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 well as the smaller Nancytown Lake. Parking Access at Nancytown is included for day use visitors to the Lake Russell Recreation Area, and registered campers. No gas motors allowed on Lake Russell, nor the adjacent Nancytown Lake.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocks trout in Nancytown Lake four times between March and August. While the Broad River coursing through the adjacent WMA also produces trout for the hearty angler. Many other fish species can be found in both Nancytown Lake and Lake Russell.
Mountain bikers will find miles of single track; the Lady Slipper Trail is a popular trail of moderate difficulty. There are many trail options for hikers that include the lake loop as well as the rhododendron trail that connects to the manicured area atop Chenoceta Mountain where the Chenoceta Fire Tower can be found. Additional trails abound in the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area to keep you exploring the naturalized area that covers the lake and several miles of lands in the mountains and valleys that contribute to the Broad River watershed.
Road Bikers enjoy the asphalt roads that encompass both Nancytown and Lake Russell Recreation Areas, the highly motivated aim for the access road and climb the hill back toward Mt. Airy, Georgia. The nearest town, Mt. Airy includes convenience stores nearby where you can find bait and tackle, ice, drinks, and various sundries to complement your visit.
Facilities
The campground offers 42 campsites for tents and RVs, however there are no hookups. Campsites have a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern hook. Water is available throughout the campground via water hydrants. Bathrooms have flush toilets with showers.
Adjacent to the campground area includes a grass-covered beach and swimming area, picnic shelter/picnic area, biking, boat launch, fishing dock, and near Loop A of the campground is a dump station.
Natural Features
Nestled in the Chattahoochee Oconee Forest, 100-acre Lake Russell is an ideal summer camping location because of the cool mountain air. There are two paved campground loops for easy access to everything there is to do here. No gas motors allowed on the lake, nor the adjacent Nancytown Lake. The Nancytown Recreation area adjoins the Lake Russell Rec Area, and includes several popular trailheads as well as the smaller Nancytown Lake. Parking Access at Nancytown is included for day use visitors to the Lake Russell Recreation Area, and registered campers.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocks trout in Nancytown Lake four times between March and August. While the Broad River courses through the adjacent WMA also produces trout for the hearty angler. Many other fish species can be found in both Nancytown Lake and Lake Russell.
Mountain bikers will find miles of single track; the Lady Slipper Trail is a popular trail of moderate difficulty. There are many trail options for hikers that include the lake loop as well as the rhododendron trail that connects to the manicured area atop Chenoceta Mountain where the Chenoceta Fire Tower can be found. Additional trails abound in the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area to keep you exploring the naturalized area that covers the lake and several miles of lands in the mountains and valleys that contribute to the Broad River watershed.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the area can enjoy exploring Anna Ruby Falls; Brasstown Bald Recreation Area (Georgia's highest point); Cornelia, GA; and the Chenocetah Fire Tower.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area