Richard B. Russell State Park sits on the shores of Richard B. Russell Lake in Elberton, Georgia, offering 2,508 acres of wooded peninsulas and quiet coves in Elbert County. Named for the longtime Georgia senator, this park stands out for its striking lakefront setting — the kind of place where water views greet you from nearly every trail and campsite.

The lake is the main draw here. Anglers chase largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie in the clear waters, while families spread out along the sandy beach during summer months. A boat ramp provides easy access for kayakers, canoeists, and powerboaters alike. On land, hiking trails wind through hardwood forests and along bluffs overlooking the lake, and the park’s disc golf course adds a welcome change of pace.

Cottages perched above the waterline offer some of the best overnight stays in Georgia’s state park system — floor-to-ceiling windows, full kitchens, and screened porches where you can watch the sun drop behind the tree line. For those who prefer sleeping closer to the ground, the park’s campsites accommodate both tents and RVs.

Spring and fall deliver the best conditions: mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent fishing. Summer brings the beach scene and full programming. Winter is quiet but rewarding for birding and solitary hiking.

With a 4.7-star rating across nearly 900 reviews, Richard B. Russell consistently ranks among Georgia’s most loved — and most overlooked — state parks. It rewards visitors who make the drive to this corner of the Piedmont.

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