Authorized for construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1966, Lake Russell began filling in 1983 after construction of the dam on the Savannah River, reaching full pool in 1984. Since federal regulations prohibit private exclusive use of public lands surrounding the lake, the Lake Russell experience is likened to being similar to enjoying a remote Canadian lake while being surrounded by civilization. With its undeveloped shorelines, Lake Russell provides an outdoor experience beyond just fishing; visitors enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the abundant wildlife.
The primary access point to the lake is Richard B. Russell State Park, which offers some of the state’s finest fishing and boating, along with campsites and cottages on or near the water’s edge, a swimming beach, a natural trail that follows the shoreline, a well-kept disc golf course and, for traditional golfers, the 18-hole Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course, so named because of the Paleo-Indian artifacts excavated near the park in 1980 before the lake began filling.
Another access point to Lake Russell is the Bobby Brown Park Outdoor Recreation Area which has its own campground, including yurt rentals, a disc golf course, picnic shelters, 3-D archery range, nearly two miles of hiking trails, pier fishing and a boat ramp.
