Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.
Photo: NPS
Congaree National Park
Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.
- LocationHopkins, SC
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now93°F Sunny
- Alerts 4 active alerts
Overview
Topics
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Alerts (4)
CautionBeing Prepared for Excessive Heat & Humidity Congaree can be hot & humid from late spring through early fall. Be sure that you & your party (including pets) have ade… Read more
Congaree can be hot & humid from late spring through early fall. Be sure that you & your party (including pets) have adequate water & choose activities that fit your level of physical fitness. Consider visiting early in the morning when it is cooler.
CautionPaddling Conditions Trees down across Cedar Creek between Bannister's Bridge and South Cedar Creek may require significant portages dependin… Read more
Trees down across Cedar Creek between Bannister's Bridge and South Cedar Creek may require significant portages depending on water levels & paddlers should plan accordingly. All paddlers should have necessary equipment, including the 10 Essentials.
CautionBackcountry Trail Conditions
GPS is necessary on backcountry trails: Oakridge, Boggy Gut (formerly River), and Kingsnake. These trails may be difficult to follow.
InformationPlanning Ahead for Transportation If being dropped off at the park, please ensure you will have a return ride. Taxis and rideshares do not often come out… Read more
If being dropped off at the park, please ensure you will have a return ride. Taxis and rideshares do not often come out to Congaree, and the bus may be unavailable. Please plan ahead.
Things to Do
25 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Camping
3 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Bluff Hike In Camping
Reservable Campground
This is a hike-in campground that is located at the intersection of the Bluff and Firefly Trails, approximately 1 mile from both the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and the…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Birding
- Canoeing
Details
Overview
This is a hike-in campground that is located at the intersection of the Bluff and Firefly Trails, approximately 1 mile from both the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and the Longleaf Campground. It is surrounded by a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. This campground is located at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to the flooding events that occur regularly in other parts of the park.
Recreation
Campers with reservations at the Bluff Campground have easy access to the park’s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and other hiking trails via either the Firefly or Bluff Trails. At the visitor center you find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the visitor center.
Facilities
• Camping at this campground is tent only.
• This is a hike-in only campground and cannot be accessed by vehicle. Campers must park at either the Longleaf Campground or Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
• All sites have a fire ring and picnic table.
• This campground does not provide electric/water/sewer hook-ups.
• This campground does not have restroom facilities. Restrooms can be found at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, and two vault toilets are located at the Longleaf Campground.
• Running water is not available at this campground. Potable water is available at filling stations 24/7 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
• This campground does not have trash or recycling receptacles. All campers must remember to pack out all trash and/or waste when leaving and can dispose of it at either the Harry Hampton Visitor Center or Longleaf Campground.
Natural Features
Campsites are located on the edges of an open, grassy clearing in the mixed pine/hardwood forest, and is adjacent to an area currently undergoing restoration to a longleaf pine grassland/savanna. Depending on the time of day, sites may be the sun during the morning or afternoon/evening hours. This location offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (803) 647-3970.Nearby Attractions
Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.
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Congaree Picnic Shelter
Reservable Campground
The Congaree Picnic Shelter is located a short distance from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and is adjacent to the park's primary parking area. The picnic shelter is…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Picnicking
Details
Fees: The Congaree Picnic Shelter may be rented for up to four hours for $25 (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM). If you wish to rent the shelter for the entire day (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), then you will need to make two reservations (one…
Overview
The Congaree Picnic Shelter is located a short distance from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and is adjacent to the park's primary parking area. The picnic shelter is also near the park's popular Boardwalk Trail.
Recreation
Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors. Many miles of hiking trails can be found in the park ranging from easy to moderately strenuous. Old growth forests, teeming with wildlife can be accessed by park trails or by exploring the many miles of waterways in a canoe or kayak. Interpretive programs including guided hikes, canoe tours and special ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year.
Facilities
The picnic shelter offers picnic tables and two large barbeque grills, as well as trash and recycling cans.
Natural Features
The picnic shelter is located in an upland pine forest. The shelter is a short walk away from the Boardwalk Trail, which takes visitors into the old-growth floodplain forest that Congaree is most notable for, as well as access to other trails that take visitors into the park's backcountry where they can see champion-sized trees and wildlife. The shelter is also close to trails that take visitors through the upland pine forest where they can see how fire is a natural part of the ecosystem and is used to maintain and restore this fire-dependent habitat.
Nearby Attractions
Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.
Charges & Cancellations
Customers who cancel a picnic shelter reservation less than seven (7) days before the arrival date will forfeit the total fee.
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Longleaf Campground
Reservable Campground
This campground is located just off the park entrance road, approximately ½ mile before the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. This…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Backpacking
- Birding
Details
Overview
This campground is located just off the park entrance road, approximately ½ mile before the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. This campground is located at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to the flooding events that occur regularly in other parts of the park.
Recreation
Campers with reservations at the Longleaf Campground have easy access to the park’s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center by car or by hiking on the Longleaf Trail. At the visitor center you can access the Boardwalk and find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the campground.
Facilities
• Camping at this campground is tent only.
• Camp sites do not accommodate vehicles. All vehicles must be parked in the designated parking lot, and campers must walk a short distance to reach their reserved site.
• This campground does not permit RV/car camping.
• All sites have fire rings and picnic tables.
• This campground does not provide electric/water/sewer hook-ups.
• This campground has two vault toilets located next to the parking area.
• Running water is not available at this campground. Potable water is available at filling stations 24/7 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
• Receptacles for trash and/or recycling are available near the campground parking lot.
Natural Features
Located in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest, campsites are surrounded by pines and other trees. Campsites are generally in shade for large parts of the day. An open field in the middle of the campground is available for use by campers throughout the day, and this location offers campers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and the occasional southern fox squirrel.
Nearby Attractions
Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery
Ticket Facility
Congaree National Park is home to a number of different species of fireflies, but it is the synchronized fireflies that lure thousands of people to the park each spring…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 803-776-4396 Directions
Details
Congaree National Park is home to a number of different species of fireflies, but it is the synchronized fireflies that lure thousands of people to the park each spring. These fireflies are one of only a few species around the world that synchronize their flash patterns in a majestic ritual that heralds the coming of summer. This late springtime display is part of their annual mating ritual that takes place for approximately two weeks, typically beginning around mid-May, along the edge of the Congaree floodplain.
During the evenings of May 20, 21, 22 & 27, 28, 29, entry to the park will be limited to only 120 vehicles displaying a valid event pass. Event passes will be distributed via lottery in order to provide an equitable opportunity for all interested visitors in this limited, yet high-demand event. During the event, the park entrance gates will close to entry at 4:00 PM. Day-use visitors will exit the park by this time. Access to the firefly viewing area will open to ticket holders at 6:30 PM. During non-event days the frontcountry areas of the park (including the entrance road and visitor center) will be closed to the public after 4:00 PM.
Please visit the park’s Fireflies webpage for additional information about this event.
• Lottery Opens: March 31, 2022, 10:00 AM EDT
• Lottery Closes: April 6, 2022, 10:00 AM EDT
• Results Announced: April 14, 2022
• Event Dates: May 20-22 & 27-29, 2022
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Congaree National Park Ranger-Guided Canoe Tours
Ticket Facility
Congaree National Park preserves the largest remaining section of old-growth bottomland forest in the United States. A federally designated wilderness area in the…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 803-776-4396 Directions
Details
Overview:
Congaree National Park preserves the largest remaining section of old-growth bottomland forest in the United States. A federally designated wilderness area in the floodplain of the Congaree River, it is a landscape forever shaped by water. Here, visitors to the park can see some of the tallest trees east of the Mississippi and witness amazing biodiversity.Numerous waterways can be found throughout the park. Cedar Creek, the primary body of water in the park, flows 15 miles from the parks northern border to its confluence with the Congaree River. This creek flows through a magnificent old-growth forest, past breath-taking trees and is home to many types of wildlife.
Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors. Park visitors will find old growth forests teeming with wildlife, miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderately strenuous and miles of waterways in a canoe or kayak. The park offers advance reservations for guided canoe tours from April through November. Guided canoe tours will begin at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. The park also offers first-come, first-served interpretive programs throughout the year including guided hikes and ranger presentations.
Summary of Fees
Tour Name Fee Reservation Fee (per ticket) Changes* Cancellations* Ranger Guided Canoe Tours $0.00 $1.50 (non-refundable) n/a $1.50 **Customers may request changes until midnight the day before the tour at no cost.
*Customers who cancel a tour will forfeit the $1.50 reservation fee
Visitor Centers
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Harry Hampton Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Closed New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Hours may be affected by events, such…
Details
Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Closed New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Hours may be affected by events, such as the annual Firefly Viewing Event in May, or by resource management activity. Please check park alerts prior to your visit.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Congaree Operating Hours (Not Visitor Center Hours)
Hours details
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Congaree Operating Hours (Not Visitor Center Hours)Open 24 hours, daily
Congaree National Park is generally open 24 hours a day year-round. For visitor and staff safety, park operations and/or weather conditions may occasionally result in short term, temporary closures. Please review the park webpage and social media platforms for more information. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open 9-5, daily. It is closed New Year's Day, President's Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Please check alerts prior to your visit.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
93°F
Sunny · feels like 94°
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Today
94° 61°
Sunny3% rain
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Tomorrow
93° 69°
Sunny6% rain
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Saturday
89° 72°
Overcast80% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Check the forecast before getting on the road. Conditions can change rapidly within the park. Flooding can happen with little or no warning, so make sure to check water levels for Cedar Creek and the Congaree River.
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
9 coming up-
50th Anniversary Owl Prowl
About
Since the 1980s, one of the most popular programs offered at Congaree are our Owl Prowls. Owls are viewed by many cultures as creatures of mystery, as they are often heard but seldom seen. One of the park’s iconic wildlife residents and featured on the park’s logo, Barred Owls are the most commonly seen of the 3 owl species that can be found in the park. Join us for a guided evening hike to look for and learn about these nocturnal natives and their unique adaptations that allow them to hunt and be active after dark.
Things to Know
- Registration is required for this program. Registration for this guided hike will be available beginning two weeks prior to the program date.
- This hike will last approximately 1 1/2 hours and will take place primarily on the Boardwalk Trail
- Participants should wear or bring clothing appropriate for the day’s forecasted conditions and temperature
- Sturdy, closed-toe footwear, such as hiking boots are recommended
- Pets are not permitted on this program. Service animals are welcome.
- Participants should bring water
- Participants may bring a flashlight with a red-mode for use after dark; Red-light flashlights will be available to borrow for the program -
Celebrating Congaree National Park's 50th Anniversary
About
Congaree National Park is turning 50! Join the park on the weekend of October 17-18, 2026 to celebrate 50 years of Congaree National Park and learn more about the "Green Heart of South Carolina, including the efforts of local conservationists to establish the park in the 1970s, how the park has evolved over the past half-century, protecting the natural and cultural resources of the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.
Over the weekend, numerous opportunities will be available for park visitors to learn about the establishment and history of the park through interpretive ranger talks, guided hikes, and the Voices of Congaree series, featuring speakers presenting talks about the legacy and history of the park. A schedule of events is listed below, and more detailed descriptions and locations where each will be taking place will be available on the event listings for each event.
Saturday, October 17
9:30 - Ranger Talk - Congaree Action Now! The Effort to Preserve the Green Heart of South Carolina
10:00 - Congaree National Park 50 for 50 BioBlitz
11:00 - Ranger Talk - The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 50
11:30 - Voices of Congaree Speaker Series
1:00 - Carolina Wildlife Center
2:00 - Ranger Talk- Tall & Stately as the Trees: Congaree & the Enduring Legacy of Harry Hampton
2:30 - Voices of Congaree Speaker Series
3:30 - Ranger Talk - The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 50
5:45 - Owl Prowl (sign-up required)
Sunday, October 18
9:00 - 50th Anniversary Big Tree Hike with John Cely (sign-up required)
9:30 - Ranger Talk - Congaree Action Now! The Effort to Preserve the Green Heart of South Carolina
11:00 - Ranger Talk - The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 50
12:15 - Celebrating of Congaree National Park's 50th Anniversary
12:45 - Voices of Congaree Speaker Series
2:00 - Ranger Talk- Tall & Stately as the Trees: Congaree & the Enduring Legacy of Harry Hampton
2:00 - Riverbanks Zoo
3:00 - Voices of Congaree Speaker Series
3:30 - Ranger Talk - Congaree Action Now! The Effort to Preserve the Green Heart of South Carolina -
Congaree Action Now! The Effort to Preserve the Green Heart of South Carolina
About
Beginning in 1970 local citizens who had come to know and care about the old-growth forest in the bottomlands along the Congaree River, then known as the Beidler Tract, grew concerned about its long-term survival if it was not protected. Formed in 1974, the Congaree Swamp National Preserve Association, with support from conservation organizations like the Sierra Club and Audubon Society, began an advocacy campaign calling for the preservation of the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Join a park ranger for an interpretive talk on how the efforts of local citizens was able to attract nationwide attention and lead to the establishment of the park on October 18, 1976.
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Tall and Stately as the Trees: Congaree and the Lasting Legacy of Harry Hampton
About
Local journalist and conservationist Harry Hampton spent a great deal of time exploring the old-growth forest in the bottomlands along the Congaree River and became enthralled with the majesty of a landscape unlike any other he had experienced. Beginning in the 1950s, Hampton began actively advocating for the preservation of the landscape that is today Congaree National Park, while using his platform as a journalist to help introduce others to a place he saw as worth protecting. His efforts in the 1950s and 1960s would help to inspire the advocacy campaign in the 1970s that would result in the establishment of the park in 1976. Join a park ranger for this 30 minute interpretive talk on the legacy of the man who helped to spark a movement and is today the namesake of the park visitor center.
Show 5 more events
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The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 50
About
The establishment on October 18, 1976, of Congaree Swamp National Monument, began a 50-year legacy of protecting one of the most unique and diverse natural landscapes in the nation for present and future generations to experience and enjoy the Green Heart of South Carolina. From the arrival of the first staff in the early 1980s to today, the park has grown over the past half-century, both in size and visibility. Join a park ranger for an interpretive talk to highlight some of the key moments of park history over the past 50 years. From the opening of the first visitor center in 1985 and the designation of Wilderness in 1988, to the opening of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center in 2001 and the park’s redesignation in 2003, learn about how the park has grown over the years!
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The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 50
About
The establishment on October 18, 1976, of Congaree Swamp National Monument, began a 50-year legacy of protecting one of the most unique and diverse natural landscapes in the nation for present and future generations to experience and enjoy the Green Heart of South Carolina. From the arrival of the first staff in the early 1980s to today, the park has grown over the past half-century, both in size and visibility. Join a park ranger for an interpretive talk to highlight some of the key moments of park history over the past 50 years. From the opening of the first visitor center in 1985 and the designation of Wilderness in 1988, to the opening of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center in 2001 and the park’s redesignation in 2003, learn about how the park has grown over the years!
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50th Anniversary Big Tree Hike with John Cely
About
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the park’s establishment, join John Cely, park volunteer and one of the original advocates for the preservation of this landscape, on a guided hike to see some of the park’s champion-sized trees and experience why he and others were so determined to see this place protected.
Things to Know
- Registration is required for this program. Registration for this guided hike will be available beginning two weeks prior to the program date.
- This hike will start and end at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center
- This hike will last approximately 3 hours
- This hike will go off trail and cover up to 5 miles total and will take place in wilderness.
- Participants should wear clothing appropriate for the day's forecasted conditions and temperature
- Sturdy, closed-toed footwear, such as hiking boots, is highly recommended
- Participants should bring water -
Congaree Action Now! The Effort to Preserve the Green Heart of South Carolina
About
Beginning in 1970 local citizens who had come to know and care about the old-growth forest in the bottomlands along the Congaree River, then known as the Beidler Tract, grew concerned about its long-term survival if it was not protected. Formed in 1974, the Congaree Swamp National Preserve Association, with support from conservation organizations like the Sierra Club and Audubon Society, began an advocacy campaign calling for the preservation of the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Join a park ranger for an interpretive talk on how the efforts of local citizens was able to attract nationwide attention and lead to the establishment of the park on October 18, 1976.
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Fall Forest Wellness Journaling
About
Join us for our FREE Forest Wellness Program! Relieve the stresses of your everyday life by taking the time to reconnect with nature. The program will include a 2 mile (round trip) meditative walk and a journaling workshop. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to participate in mindful reflection, meditation, and journaling in the park with author and writing coach, Cassie Premo Steele.
No previous experience is necessary, and all writing will be kept private. Paper and pens will be provided.Please meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. All you need to participate is yourself, a water bottle, tennis shoes, and comfortable clothing. Space is limited, so please sign up ahead of time.For questions or more information please email cong_information@nps.gov
Pets are not permitted on this program, service animals are welcome.
Getting There
Hopkins, SC 29061
From Interstate 77, Exit 5 At Exit 5 turn onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road. Following the brown and white "Congaree National Park" directional signs, travel approximately 8 miles on and then take a slight right onto Old Bluff Road.
Full directions
Follow Old Bluff Road for 4.5 miles to the park entrance sign, which will be on the right. Proceed one mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Parking lots will be on the right.
Mailing address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061
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