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Roland Cooper State Park: Nature's Retreat on the Alabama River

Escape to Roland Cooper State Park: Fishing, birding, camping, and natural beauty on the Alabama River in the heart of Wilcox County.

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Nestled on the eastern shore of the Dannelly Reservoir, also known as Millers Ferry, Roland Cooper State Park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. Originally named Bridgeport State Park, it was renamed in honor of State Senator William Roland Cooper in the 1970s [4, 11]. This 236-acre park is a haven for fishing, birding, and camping, providing a peaceful escape surrounded by the natural beauty of southwest Alabama [4].

A brief summary to Roland Cooper State Park

Local tips

  • Bring your binoculars for excellent birdwatching opportunities along Alabama's Black Belt Birding Trail [3, 4].
  • Check the park's event calendar for the annual Gator Hunt and Alabama Bass Trail events [4].
  • Book campsites and cabins in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates [6].
  • Take advantage of the park's dark sky status for stargazing on clear nights [3].
  • A vehicle pass is required at all times while in the park, and boat launch use is free with an overnight reservation [3].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Camden, Alabama, head northeast on AL-41 N for approximately 1.7 miles [13]. Turn left onto County Road 43 and continue for 3.1 miles [13]. Finally, turn left onto Deer Run Road to enter Roland Cooper State Park [13]. A $5 per vehicle park entry fee is required [3, 19].

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Discover more about Roland Cooper State Park

Roland Cooper State Park, a 236-acre oasis in Wilcox County, Alabama, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Alabama River and the scenic Dannelly Reservoir [4, 8, 11]. Known locally as Millers Ferry Lake, the reservoir offers some of the best fishing in the region, attracting anglers seeking to land a prized catch [3, 4]. Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise as the park is a featured stop on Alabama's Black Belt Birding Trail [3, 4]. Various raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds call this park home, with bald eagles and ospreys present throughout the year [3, 4, 13]. The park's dark sky status, with a Bortle Scale rating of 2, makes it an ideal location for stargazing and observing astrological phenomena [3]. For those seeking a longer stay, Roland Cooper State Park offers a variety of accommodation options. Choose from furnished two-bedroom cabins, cozy tiny cabins, or primitive camping sites for a more rustic experience [3, 6, 19]. The modern campground provides improved RV campsites with full hook-up services, ensuring a comfortable stay for RV travelers [3, 4]. Beyond its natural attractions, the park offers a range of recreational facilities. A nine-hole golf course provides a challenging game amidst the beautiful landscape [6, 7, 9]. Picnic areas with tables, grills, and pavilions are perfect for family gatherings and outdoor meals [7, 8]. Roland Cooper State Park is not just a place for recreation; it's a place steeped in history. Originally named Bridgeport State Park, it was later renamed to honor William Roland Cooper, a former state senator [4, 11]. The park faced closure in 2015 due to budget cuts but was reopened in 2016, ensuring that its legacy continues to thrive [4, 11].

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