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The best camping near Congaree National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Congaree adventure.

100% (5 reviews)
100% (5 reviews)

See the swamplands of South Carolina at Congaree National Park.  

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Community favorites near Congaree National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Congaree National Park

100%
(190)

Camping on Pipers Pond

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents32 acres ¡ Eastover, SC
Learn more about this land: Watch the sun and moon rise over the pond from the grassy knoll in the edge of the woods or under the trees. Enjoy paddling around the pond, fishing and watching the ducks and geese during the day and relaxing around the fire pit at night. We offer 2 campsites on the pond on our private property. They are both slightly sloped.  Site 1 is on the grassy knoll overlooking the pond. It is sunny early in the day and gets shady as the day progresses. It is closer to the outhouse. Site 2 is under the trees and right beside the pond. It gets spotty sun throughout the day. We live through the woods past the campsites. An outhouse with composting toilet, potable water, picnic table, grill, fire pit, fire wood and trash can are provided. Please note that we do not offer a 30 amp camper hookup, only a 15 amp electrical cord running from our house that will run lights, but not a/c or heat.
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$40
 / night
93%
(14)

Too Many Oaks Plantation

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents21 acres ¡ Swansea, SC
We have 21 acres in the sand hills of Calhoun county just outside Columbia S C. Apply named Too Many Oaks Plantation, a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy time in your hammock reading by day and a roaring bonfire by night, We are planting a small mixed fruit orchard and building a chicken coop and garden to enjoy fresh eggs and whatever is in season. Close to Columbia ( 30 minutes ) for a nice trip to the zoo or a float down the Saluda River with Adventure Carolina. A perfect mix of nice and quite but still close to town.
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$25
 / night
87%
(15)

The Goodson Forest Estate

273 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Hopkins, SC
Learn more about this land:Experience the Garden of Eden. This forest is in a safe environment with all it's beauty and Glory. Get lost without getting lost. Civilization on every side. Paradise within. Come see and feel the love. Positive Energy. 
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$35
 / night
100%
(61)

Christina's Paradise

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Hopkins, SC
Learn more about this land:Enjoy your stay at my cozy paradise. Take a swim in the pool or a morning walk around our circular driveway. 10 laps equal 2 miles, Or just enjoy your quiet time at the adult swing section.
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$75
 / night
100%
(4)

Outside Inn Campground

1 site ¡ RV54 acres ¡ Elloree, SC
We are a family campground with a focus on keeping things natural. Enjoy an afternoon with the farm animals, a stroll through the woods, star gazing at night and fellowship with friends. Our campground hosts outdoor movies under the stars (see events for dates & times) as well as farm tours and snuggles sessions with the animals.
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$50
 / night
Booked 4 times

Cottage tree house

1 site ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Hopkins, SC
The cottage Tree house is located on 2.5 acres of wooded property. The tree house comes with all amenities for our guest and has an upper deck with seating and a charcoal grill. The lower deck has seating and space and just sit and relax or enjoy breakfast and coffee. There is a half bath on the lower deck and a full bath in the tree house with a walk in shower. We do allow pets. The house is on a mini split system for heat and air.
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$150
 / night

Woodland gardens

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Hopkins, SC
Learn more about this land:This property is located on over 2 acres a outdoor bathroom is provided but no shower no electric is offered. Bring your own water hose. We are 10 min from congaree state park and 20 minutes from columbia all museums and great restaurants and shopping. Fire wood is provided for you for 7$ a bundle. Pop up campers and small a frame trailers are accepted for an additional 8$ a night.
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$20
 / night
100%
(8)

Rustic Natural Campsite

1 site ¡ RV, Tent11 acres ¡ Santee, SC
We are located on 11 acres. Wooded areas, hiking trails on-site. Perfect place to watch for deer and other animals including our 6 on-leash dogs! It is a train lover's dream because we are close to the tracks and enjoy watching the train come and go so much so that the conductor toots and waves to us!! The Santee State Park has many water activities, picnic areas, and hiking trails. There are several golf courses nearby, and a local restaurant/bar within walking distance which often offers trivia, karaoke, pool tables, and live music. Just be careful as you will be walking on the side of a main road as well as over train tracks.
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$12
 / night
Booked 2 times

Woodland Gardens

1 site ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Hopkins, SC
Property is located in the country on 2.5 acres of wooded land. We are 5 minutes from Congaree National Park and the river. We offer glamping in a Vintage Bohemian camper and a Cottage Tree House that offers breakfast for an additional charge and open fires. We offer a 15% discount on kayaking tours. The bed size is slightly smaller than a full and the toilet is located under the deck. There is a small shower in the camper.\
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$100
 / night
100%
(2)

The Little Lovely

2 sites ¡ Lodging5 acres ¡ Cameron, SC
Welcome to our “Lovely Little Place”! We are so excited to offer our little retreat-like yard to campers looking for peace, quiet, and easy living. We like to think we are “off grid” but truly we are not. The closest town is about 15-20 minutes away. Electric will be provided Commode outdoor toilet provided No shower or running water provided Animals welcome Santee National Park - 15 min away
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$75
 / night
83%
(12)

Artsy, Vintage Camping at Woodlands

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Gaston, SC
Woodlands Hollow Nature Retreat is nestled just off the dirt road at the end of a cul de sac on almost 2 acres of land. Surrounded by tall pines and hickory trees, enjoy rustic camping here with two sites available. One site is the Flower child site and one is Moondance, perfect for anyone who wishes to camp in a rustic, artsy, hippie space. We are approximately 20 minutes from the Congaree National Park, the Palmetto Trailhead, Peachtree Rock, and Columbia, SC. Charleston and Charlotte are just over an hours drive. We're 15 minutes from NOMA district, 5 Point and the Vista which all offer incredible eateries, coffee shops and breweries. Ask me and I'm happy to guide you to amazing destinations. Camping is available for tents, cars and vans. WE offer dry camping for trail travels under 25' (NO HOOKUPS), however if you need too dump, Camping World is just down i26 and offers dumping for Good Sam members. The Barnyard on US1 offers dumping for a nominal fee. No dumping is allowed on the property of WHNR. We also offer a Vintage Glamping experience in our 1973 Bonanza Pinto with a queen size bed through Airbnb. airbnb.com/h/woodlandshollow
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$28
 / night
100%
(2)

Empty residential lot

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Eastover, SC
Learn more about this land:Great for walking and biking. Located in a small town with stores. Conveniently located close to the Congaree Swamp Nat’l Monument and Palmetto Trailhead
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$20
 / night

The best camping near Congaree National Park guide

Overview

About

Biodiversity buzzes at Congaree National Park, from the murky waters full of wildlife to the canopies of the old growth bottomland hardwood forest. Bulging bald cypress trees stand guard in the Broadwater Swamp. This unique habitat, home to several of the tallest trees in the Eastern U.S., can be explored by land or by water, with the Congaree River Blue Trail providing a 50-mile waterway through the park and beyond and the Creek Canoe Trail snaking through the forestlands. Two developed campgrounds offer tent campsites, and backcountry camping is allowed. With its location just 20 miles outside of Columbia, South Carolina, RV parks with full hookups can also be found in the region, as well as several state parks with partial hookups.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for groups: Long Leaf Campground has 4 group camping sites.
  • Best for amenities: Long Leaf Campground has more accessible amenities due to its location near the visitor center. Sites are easier to reach.
  • Best for walk-in camping: Branch Campground’s walk-in sites are a mile into the Bluff Trail.
  • Best for serenity: The park’s backcountry camping allows for hike-in and paddle-in camping off the beaten path.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Reservations are required to camp in Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds. 
  • Reservations may be made on the Recreation.gov website on a 6-month rolling basis.
  • All campsites are walk-in only. RV and car camping are not allowed.
  • Restrooms with flush toilets and showers are not available at either developed campground. Longleaf Campground has two vault toilets.
  • Potable water is found at the visitor center and a spigot in Long Leaf Campground.
  • Campsites with partial hookups may be found at Poinsett State Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Santee State Parks.

When to go

Fall and spring provide pleasant camping weather, with warm sunny days and cooler evenings. Summer temperatures can easily top 90 degrees, and humidity is high. Summer is also the rainiest season, and campers may encounter more bugs. Winter weather generally stays above freezing, though campers may encounter temperatures below freezing on occasion. May is a busy season in the park due to the arrival of the synchronous fireflies.

Know before you go

  • Synchronous fireflies may be viewed in the park during several weeks in May. The park hosts a viewing lottery in April for permits to enter the park during this popular event. 
  • Tickets for ranger-guided canoe tours may also be booked in advance online.
  • Congaree National Park has been named a UNESCO biosphere reserve, which recognizes the park’s unique habitat and biodiversity.

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