The best camping in Congaree National Park, SC

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93% (104)

See the swamplands of South Carolina at Congaree National Park.  

The best camping in Congaree National Park, SC

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Sweetwater Lake Campground

5. Sweetwater Lake Campground

92%
(13)
14mi from Congaree National Park · 29 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · St. Matthews, SC
Beautiful Sweetwater Lake Campground offers RV sites ( short term and long-term),803-387-1375 All inclusive glamping tents for rent. All RV and glamping lots overlook our 40 acre private natural spring fed lake. Rv sites have water, electricity, and we have a sewer station. All glamping tent sites come with a queen size bed, crisp, clean linen,, two hammocks, grill, fire pit and firewood. There is a private fishing area and basic necessities,. Bathhouse is a short walk. All sites are located right on the water at your own private spot. We are only 1 mile off of I26 in St Matthews, SC exit 139.( located between Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina) Come experience a quiet country setting and amazing fishing experience. No license required and you may keep what you catch! 2 night minimum on glamping sites.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$47
 / night
KALEIDOSCOPE FARM - Nature!

9. KALEIDOSCOPE FARM - Nature!

95%
(54)
31mi from Congaree National Park · 3 sites · Tents · Columbia, SC
Our land is family land that has been untouched for years. We are working on the land to make trails and clear more of the woods. There is an old cemetery here, creeks, hills and valleys. It's beautiful. Wildlife such as deer, rabbits, turkeys and more can be seen in the woods. Learn more about this land: We have 33 acres with hills and valleys. There is an old dirt and gravel road lined with trees, a natural spring that usually has water, large rocks, a very old cemetery, wildlife, and beautiful wildflowers and blackberries depending on the time of the year. Our house and land have been in my family over 200 years. Lots of history! Come out and visit and enjoy nature! Deer and turkey are active now too! We have grills for you to use, a picnic table, swings and fire pits.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$25
 / night
Bells Marina & Resort Eutawville SC

11. Bells Marina & Resort Eutawville SC

95%
(21)
38mi from Congaree National Park · 17 sites · Tents · Eutawville, SC
Our small size and inspiring location make Bells Marina and Resort an exclusive experience. Enjoy the comforts of our boutique hotel and luxury cabins, bring your RV or camper, or “rough it” in one of our glamping sites. Bring your boat and keep it in one of our guest slips or our secured boat storage area. Our friendly staff can provide guides, gear, and just about anything you need for a family-friendly outdoor adventure at this secluded angler’s paradise. Bells Marina and Resort is an outdoor community in a protected cove on the popular Lake Marion, known for world-class fishing and record-breaking catches. Most of our visitors are dazzled at the beauty of the woods and water. We border 400 acres of the Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area, and you can enjoy 180-degree views of the cove and waterfowl, from white herons to bald eagles. Meals are a special experience for our guests, and you have a lot of delicious options. Our friendly outdoor cooking area features barbecues and open-fire cooking. This is a great place to make new friends. The country store is stocked with the usual groceries, along with bait and tackle and camping accessories. We have fishing kits, s’mores kits, and many pre-made food options to make your stay easier. We also have a new 2-phase Electric vehicle charge station! Our family restaurant is a local favorite and offers fried, fresh-caught catfish. We are open for three meals most days. You can have a hot breakfast starting at 6:00 am and be on the water or in the woods at sunrise. We will even cook your catch! If you don’t feel like hunting or fishing, Bells Marina has play spaces for the kids and relaxing spaces for adults. Join us for movie nights or just unwind at the community campfire. Golfing is just minutes away! No matter what kind of vacation you have in mind, Bells Marina and Resort has everything you need for a memorable adventure. Don’t forget to stop by the big gray building behind the store—there’s a pool table waiting for you! Feeling active? We’ve got a gym on-site too! Please note our store closes at 9 pm. If you make a last-minute reservation, please call our store before reserving at 803-492-7924, or you may not get a spot as we sync to our calendar once a day!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$95
 / night
Great site to put our RV. I’m loving the view

13. Beautiful Lake Camping

100%
(30)
45mi from Congaree National Park · 1 site · RV · Great Falls, SC
Lake Wateree, a 13,250-acre lake with unspoiled natural views, was created by the damming of the Wateree River in 1920. It is located about 30 miles northeast of Columbia, just east of I-77. The lake is owned and managed by Duke Power and is surrounded by three counties: Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster. One of South Carolina's oldest man-made lakes, Lake Wateree is known for crappie, bass, catfish, and bream fishing. The 242 miles of shoreline include a bird refuge, the Lake Wateree State Recreation Area and State Park, and Carolina Adventure World for Recreational ATV and dirt bike riding. All these amenities are only a few miles from this site. There are many eclectic little towns to visit and shop when you are not spending time swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, paddle boating, fishing,or just sitting around the fire or hanging out on your own private dock and island. Learn more about this land: Lakefront RV site with private dock and lots of amenities. Acres of solitude and nature. The ideal getaway unlike any other. This is your own oasis on a large cove with a private island and an expanse of nature that opens up to the lake. Bring your boat, there is a nearby boat ramp. Pets must be contained or leashed at all times. Pets are welcome but one must adhere to the leash rule for safety. Though this site has an open ambiance, there are other homes in the area with their own pets and there are large birds of prey.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$68
 / night
Blacks Fish Camp

15. Blacks Fish Camp

97%
(17)
47mi from Congaree National Park · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Smoaks, SC
Blacks Fish Camp is Located in Smoaks SC off of Scenic Hwy. 61. The Camp is located on a Tributary off of the Main Stem of the Edisto River. We have 12 Tent Camp Sites and Two RV Sites with Septic Hookups and 20, 30 and 50 Amp Electrical Plugs and Potable Water Hookup. Separate Onsite Bathroom with Sink and Two Showers, Cement Boat Ramp with a Dock. Covered Shed with a cement floor and three Picnic Tables and Chairs. Water Hookup and Electrical plugs on Tent Site's can be used if you bring Extra Garden Hose and Electrical Cords. Enjoy the Edisto River in your Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Board or Small Boat. Take a 1/2 Day Kayak or Canoe trip downstream to Colleton State Park from Blacks Fish Camp. Celebrate a Birthday Party or Family Reunion. A Weber Charcoal Grill is located under the covered shed for your use Charcoal is not Provided. The different wildlife species you might encounter at my site includes Owl's, Beaver, Wildcat, Otters, Deer, Raccoon, Opossum, Armadillo, Alligators Coyote, and Snakes, Hawks and Osprey. We have a Wood Duck Box on site for Nesting. Note: Water Level in the Tributary may restrict Ingress and Egress to the Main Stem if the Edisto River. If the Gage Height at Branchville is below two feet. Or very harsh drought conditions. (waterdata.usgs.gov) Search Edisto River Near Branchville, SC - 02174000
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Campers enjoying our fire pit on a cold evening.

16. Camping in the Heart of the Winery

90%
(118)
48mi from Congaree National Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Timmonsville, SC
We are a Working Vineyard tucked away in the country right outside of Florence with Ample Space for your RV. You can reach us easily either by I-20, I-95, or Hwy 76. We Love to see New Faces and Swap Traveling Stories! We Grow, Harvest, Crush, and Press Our Grapes Right here at The Vineyard. There is Plenty of RV Space on the Property with Easily Accessible Power Hook-Ups and Water. We offer Wine Tastings and if available at the time, a Tour the Winery at your Leisure. We are a Pet-Friendly, so you can bring your Fur Babies with You. Learn more about this land: Campsite is designed for RV's with power hook-ups, located among an 18-acre grape vineyard. Enjoy our country setting, southern hospitality, spectacular wine selections (Award Winning Fruit Wines), and a tour of our working winery. We also have a screened-in fence area that is perfect for tent camping, especially when you usually have it all to yourself.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Tiny cabin, set in front of the trees.

17. Rosewood Farm and Agripark

99%
(185)
49mi from Congaree National Park · 100 sites · Lodging · Winnsboro, SC
Rosewood Farm and Agripark is my home. I honestly had about the most amazing childhood one could have on this very land! We hunted, fished, made mud pies and played outside for hours, as long as we were in shouting distance for supper time! I am so fortunate to be the daughter of two amazing parents, who had a dream to build a working farm from nothing more than a logging trail in the woods. They built a 3 story, 10,000 square foot house by themselves- while raising a family! We have 200 acres of farmland that features rolling hills, multiple ponds, creeks, farm animals, show horses and countless wildlife viewing opportunities. Wild turkey and deer roam free all over the farm, coveys of dove fly out from the pastures and trails, and coyotes howl in the night. Listen to the frogs croaking, crickets chirping and whipporwhills calling every evening under a magical blanket of stars. Take a nature hike through the trails that meander through the woods around the park. Our newest venture is to offer primitive camping and some cabin rentals around our 60 acre Agripark! For those wanting to step it up a notch, we have erected a large concrete floor, covered event barn (for parties, family reunions, weddings, cowboy church, etc..,) and also a huge petting zoo barn with an area behind it for pony rides and 4-h/FFA functions. Also, a greenhouse is being erected next, that will teach people about aquaponics and hydroponics! Many things are on the immediate horizon for this special property. While we are under heavy construction at the moment in some areas of the park, many amenities are currently available. Why not unplug from the daily grind and spend time with those that matter most? My goal is to make this land as magical for your family as it has been for mine!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night
93% (104)

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

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Top-rated campgrounds

Sweetwater Lake Campground

92%
(13)
14mi from Congaree National Park · 29 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · St. Matthews, SC
Beautiful Sweetwater Lake Campground offers RV sites ( short term and long-term),803-387-1375 All inclusive glamping tents for rent. All RV and glamping lots overlook our 40 acre private natural spring fed lake. Rv sites have water, electricity, and we have a sewer station. All glamping tent sites come with a queen size bed, crisp, clean linen,, two hammocks, grill, fire pit and firewood. There is a private fishing area and basic necessities,. Bathhouse is a short walk. All sites are located right on the water at your own private spot. We are only 1 mile off of I26 in St Matthews, SC exit 139.( located between Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina) Come experience a quiet country setting and amazing fishing experience. No license required and you may keep what you catch! 2 night minimum on glamping sites.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$47
 / night

Bells Marina & Resort Eutawville SC

95%
(21)
38mi from Congaree National Park · 17 sites · Tents · Eutawville, SC
Our small size and inspiring location make Bells Marina and Resort an exclusive experience. Enjoy the comforts of our boutique hotel and luxury cabins, bring your RV or camper, or “rough it” in one of our glamping sites. Bring your boat and keep it in one of our guest slips or our secured boat storage area. Our friendly staff can provide guides, gear, and just about anything you need for a family-friendly outdoor adventure at this secluded angler’s paradise. Bells Marina and Resort is an outdoor community in a protected cove on the popular Lake Marion, known for world-class fishing and record-breaking catches. Most of our visitors are dazzled at the beauty of the woods and water. We border 400 acres of the Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area, and you can enjoy 180-degree views of the cove and waterfowl, from white herons to bald eagles. Meals are a special experience for our guests, and you have a lot of delicious options. Our friendly outdoor cooking area features barbecues and open-fire cooking. This is a great place to make new friends. The country store is stocked with the usual groceries, along with bait and tackle and camping accessories. We have fishing kits, s’mores kits, and many pre-made food options to make your stay easier. We also have a new 2-phase Electric vehicle charge station! Our family restaurant is a local favorite and offers fried, fresh-caught catfish. We are open for three meals most days. You can have a hot breakfast starting at 6:00 am and be on the water or in the woods at sunrise. We will even cook your catch! If you don’t feel like hunting or fishing, Bells Marina has play spaces for the kids and relaxing spaces for adults. Join us for movie nights or just unwind at the community campfire. Golfing is just minutes away! No matter what kind of vacation you have in mind, Bells Marina and Resort has everything you need for a memorable adventure. Don’t forget to stop by the big gray building behind the store—there’s a pool table waiting for you! Feeling active? We’ve got a gym on-site too! Please note our store closes at 9 pm. If you make a last-minute reservation, please call our store before reserving at 803-492-7924, or you may not get a spot as we sync to our calendar once a day!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$95
 / night

Beautiful Lake Camping

100%
(30)
45mi from Congaree National Park · 1 site · RV · Great Falls, SC
Lake Wateree, a 13,250-acre lake with unspoiled natural views, was created by the damming of the Wateree River in 1920. It is located about 30 miles northeast of Columbia, just east of I-77. The lake is owned and managed by Duke Power and is surrounded by three counties: Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster. One of South Carolina's oldest man-made lakes, Lake Wateree is known for crappie, bass, catfish, and bream fishing. The 242 miles of shoreline include a bird refuge, the Lake Wateree State Recreation Area and State Park, and Carolina Adventure World for Recreational ATV and dirt bike riding. All these amenities are only a few miles from this site. There are many eclectic little towns to visit and shop when you are not spending time swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, paddle boating, fishing,or just sitting around the fire or hanging out on your own private dock and island. Learn more about this land: Lakefront RV site with private dock and lots of amenities. Acres of solitude and nature. The ideal getaway unlike any other. This is your own oasis on a large cove with a private island and an expanse of nature that opens up to the lake. Bring your boat, there is a nearby boat ramp. Pets must be contained or leashed at all times. Pets are welcome but one must adhere to the leash rule for safety. Though this site has an open ambiance, there are other homes in the area with their own pets and there are large birds of prey.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$68
 / night

Other options near Congaree National Park

The best camping in Congaree National Park, SC 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.
93%
104 ratings · 77 reviews