The best camping near Congaree National Park

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

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See the swamplands of South Carolina at Congaree National Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Congaree National Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Congaree National Park

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Bluff Campground

6 sites In Congaree National Park

Long Leaf Campground

14 sites In Congaree National Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Congaree National Park

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Prices Bridge Inn & Campgrounds

7 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Leesville, SC

We have an absolutely gorgeous 12 acres of mostly wooded and/or lakefront land on the West end of Lake Murray (Saluda River). Me, my wife, and three kids live and work on a 20 acre forest nestled in the backwaters of Lake Murray. Behind Prices Bridge, we have what nature lovers refer to "OH MY GAWD"... Our land forms a peninsula, which is very private, secluded, and SAFE. If you want to refresh, recharge or spend quality time with family or friends, we'd love to host you. *Prices Bridge being a low bridge also means if you bring a large boat you may need to use the marina or any of the free boat launches within a mile of our site... kayaks, canoes, john boats all fit under. :-)

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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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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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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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Kaleidoscope Farm

3 sites · Tents33 acres · Columbia, SC

Our land is family land that has been untouched for years but we are restoring back to a farm and horse rescue. There is an old cemetery here, creeks, hills and valleys. It's beautiful. Wildlife can be seen in the woods. The highway used to run through the woods many years ago but got moved. Learn more about this land: We have 38 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 100 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.

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Rosewood Farm and Agripark

100 sites · Lodging200 acres · 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 guided horseback ride or 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 special historic Iron Horse miniature train and one mile of track has been purchased to go around the park! A greenhouse is being erected next, that will teach people about aquaponics and hydroponics! We have a rock wall, jumping pillow and many inflatables for the littles to enjoy too! 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!

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Camping in the Heart of the Winery

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · 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.

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Outside Inn Campground

2 sites · Lodging, RVs54 acres · Santee, 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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Deckle Edge Farm

1 site · Tent22 acres · Blythewood, SC

We are a small family farm on 22 acres with hardwood forest, blackberries, chickens, and goats. We are only 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, SC, and 20 minutes from the boat launch at Lake Monticello. Enjoy forest bathing in our woods, laughing at chickens, or helping out around the farm. We have a primitive camp spot and lots of firewood for

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Eagles Landing

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Prosperity, SC

Beautiful 1 acre gated lot (with 2 sites) that sit on a 17 acre pond with a private beach and boat ramp. Boat ramp & pond will accommodate a nice size Jon boat. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, electric, water and septic station. You can swim, fish, kayak or just relax enjoy making memories

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Bowen Farms

4 sites · RVs10 acres · Reevesville, SC

Ease of access! Minutes to I-26, I-95 and Hwy 301. Equal distance to Columbia and Charleston on I-26 and Florence and Savannah, Georgia on I-95. Relax with the whole family at this peaceful place to stay. Private, rural area. Santee, SC is 15 minutes away with golfing, Lake Marion, and a small water park. Edisto River is 20 minute drive. Central to Columbia, Charleston, Florence, and Savannah, GA.

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Woodland Gardens

2 sites · 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.\

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.