Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area lies on Lake Russell, a large and relatively undeveloped South Carolina reservoir created in 1984. The 26,650-acre lake is surrounded by another 26,000 acres of public land. Calhoun Falls takes its name from first settler James Edward Calhoun, who settled near rocky shoals on the Savannah River now covered by the lake. Lake Russell offers fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, while the 318-acre park provides lakeside camping, a hiking trail, picnicking, tennis courts, and a seasonal swimming area. Nearby McCalla has 15 miles of equestrian trails on more than 6,000 acres of South Carolina State Park Service property managed through Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area.