Lake Russell (Richard B. Russell Lake) covers 26,650 acres on the Savannah River between Lake Hartwell and Lake Thurmond, and nearly 10,000 of those acres are in South Carolina.
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.
Federal rules keep its shoreline free of private docks and homes, so the lake feels wild, and the water level stays close to full pool all year.
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 surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Lake Russell, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Lake Russell or pulling a tube.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
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 | Calhoun Falls and Lowndesville |
|---|---|
| Size | About 26,650 acres |
| Shoreline | About 540 miles |
| River | Savannah River |
| Filled | 1984 |
| Park | Calhoun Falls State Park |
Best things to do on Lake Russell
- Wakesurfing – calm coves with no dock traffic.
- Water skiing and tubing – wide, quiet main lake.
- Jet skiing – the Rocky River and creek arms.
- Fishing – striped bass and crappie.
Where to launch at Lake Russell
- Calhoun Falls State Park – ramps on the South Carolina shore.
- Corps ramps – around Lowndesville and the Rocky River arm.
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.
- South Carolina requires an observer or a wide-angle mirror when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in South Carolina.
South Carolina boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 12 must wear one on boats shorter than 16 feet, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver or a wide-angle mirror, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed between sunset and sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at idle speed within 50 feet of anchored boats, docks and people in the water, and within 100 feet of docks and piers on many of the big reservoirs. Wakesurfing must stay at idle speed within 200 feet of docks, moored boats and swimmers.
Map of Lake Russell
Lake Russell rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Russell?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained 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 the South Carolina side of Lake Russell?
Along the east shore in Abbeville and Anderson counties, around Calhoun Falls and Lowndesville.
Can you jet ski on Lake Russell?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Russell.
How big is Lake Russell?
About 26,650 acres, with 540 miles of shoreline.
Do you rent on the Georgia side of Lake Russell too?
Yes. We also have rentals ready on the Georgia side of Richard B. Russell Lake near Elberton.