🌤 Weather at Lake Russell Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–76 °F | 63–86 °F | 39–79 °F | 30–53 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Cornelia, 3 mi away, elevation 1,470 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Lake Russell Recreation Area is a federal recreation site in Georgia near Cornelia, managed by the US Forest Service. The recreation area lies on the 100-acre Lake Russell and offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Georgia |
| Nearest City | Cornelia |
| Lake Size | 100 acres (Lake Russell) |
Location & Getting There
Lake Russell Recreation Area is located near Cornelia, Georgia. The park’s coordinates are 34.4939, -83.4948.
Things to Do
Lake Russell is a 100-acre lake in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest with a grass beach, a boat ramp and a group pavilion. Only non-motorized boats and electric trolling motors are allowed, so it is a quiet lake for fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding (a Georgia fishing license is required). Hiking and biking trails include the Lake Russell Loop Trail and the Sourwood Trail, and the Ladyslipper trail for horses, hikers and bikers starts nearby at the Nancytown day-use area. The campground has 42 tent and RV sites on two loops, with no electric hookups, and is reservation-only through Recreation.gov (as of October 2026). Current conditions are on the Forest Service page.
Best Time to Visit
The boat ramp and the campground are open year-round, but the beach facilities open only for the summer season, and Loop A of the campground runs from spring to late fall or early winter. For wildflowers, the Forest Service names June through September as the best time to visit the surrounding woodlands and restored meadows. Day-use areas close from sunset to sunrise. During managed deer and turkey hunts in the adjacent Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area, forest roads can be busy, and wearing hunter orange is a good idea.
Visitor Tips
Lake Russell is a U.S. Forest Service recreation area in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, so the Georgia ParkPass does not apply. Day use at the beach, picnic area and boat launch costs $5 per vehicle, and America the Beautiful passes are accepted (as of October 2026).
Explore More Georgia State Parks
Looking for state parks in Georgia? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Georgia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Russell Recreation Area — on Lake Russell in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, next to the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area. The Forest Service describes oak-pine woodlands and restored meadows in the Southern Appalachian Piedmont, where prescribed fire supports rare plants such as smooth purple coneflower, Georgia aster and prairie goldenrod. Managed deer and turkey hunts take place in the wildlife management area.
Nearby Attractions
Cornelia — about 2 miles northwest. Tallulah Gorge State Park — about 18 miles northeast. Unicoi State Park — about 20 miles northwest. Distances are straight-line.
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site is within about an hour’s drive, and Tallulah Gorge State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Park Map
Plan your gear for Lake Russell Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
