Richard B. Russell Lake, known locally as Lake Russell, is a 26,650-acre lake on the Savannah River between Lake Hartwell and Clarks Hill Lake, near Elberton, Georgia.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Russell, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Its 540 miles of shoreline have no private docks or lake homes, and the water stays close to full all year, so it's one of the most natural and peaceful big lakes in the South.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Russell
Everything you rent is ready for you at Lake Russell — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Lake Russell.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Russell at a glance
| Location | Near Elberton, GA |
|---|---|
| Size | About 26,650 acres |
| Shoreline | About 540 miles, undeveloped |
| River | Savannah River |
| Filled | 1984 |
| Park | Richard B. Russell State Park |
Best things to do on Lake Russell
- Water skiing and tubing – quiet open water.
- Wakesurfing – calm coves with no dock traffic.
- Jet skiing – undeveloped coves to explore.
- Fishing – striped bass, crappie and largemouth.
Where to launch at Lake Russell
- Richard B. Russell State Park – state park with a ramp near Elberton.
- Corps parks – public ramps around the lake.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Russell
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Georgia requires an observer besides the driver when towing, and no towing or wakesurfing between sunset and sunrise.
- Georgia's 100-foot law means idle speed near docks, swimmers and shorelines.
Georgia boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 13 must wear one whenever the boat is moving, unless they're inside an enclosed cabin, and everyone on a jet ski must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing aren't allowed between sunset and sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise.
- Georgia's 100-foot law: keep to idle speed within 100 feet of docks, piers, bridges, anchored or drifting boats, people in the water and shorelines next to homes, parks, beaches and marinas.
- Lake Russell straddles the state line, so South Carolina boating rules apply on the South Carolina side.
Map of Richard B. Russell Lake
Lake Russell rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Russell?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Lake Russell when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Russell, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake Russell?
On the Savannah River near Elberton, Georgia, between Lake Hartwell and Clarks Hill Lake.
Can you jet ski on Richard B. Russell Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Richard B. Russell Lake.
How big is Richard B. Russell Lake?
About 26,650 acres, with roughly 540 miles of shoreline.
Are there lake homes on Lake Russell?
No. The shoreline has no private development, so it stays quiet and natural.
Do you rent on the South Carolina side of Lake Russell too?
Yes. We can also have your rental ready on the South Carolina side near Calhoun Falls.