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 Reservation
- 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.
Congaree National Park
See the swamplands of South Carolina at Congaree National Park.
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 a
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.
Activities in the park
2 campgrounds in Congaree National Park
Park yourself at Longleaf and get ready to relish in the beauty of South Carolina forest. This dreamy campground is your ticket to a picnic under a mighty pine or a trek down one of the great trails in the area. The best part? None of this great stuff costs a dime. Free camping at Congaree means more money for marshmallows. We’ll bring the graham Read more...
Baby got back…-country campsites. If you dig the depths of the South Carolina woods, hike over to Bluff Campground and set yourself up under the shade of the pines. With no vehicle access, this place is raw, radical, and ready for you. And if you’re as nerdy about nature as we are, you’ll love rummaging around in these woods, which are some of the Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Frequently asked questions
Does Congaree National Park offer camping?
Yes, Congaree National Park offers camping options for visitors. The park has two designated campgrounds: the Longleaf Campground and the Bluff Campground. Both campgrounds are primitive and provide a limited number of campsites, accommodating tents only. There are no RV hookups or showers available, but there are restrooms and water sources. You can find more information about camping at Congaree National Park on Hipcamp.
Does Congaree National Park have alligators?
Yes, Congaree National Park is home to American alligators. They can be found in the park's wetlands, creeks, and lakes. It is important to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance when encountering alligators in the park.
Is Congaree National Park worth a visit?
Congaree National Park is definitely worth a visit, especially if you enjoy unique natural landscapes and outdoor activities. The park is home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. It offers a diverse range of activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and kayaking. The park also features an elevated boardwalk that allows you to explore the swampy environment without getting your feet wet. For a more immersive experience, consider camping at the park's campgrounds. Overall, Congaree National Park is a lesser-known gem that provides a unique and memorable experience for nature lovers.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Congaree National Park?
Securing a Congaree National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Congaree National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Congaree campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Congaree National Park?
Most Congaree National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Congaree National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Congaree campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —