Tent camping opportunities near Coker, Alabama center around several waterways including Holt Lake and Payne Lake. Summer temperatures consistently reach above 90°F from June through August, with high humidity creating challenging camping conditions. Winter nights regularly drop below freezing between December and February, requiring appropriate cold-weather gear for campers planning off-season visits.
What to do
Water recreation access: At Holt Lake, campers can take advantage of multiple water activities. "Been here a lot over the last few years and we usually hang out at the small man made beach or hop in the boat or kayaks. The beach can be pretty crowded during the summer but it's a decent size and the bathrooms are nearby," notes reviewer Missy W. The lake provides opportunities for skiing, fishing and boating.
Historical exploration: The Tom Bevill Visitor Center offers educational opportunities alongside camping. "There is a reproduction of a 19th century plantation house. Its very beautiful. The camping area is walking distance to the house and the lake. The lake has a huge paddle wheel steam boat that you can pay to cruise around the lake," reports Daniel S.
Picnicking opportunities: The spillway area provides designated spaces for day use. "The Payne Lake spillway is a nice place to have a picnic and view the lake. There is a pavilion with four picnic tables underneath it and then there are isolated picnic tables around the area," according to Hannah C.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Holt Lake offers uncommonly large camping spaces. Asher K. notes, "The tent sites are all very large and private. We set up our site with 3 tents and brought 8 people along. We had no issues checking in and getting our site set up and we got some swimming in down at the beach area."
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives positive mentions from tent campers. "The campground also has a great bathroom facility that they clean daily. If you are in the Birmingham or Tuscaloosa area I highly recommend checking out this campground," says Asher K. about Holt Lake.
Cooking amenities: Payne Lake Spillway provides multiple cooking options. "They have fire pits and grills nearby for cooking. There are also bathrooms across from the pavilion," mentions Hannah C., noting the practical amenities available to visitors.
What you should know
Safety considerations: Some locations require vigilance regarding debris. "Last time I went I found a needle in the sand, so keep an eye out. I'm not sure how often the beach is cleaned," warns Missy W. about Holt Lake's beach area.
Limited camping spaces: Visitor Center camping is restricted. "The camping area is small. The bathrooms were clean and there is running water," explains Daniel S. about Tom Bevill Visitor Center, indicating campers should arrive early to secure spots.
Restricted camping zones: Not all recreation areas permit overnight stays. "No camping is allowed in this area of the campground," notes Hannah C. about certain sections of Payne Lake Spillway, highlighting the importance of verifying designated camping areas before setting up.
Seasonal crowding: Summer months bring increased visitors. "The beach can be pretty crowded during the summer but it's a decent size and the bathrooms are nearby," reports Missy W., suggesting weekday visits may offer more solitude for tent campers near Coker.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Lock 5 and other waterfront camping areas lack lifeguards or swimming areas with safety features. Families should bring life jackets and establish water safety rules before arrival, especially with smaller children.
Multiple tent accommodation: Family groups appreciate the spaciousness at certain campgrounds. "We set up our site with 3 tents and brought 8 people along," mentions Asher K. about Holt Lake, indicating good options for larger family gatherings.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "For a family I can imagine this being really great to explore," notes Daniel S. about Tom Bevill Visitor Center, suggesting families allocate time for both camping and educational activities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV amenities: Runaway Branch offers tent camping with basic amenities but lacks hookups or dump facilities for RVs. RV campers should arrive with fully charged batteries, filled water tanks, and empty waste tanks as no electric, water or sewer connections are available.
Pet accommodation considerations: Most tent camping areas near Coker prohibit pets, with Runaway Branch being a notable exception that allows pets. Pet owners should bring leashes, waste bags, and portable water bowls as facilities are minimal even where pets are permitted.
