If you’re the adventurous sort that’s always looking for a new spot to drop your ‘yak in the water for some paddling fun, then you should check out Lake Russell, a.k.a. Richard B. Russell Lake. Ever hear of this lake in the Palmetto State? It’s not quite the household name that Lake Murray or Lake Marion or Lake Keowee is, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Lake Russell is found along the South Carolina and Georgia border, with the border running right along the middle bottom of the lake itself.
Google/david hutchinson
It was created in 1974 when the Richard B. Russell Dam was built along the Savannah River and Rocky River.
Wikipedia/Public Domain/Jonas N. Jordan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual Library
The lake boasts 26,650 acres of surface as well as 540 miles of shoreline. But what makes it special is truly amazing…
Google/Linda Novotasky The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prohibits any private use of the land along the shore, which means there are no homes or developments on the pristine shore. The only thing you’ll find on the shores of Lake Russell is state parks and day use parks.
Which brings us to the best place for South Carolinians to access Lake Russell for kayaking and more: Calhoun Falls State Park in Calhoun Falls.
Google Maps The many peninsulas of the state park poke out into Lake Russell like the limbs of a great big tree growing sideways.
The state park here isn’t the most traveled property in the state park system but it certainly has the potential to be added to your favorites list, particularly if you love to kayak.
Google/David Sanford The water is cool, clear, and rarely booming with motor boat activity, even though Lake Russell’s depth drops down as much as 160 feet.
As far as the state park goes, it has a number of amenities for the entire family to enjoy. If you have family members that prefer to remain on land while you’re off paddling your heart out, then there is much to do at Calhoun Falls State Park.
Google/William Haun Swimming is popular in the warmer months. The park also has a playground, tennis courts, hiking trails, equestrian trails, a boat ramp for motor boats, and an impressive three campgrounds!
Love to camp? Most of the camp sites at Calhoun Falls are right on the water or a very short walk away.
TripAdvisor/management
Pack the camper or tent, load up the ‘yaks, and hit the road, er, water. Remember the state park does not offer kayak rentals, so if you need to rent a kayak, you’ll have to do that elsewhere.
Google/Keanu Lawrence
And have fun exploring the 540 miles of shoreline. We’re guessing that’ll take several years!
TripAdvisor/Stephanie T
Learn more about Calhoun Falls State Park so you can plan your kayaking adventure on Lake Russell by visiting the official website for South Carolina State Parks.
Google/david hutchinson
Wikipedia/Public Domain/Jonas N. Jordan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual Library
Google/Linda Novotasky
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prohibits any private use of the land along the shore, which means there are no homes or developments on the pristine shore. The only thing you’ll find on the shores of Lake Russell is state parks and day use parks.
Google Maps
The many peninsulas of the state park poke out into Lake Russell like the limbs of a great big tree growing sideways.
Google/David Sanford
The water is cool, clear, and rarely booming with motor boat activity, even though Lake Russell’s depth drops down as much as 160 feet.
Google/William Haun
Swimming is popular in the warmer months. The park also has a playground, tennis courts, hiking trails, equestrian trails, a boat ramp for motor boats, and an impressive three campgrounds!
TripAdvisor/management
Google/Keanu Lawrence
TripAdvisor/Stephanie T
Keep the kayak excitement flowing with a visit to the Little River Blueway Trail in South Carolina!
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Address: Calhoun Falls State Park, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628, USA
