Alabama boasts an impressive variety of state parks that cater to outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The Alabama State Parks Passport Series showcases the beautiful outdoor spaces across the state, perfect for seasonal getaways. Today’s featured park is Roland Cooper State Park.
Roland Cooper State Park, located in Camden, Alabama, provides visitors with numerous outdoor activities, including bird watching, fishing, and cozy cabin stays.
Nature and recreation
Fishing is a popular activity at Roland Cooper, especially at Dannelly Reservoir in southwestern Alabama, where local anglers often gather. There are boat launch facilities available, and the park hosts seasonal fishing tournaments. Anglers can look forward to catching plenty of fish, thanks to the park’s thriving gamefish population.
Birdwatchers will find Roland Cooper to be a fantastic destination. The park’s proximity to the Alabama River and its dense woodlands make it an attractive spot for observing various bird species, from bald eagles and raptors to songbirds and ospreys.
Additionally, Roland Cooper State Park is a perfect place for stargazing. Designated as a dark sky site, it’s an excellent location to camp beneath the stars and witness meteor showers.
Accommodation
The park offers a variety of lodging options. For those seeking modern comforts, there are three spacious two-bedroom cabins and six smaller two-bedroom cabins. There’s also a one-bedroom, ADA-compliant cabin available.
If you’re after a more rustic experience, you might enjoy one of the primitive cabins or various campsites. The park has over 40 improved RV sites equipped with water and sewage connections, as well as 50 and 30 amp electrical hookups, picnic tables, and grills. For a truly immersive experience, you can reserve one of 14 primitive campsites, all of which are conveniently located near bathrooms and showers.
Local attractions
If you’re looking to extend your adventure, the rich local history and culture at Gee’s Bend could be worth exploring. Gee’s Bend is noted for its quilters, a subject of an Emmy-winning documentary, “The Quilt Makers of Gee’s Bend.” This film highlights the globally recognized quilts crafted by local artisans. Visitors can also find plenty of dining and entertainment options in Montgomery and Mobile, both just a couple of hours away from the park.