Region
North Georgia High Country
Lake Richard B. Russell Recreation Guide
Make Memories at Lake Richard B. Russell
Lake Richard B. Russell is a Savannah River reservoir with Georgia-side public ramps, state park access, shoreline fishing, and strong bass, crappie, catfish, and striper opportunities.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
Why Lake Richard B. Russell Belongs on Your Georgia Outdoors List
Lake Richard B. Russell is a large reservoir between Lake Hartwell and Clarks Hill. Anglers target largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, and striped bass. Richard B. Russell State Park provides Georgia access and amenities. The lake is less developed than some major reservoirs and has strong fishing appeal.
Quick Facts for Planning Your Visit
Use these at-a-glance details to understand the setting, then build the trip around how your family or group wants to enjoy the water.
Lake Size
26,650 acres
Shoreline
540 miles
Best For
Boating, fishing, swimming, camping, parks & day use
What You Can Do at Lake Richard B. Russell
These lake-specific notes highlight the recreation that is genuinely available here, along with the limits and practical details that shape a visit.
Boating on a Largely Undeveloped Reservoir
Lake Richard B. Russell supports powerboats, personal watercraft, sailing, paddling, and fishing boats, with public ramps at day-use areas and campgrounds. Much of the shoreline remains undeveloped, giving the lake a quieter and more natural character than nearby Hartwell or Clarks Hill.
A Quiet Border-Lake Fishery
Fishing is one of Lake Russell’s defining uses, with broad reservoir water, river arms, coves, points, public ramps, and shoreline access. The lake appeals to anglers who prefer fewer developed shorelines and a less commercial setting.
Swimming at Richard B. Russell State Park
Richard B. Russell State Park provides the main developed Georgia-side swimming beach, along with picnic areas, playgrounds, boat ramps, camping, cottages, and accessible facilities. Visitors should use the established park beach rather than undeveloped shoreline.
State-Park Camping and Cottages
The Corps does not operate campgrounds on Lake Richard B. Russell. On the Georgia side, Richard B. Russell State Park provides tent, trailer, and RV campsites, cottages, ramps, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a swimming beach.
A Less-Commercial Lake Experience
The lake is best suited to boating, fishing, swimming at the state park, picnicking, and quiet shoreline recreation. Visitors should expect fewer marinas, resorts, and commercial services than at Georgia’s larger destination reservoirs.
Launch Points & Shoreline Access
Lake Access & Boat Ramps at Lake Richard B. Russell
6 published access points can help you choose where to launch, fish, picnic, swim, or begin a day on the water. Confirm current hours, fees, water levels, and ramp conditions before traveling.
Public Boat Ramp / Fishing Pier
Public access
Coldwater Creek Ramp and Pier
Operated by: State of Georgia
Location:
Coldwater Creek Ramp and Pier, Elbert County
GA
Available: Boat launch, Fishing access, Bank fishing, Fishing pier, Restrooms
State Park Boat Ramp
Public access
Richard B. Russell State Park Boat Ramps
Operated by: Georgia State Parks / DNR
Location:
2650 Russell State Park Dr
GA
Available: Camping, Boat launch, Fishing access, Bank fishing, Swimming, Restrooms, Picnic area
Marina / Boat Ramp
Private business
Beaverdam Marina
Operated by: Beaverdam Marina
Location:
1155 Marina Drive
GA
Available: Boat launch, Fishing access, Bank fishing, Restrooms, Marina
Public Boat Ramp
Public access
Elbert Park Boat Ramp
Operated by: State of Georgia
Location:
GA Highway 72
GA
Available: Boat launch, Fishing access, Bank fishing, Restrooms
Public Boat Ramp
Public access
Pearl Mill Boat Ramp
Operated by: State of Georgia
Location:
Beverly Park, Georgia side of Lake Richard B. Russell
GA
Available: Boat launch, Fishing access, Bank fishing, Restrooms
Public Boat Ramp
Public access
Shuck Pen Eddy Boat Ramp
Operated by: State of Georgia
Location:
Bobby Brown State Park Rd
GA
Available: Boat launch, Fishing access, Bank fishing, Restrooms
Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
Marinas, Rentals & Lake Services
For many visitors, lake weekends start with practical services: fuel, ramps, rentals, dock access, supplies, and a good launching point for the day.
Marina
Beaverdam Marina & Adventure Center
Full-service Lake Richard B. Russell marina with covered slips, fuel, ship store, private ramp, kayak rentals and lakefront recreation.
Address:
1155 Marina Drive
Elberton, GA 30635
Phone: 706-213-6462
Build a Weekend Around Lake Richard B. Russell
Use the lake as the anchor, then add campgrounds, parks, restaurants, marinas, and nearby outdoor stops to shape a trip that feels distinctly Georgia.
Start with the Water
Plan a day of fishing with information on fish species, access points, and places to cast from shore or launch a boat.
Add the Basecamp
Choose a campground, RV site, cabin, hotel, or nearby town that gives everyone more time together.
Explore Nearby
Look for parks, restaurants, events, trails, and small-town stops that turn the lake visit into a more memorable Georgia getaway.
Plan Your Lake Trip
Explore More Around Lake Richard B. Russell
Find campgrounds, explore the map, and use the lake as the beginning of your next Georgia outdoor memory.