Calhoun Falls State Park sits along several pine-covered points extending out into sparsely-developed Lake Russell. The Calhoun Falls campground is one of the most coveted in the park system, with spacious RV and tent sites complete with forested, shoreline views of the lake.
Day-use activities include a short, easy nature trail, tennis court, seasonal swimming and fishing. The park also attracts various events year round, including fishing tournaments and the popular South Carolina Campground Cookoff.
Fishing Information: Enjoy fishing in Lake Russell for bass, crappie, bream, walleye, stripers and catfish. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required.
The fishing pier which extends out into Lake Russell is handicap accessible.
Fishing: Yes
Freshwater Fishing: Yes
Boating and Boat Access: A boat ramp provides private boat access to Lake Russell.
A lighted marina offers 36 rental boat slips. Thirty-two of the 36 slips include water and electricity and access to sewage pump-out, restroom with hot showers and in-boat refueling.
Slips are rented on a yearly basis.
Boating: Yes
Boat Ramp: Yes
Playground Equipment: Yes
Picnic Shelters: Yes
Swimming: Lake swimming is available in a designated swimming area at Calhoun Falls State Park. No lifeguards are on duty and you must swim at your own risk.
Tennis Courts: There are tennis courts available for visitor use.
Birding: Yes
Other Facilities and Activities: A basketball court is located in the day-use area for park visitors.
Equestrian Trails: McCalla State Natural Area is managed as a special resource park because of its varied natural and cultural resources, that provide outdoor recreation and educational opportunities. This future backcountry park is located in the northwest portion of Abbeville County, bordering Lake Russell, and consists of 6,239 acres.
Numerous old homesite remains and the 200 year old Caldwell-Hutchison Farm House reflect the farming past of the area. The farms have been replaced by mixed forests creating an ideal wildlife habitat. Over 4,000 acres are presently under SCDNR Wildlife Management Area program. Whether entering by boat on unspoiled Lake Russell or traveling on the 10 mile horse trail, visitors will encounter a variety of backcountry outdoor experiences.
More information can be obtained by contacting Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area at 864-447-8267.
Walking/Nature Trails: Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area offers a moderately difficult 1.75 mile loop trail, named the Cedar Bluff Nature Trail.
Hiking: Yes
CAMPING
Camping Information: Three campgrounds are located along the shores of Lake Russell. Two of the campgrounds provide individual water and electrical hookups. Some of these sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, others up to 30 feet.
While tent campers may use these sites, a designated walk-in tent camping area includes tent pads and centralized water. All but one tent site is waterfront. Each campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers.
