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Explore Richard B Russell State Park in Elberton Georgia

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Fall color along the shoreline of Richard B. Russell Lake

Photo: Shawn Taylor, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located on Richard B. Russell Lake, this 2,508-acre park offers some of the state’s finest fishing and boating. The campground and fully equipped cottages sit on or near the water’s edge for a relaxing getaway.

Park map

Richard B. Russell State Park Map

This is the Georgia State Parks map of Richard B. Russell State Park from 2008, kept in our archive. It shows the park’s roads and main facilities as they were laid out then, so newer buildings, campsites, trails and closures will not appear on it. Before you go, check the current maps below.

2008 Georgia State Parks map of Richard B. Russell State Park
Richard B. Russell State Park map, Georgia State Parks, 2008 edition (archived copy). Open the full-size PDF.

Current maps:

Park Amenities

A nature trail follows the shoreline to one of the oldest steel pin bridges in the area, loops through the adjoining woods, and returns to the beach.

Photos

Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake on the Savannah River Richard B. Russell DamOn the Savannah River Lake Russell Rowing Center 1996 Olympic Training Site monument Olympic Rowing History1996 Olympic training site marker

Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Jonas N. Jordan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, public domain.

Picnic Shelters

Picnic Shelters #1 & #3

Open-sided covered shelters near the swimming beach. Each has a large grill, lights and water. Must vacate by 9:45 p.m. Canoe and paddle boat rentals at the beach area; no lifeguard on duty. Maximum 25 vehicles per site.

ADA Shelter

Open-sided, accessible covered shelter near the swimming beach. Large grill, lights and water. Must vacate by 9:45 p.m. Canoe and paddle boat rentals at the beach area; no lifeguard on duty. Maximum 25 vehicles.

Camping & Cottages

35-Foot Campsites

Holds 1 tent, 2 tents, a pop-up trailer, or a trailer/motorhome up to 35 feet. Waterfront campsites are first come, first served. Water, 20 & 30-amp electric, cable hookup, picnic table, grill and fire ring. Comfort station with washer/dryer. Maximum 6 people and 2 vehicles per site.

Cottages

20 lakefront two-bedroom cottages, two double beds per bedroom, one full bath, sleeps 8. Bed & bath linens provided. Fully equipped kitchen with coffee maker and microwave. Fireplace (wood not provided), heat/AC, cable TV. No phone. Screened porch, picnic table and grill outside.

Group Shelter

Enclosed shelter near the water’s edge. Restrooms, folding tables and chairs, fans, and a large grassy play area. A $100 cleanup/damage deposit is charged at check-in (check or credit card only, no cash). ParkPass required.

Reservations & Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of a reservation must be made at least 3 days prior to arrival to receive a refund; a cancellation/handling fee per reservation will be charged. Changing your arrival date less than 3 days before the scheduled arrival counts as a cancellation and forfeits the deposit.

7–14 Day Cottage Reservations: Cancellations 30+ days in advance receive a deposit refund minus the cancellation fee. Cancelling less than 30 days but before 72 hours of arrival: request a refund in writing; if the cottage is rebooked for the original dates, you’ll receive a full refund minus the cancellation fee. Cancelling within 72 hours of arrival forfeits the one-night deposit. Deposits are required for all reservations and are posted when the reservation is made.

Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in is between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.; check-out is before 1 p.m. Campers must register and present a reservation confirmation before setting up. Not arriving on the first night of your stay counts as a no-show – your reservation is cancelled and the deposit forfeited.

Reservation Changes: One change is allowed at no charge with 3 days’ notice; additional changes incur a per-reservation handling fee.