Calhoun Falls State Park
Lake Russell Waterfront Camping and Fishing — Boat Ramp, 86 Campsites, Sandy Beach Swimming, Hiking, Abbeville County South Carolina’s Hidden Lake Retreat
Calhoun Falls State Park is a state park on Lake Richard B. Russell, Abbeville County, South Carolina, near the town of Calhoun Falls. The park features 86 campsites including many lakefront sites with water and electric hookups, a boat ramp and dock on 26,650-acre Lake Russell, a sandy beach swimming area with seasonal lifeguard, hiking trails through piedmont forest along the scenic lakeshore, fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, playground, picnic shelters, and restroom facilities, and a quiet lakeside atmosphere on one of South Carolina’s least-crowded and most pristine reservoirs.
Calhoun Falls is South Carolina’s hidden lake retreat — Lake Russell is one of the least-developed and least-crowded reservoirs on the Savannah River system, giving the park a remote, peaceful atmosphere that feels like backcountry camping despite being just minutes from the town of Calhoun Falls.
The 86 campsites — many with direct lakefront views and water/electric hookups — provide some of South Carolina’s best waterfront camping value. The boat ramp and dock put anglers directly on 26,650 acres of bass, striper, crappie, and catfish water.
Things to Do
- Camping — 86 sites, many lakefront with hookups
- Fishing — bass, striper, crappie, bream, catfish
- Boating — ramp and dock on Lake Russell
- Swimming — sandy beach, seasonal lifeguard
- Hiking — piedmont forest lakeshore trails
- Picnicking — shelters, playground, restrooms
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Abbeville County, SC — near Calhoun Falls |
| Lake | Richard B. Russell — 26,650 acres |
| Camping | 86 sites — water/electric, lakefront |
| Fishing | Bass, striper, crappie, bream, catfish |
| Swimming | Sandy beach — seasonal lifeguard |
| Managed By | SC State Parks |
| Coordinates | 34.0936° N, 82.5989° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Calhoun Falls SP — on Lake Russell (26,650 acres). The park’s lake, piedmont forest, and shoreline support bald eagles, ospreys, and white-tailed deer. Largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Calhoun Falls — adjacent. Savannah River — the lake is a Savannah River impoundment. Abbeville — 15 miles north.
Does Calhoun Falls State Park have lakefront camping?
Yes — Calhoun Falls State Park in Abbeville County, SC, has 86 campsites, many with direct lakefront views and water/electric hookups on 26,650-acre Lake Richard B. Russell. The park features a boat ramp and dock, sandy beach swimming with seasonal lifeguard, fishing for bass, striper, crappie, bream, and catfish, hiking trails through piedmont forest, and picnic shelters. Lake Russell is one of South Carolina’s least-crowded reservoirs, offering a peaceful waterfront retreat.
Last updated: May 2026
