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Roland Cooper State Park: A Natural Retreat on Dannelly Reservoir

Explore Alabama's natural beauty at Roland Cooper State Park: fishing, birding, camping & more on the scenic Dannelly Reservoir.

4.5

Nestled on the eastern shore of Dannelly Reservoir, Roland Cooper State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, birding, camping, and boating. This 236-acre park is a stop on Alabama's Black Belt Birding Trail and provides a peaceful escape surrounded by abundant forests.

A brief summary to Roland Cooper State Park

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Bring your binoculars! Roland Cooper is a stop on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail, with diverse birdlife to observe.
  • Check the park's website for information on upcoming fishing tournaments and special events.
  • Visit in late winter or early spring for the best crappie fishing in Dannelly Reservoir.
  • Take advantage of the park's dark sky location for stargazing on clear nights.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Roland Cooper State Park is located approximately 6 miles north of Camden, Alabama. From Camden, head north on AL-41 for 1.7 miles, then turn left onto County Road 43 and continue for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Deer Run Road to enter the park. The park entrance is well-marked. A $5 per vehicle entry fee is required, payable at the honor box just inside the entrance.

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Discover more about Roland Cooper State Park

Roland Cooper State Park, located six miles north of Camden, Alabama, is a 236-acre haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated on the eastern shore of the 22,000-acre Dannelly Reservoir (also known as Millers Ferry), the park provides access to a wide range of recreational activities. Originally opened as Bridgeport State Park in 1969, the land was leased from the Army Corps of Engineers after the construction of Millers Ferry Lock and Dam. In the 1970s, it was renamed Roland Cooper State Park in honor of Alabama State Senator William Roland Cooper. The park temporarily closed in 2015 due to budget cuts but reopened in 2016 under private management before returning to state control in 2023. Today, Roland Cooper State Park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Dannelly Reservoir is home to various game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The park provides boat launching facilities and hosts fishing tournaments throughout the year. Birdwatchers will also find the park to be a paradise, as it is a featured stop on Alabama's Black Belt Birding Trail. Bald eagles and ospreys are present throughout the year, along with various songbirds and waterfowl. Visitors can choose from a variety of overnight accommodations, including furnished cabins, improved RV campsites, and primitive tent sites. The park also offers a nine-hole golf course, picnic areas, and a day-use area with basketball and volleyball courts. Stargazers can enjoy the park's dark sky location, which provides excellent views of the night sky.

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