-mile-long Ladyslipper Trail is grrr-eat for a longer stroll. There aren’t many opportunities for four-pawed fitness freaks in the recreation area itself, but nearby Lake Russell Wildlife Management area provides a far more rugged hiking experience.

WiFi isn’t available at Lake Russell, and cellular coverage varies from network to network. Fires are permitted, and drinking water is available on-site. Remember to clean up after your doggo, and have a pawesome time at Lake Russell Recreation Area!