About Rocky Branch Day Use Park
Overview Rocky Branch Day use park is located on Holt Lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway northeast of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The facility is in a beautiful forest along the shoreline, providing day-use visitors with access to water sports, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking. Recreation Day Users can explore the lake shore using the hiking trail as well as the swim beach. There are numerous picnic tables and grills to choose from as well as 2 reservable shelters for picnicking. Facilities Rocky Branch has 88 picnic sites to choose from with grills nearby. Two group shelters with grills, a water born bathroom as well as an improved and maintained swim beach available for users. Natural Features Holt Lake was created by the damming of the Black Warrior River. The campground is situated amidst a mixed pine and hardwood forest, which displays colorful foliage along the riverbanks each fall. Deer, squirrel, wild turkey, migratory birds and blue birds, all live in the Holt Lake area. The Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway consists of six lakes with a total length of 457 miles and 39,800 surface acres of water. Temperatures range from the 80s to 90s from April through September, and annual rainfall averages about 60 inches. Contact Info Between 05/24/2024 and 09/02/2024 this location is staffed. Please call (205) 388-2458 to speak with local staff. From 09/03/2024 to 05/23/2025 this location is unstaffed. Please call (205) 553-9373 for general information. Nearby Attractions Boat ramp available year round is adjacent to seasonal day use facilities.
How to Get There
Coming from Birmingham going south on I-20/59 in Alabama, take Exit 86 (Covered Bridge Road) toward Brookwood. Turn right on Covered Bridge Road and continue for 5.5 miles to traffic light. Turn left at traffic light onto Highway 216 and continue 3.6 miles. Turn right on Rocky Branch Road and continue 2.5 miles until you get to the park gates on your right. Coming from Tuscaloosa at the intersection of University Blvd and Veterans' Memorial Parkway, continue on Highway 216 for 7.4 miles. Turn left onto Rocky Branch Road and continue for 2.5 miles until you get to the park gate on your right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Rocky Branch Day Use Park
Heading to Rocky Branch Day Use Park? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rocky Branch Day Use Park?
No central reservation system listed for Rocky Branch Day Use Park. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10101319) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rocky Branch Day Use Park?
Coming from Birmingham going south on I-20/59 in Alabama, take Exit 86 (Covered Bridge Road) toward Brookwood. Turn right on Covered Bridge Road and continue for 5.5 miles to traffic light. Turn left at traffic light onto Highway 216 and continue 3.6 miles. Turn right on Rocky Branch Road and continue 2.5 miles until you get to the park gates on your right. Coming from Tuscaloosa at the intersecti…
How do I contact Rocky Branch Day Use Park?
You can reach the park at phone: Gatehouse 205-554-1684
Resource Office 205-553-9373 or email: bwthelp@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
