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Richard B. Russell Lake, Georgia & South Carolina, USA

Also known as:  Lake Russell

Richard B. Russell Lake, sometimes nicknamed Lake Russell, claims 26,650 sparkling acres and 540 miles of shoreline on the Georgia-South Carolina state line. This expansive lake straddles Georgia’s Northeast Mountains region and South Carolina’s Old 96 District. Like many lakes in the area, Lake Russell was originally created in 1985 by damming up the Savannah River to provide flood control. Originally named Trotters Shoal Lake, it was…
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    • All About Richard B. Russell Lake, GA/SC

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Georgia - Northeast Georgia Mountains Region - South Carolina - Old 96 District, SC -

    Richard B. Russell Lake, sometimes nicknamed Lake Russell, claims 26,650 sparkling acres and 540 miles of shoreline on the Georgia-South Carolina state line. This expansive lake straddles Georgia’s Northeast Mountains region and South Carolina’s Old 96 District. Like many lakes in the area, Lake Russell was originally created in 1985 by damming up the Savannah River to provide flood control. Originally named Trotters Shoal Lake, it was later renamed after the late Georgia Senator Richard B. Russell.

    While flood control is the reason for the initial creation of the lake, it is now host to many recreational activities such as fishing, water skiing, hiking, jet skiing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, federal law prohibits private use of public lands around the lake. This lack of development offers the opportunity to visit a lake in its natural state. This unique experience offers up a beautiful, pristine lake with abundant wildlife and endless outdoor fun.

    Due to its large size, Richard B. Russell Lake offers visitors and residents a plethora of enjoyable activities. If you want to stretch your legs and lungs, the lake’s excellent hiking and biking activities will be right up your alley. If you’re looking for a bit more relaxation, grab your beach towel and head down to the shoreline to enjoy the sun and the beckoning lake waters.

    Ideally situated along the South Carolina Lake Russell shoreline, Calhoun Falls State Park enjoys gorgeous orange sunsets, fishing opportunities that come with significant bragging rights, and endless recreational activities. Picnic areas, campsites, a playground, hiking trails, a tennis court, basketball nets, and a swimming area are available to the public. The Richard B. Russell State Park on the Georgia border offers loads of outdoor fun including camping, hiking and fishing.

    Well-known for its excellent fishing, Richard B. Russell Lake is home to diverse species due to its many different aquatic environments. Offering both warm and cold wqater fisheries the lake is one of the finest fishing lakes in the area. Stumps, old docks, and manmade habitats dot the water landscape, providing the perfect hiding places, breeding grounds, and homes to the lake’s fish. And while crappie and largemouth bass are your best bet, you can also look forward to the less-common species that inhabit the lake.

    Due to the federal lands encompassing most of the land around Richard B. Russell Lake, vacation rentals are only available in the surrounding communities such as Elberton and Calhoun Falls. Campsites are also available in Calhoun Falls State Park in South Carolina and Richard B. Russell State Park in Georgia. A warm summer day with a brilliant yellow sun decorating a perfect blue sky is best enjoyed from the water. Boats can be rented around the lake, so whether you prefer the speed of a power boat or the gentle sway of a canoe, you can have your way at Richard B. Russell Lake. So drag a skier behind your speedboat or stop your kayak in the middle of a quiet cove and dive into the cool, blue waters; whatever your heart desires, it will be fulfilled here.

    Things to Do at Richard B. Russell Lake

    These are some activities in the Richard B. Russell Lake, GA/SC area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Tennis
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Richard B. Russell Lake?

    Richard B. Russell Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
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    Find Places to Stay at Richard B. Russell Lake

    If you’re considering a Richard B. Russell Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Richard B. Russell Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Richard B. Russell Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Richard B. Russell Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Not Known

    Water Level Control: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 26,650 acres

    Shoreline Length: 540 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 475 feet

    Average Depth: 40 feet

    Maximum Depth: 165 feet

    Water Volume: 1,066,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1985

    Richard B. Russell Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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