Congaree National Park camping includes two small front-country campgrounds and backcountry camping with a permit.
Congaree National Park Camping
What makes Congaree National Park special is that the park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. The campgrounds provide easy access to the park. The Longleaf Campground parking lot is on the park entrance road between the park's entrance and the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. The Longleaf Trail can be accessed near campsite #1 in the Longleaf Campground to the visitor center. Primitive is the best way to describe camping at this park, which offers tent camping only. The park does not have RV Parking sites or running water, but stay alert, as an occasional southern fox squirrel may appear!
The bathrooms in the Longleaf Campground are vault toilets, and there are no restrooms in the Bluff Campground. There is an excellent open field between the campsites and the parking area in the middle of the Campground. Campfires are permitted in the designated fire rings in the Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds.
- You can collect dead wood in the campgrounds and surrounding area
- Do not cut live trees for firewood.
- Firewood is not allowed to be brought into the park unless it has been either
- purchased from a local supplier and has proof of purchase along with the packaging material
- Certified by the USDA as pest free and the user has the packaging material
Please practice leave-no-trace principles when camping here.
Congaree National Park Entrance Fee
Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee! If you plan on visiting numerous sites on a National Park trip, you may consider buying an America the Beautiful/National Park Pass before your trip.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Longleaf Campground Fees
Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees
Longleaf Campground Reservations
Are Campground Reservations Available? Yes
Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777
Online? Click here to book your stay at Longleaf Campground.
How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? 6 months for individual sites, 12 months for group sites.
Longleaf Campground Information
Season: Open year-round
Number of Sites: 10 individual and 4 group camping sites
Check-in Time: 12:00 PM on the day of arrival
Check-out Time: 11:00 AM on the day of departure
Location in the park: Between the park's entrance and the visitor center.
Phone Number: (803)776-4396
Campground Address:
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061
Latitude/Longitude:
Latitude 33° 50' 9.0600" N, Longitude 80° 49' 40.8000" W
Accessible Sites: No
Parking: All campers must park in the gravel parking lot and walk into their campsites with their gear. No vehicles are allowed into the campground.
Longleaf Campground Amenities
Potable Water: The campground does not have water. However, water is available 24 hours a day at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
Bear Boxes/ Food Storage Lockers Available: No
Flush Toilets: No, Two vault toilets
Laundry: No
Showers: No
Payphone: No
Is Wi-Fi available? Yes, Free Wi-Fi is available inside and immediately outside of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
Is Cellular Service Available? Yes
Is there a camp host available on-site? No
Is firewood available for purchase? There is no firewood for sale in the campground.
Amphitheater: No
Are fire pits/fire rings available at each site? Yes
Are Picnic Tables available at each site? Yes
Longleaf Campground Group Campsites
Group sites must have a minimum of 9 individuals and no more than 24, with a maximum of 10 tents per site.
RV Camping at Longleaf Campground
Hookups Available: No
RV Length: No RVs
Generators: N/A
Dump Station: N/A
Bluff Campground Fees
Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees
Bluff Hike In Camping Reservations
Are Bluff Campground Reservations Available? Yes
Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777
Online? Click here to book your stay at Bluff Campground.
How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? 6 months for individual sites
Bluff Campground Information
This is a hike-in campground located on the Bluff and Firefly Trails. It is approximately one mile from both the Longleaf Campground and the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. The campground is at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to flooding events that occur in other areas of the park. There is no trash or recycling available in the campground, and everything is pack-in, pack-out.
Season: Open year-round
Number of Sites: 6 individual sites
Check-in Time: 12:00 PM on the day of arrival
Check-out Time: 11:00 AM on the day of departure
Location in the park: This hike-in site requires a one-mile hike from either the Longleaf Campground (hiking on the Bluff and Longleaf Trails), or by parking at the parking lot or the Harry Hampton Visitor Center (Hiking the Firefly Trail).
Phone Number: (803)776-4396
Campground Address:
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061
Latitude/Longitude:
Latitude 33° 49' 55.5888" N, Longitude 80° 48' 55.8216" W
Accessible Sites: No
Parking: This is a hike-in campground. Campers must park at the Longleaf Campground parking lot or the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
Bluff Campground Amenities
The Bluff Campground is a primitive hike-in campground; the only amenities are listed below.
Are fire pits/fire rings available at each site? Yes
Are Picnic Tables available at each site? Yes
Campground Regulations
The maximum number of people in a campsite: Eight people per site
The number of cars per campsite: All vehicles must park in the gravel parking lot. Cars are not allowed within the campground.
The maximum number of tents per campsite: three tents per individual site
Camping Limits: No more than 14 consecutive days or for more than 28 days in a six-month period.
Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 6 AM
Park Ranger John Pro Tip
Bug spray/insect repellent can be your lifeline at Congaree, but make sure to only apply insect repellent before entering the park. This will help the firefly habitat. You may not see them, but the synchronous fireflies are not migratory and are very localized.
Are Pets Allowed? Congaree is a pet-friendly park, and you can easily take your dog for a walk on a leash on the boardwalk trail.
Remember the B.A.R.K. Principles!
B - Bag your pet's waste and dispose of it properly.
A- Always leash your pet, leashes may be no longer that six feet in length, under your control and not left unattended.
R- Respect Wildlife - keep you and your pet plenty of distance from park wildlife.
K- Know where you can go; pets are welcomed throughout Congaree National Park, except inside the Ranger Station.
Camping near Congaree National Park
There are two great South Carolina State Parks nearby, both with camping, including RV camping. I visited Sesquicentennial State Park, and it was very nice! The grounds were well kept up, and the front country campground looked nice. It has several RV sites with options.
Poinsett State Park is 35 miles, 47 minutes from Congaree National Park. It has 5 cabins available, both one- and two-bedroom cabins. The campground has 24 RV sites with individual water and electrical hookups and 26 tent sites with individual water. Reservations can be made by calling 1-866-345-PARK or online.
Sesquicentennial State Park is 28 miles and 43 minutes from Congaree National Park, near Columbia. It has nine full hookup sites with electricity, sewer, and water and another 69 sites with electricity and water. Reservations can be made by calling 1-866-345-PARK or online.
Additional RV Parks in the area include Big Rig Friendly RV Resort, which is open year-round and is 21 miles and 25 minutes from Congaree National Park and 3 miles from the I 77 and I 26 Interchange and offers RV Camping near Congaree National Park.
They have large 70 to 120-foot RV Sites, mostly pull-throughs and all hookups. They have lots of amenities, including a clubhouse, laundry room, dog park, playground, gym, 4 pickleball courts, and a swimming pool. Reservations can be made by calling (803)708-5122 or online.
Don't forget to pack these items!
Picnic table cover - picnic table covers not only look good but also help you provide a clean surface for you and your family/friends. They also offer easy cleanup and are usually water resistant. Don't forget the tablecloth clips to help secure it into place.
Picnic Table Canopy - Have you ever had a miserable day camping because of rain? A picnic table canopy is the perfect solution! They can protect you and your picnic table and camping supplies during rain, provide shelter so you can play board/card games, and provide shade during the intense sun of the summer. You can get canopies with netting to enjoy a meal without worrying about flies and mosquitoes!
Insect Repellent - Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water. We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.
Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you will inevitably pull it out at the beach.
For fun things to do at your campsite, please read my article on camping games for the whole family!
Congaree Park Activities
- Hiking - There are over 25 miles of hiking trails in Congaree, and the 2.4-mile boardwalk loop trail behind the park's visitor center is the visitor's favorite.
- Canoeing/Kayaking - Take a canoe or kayak on the 15-mile Cedar Creek Canoe Trail from Bannister's Bridge through the Congaree wilderness to the Congaree River. You paddle through a primeval old-growth forest and pass by some of the tallest trees in the Southeastern United States.
- Fishing - Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. The only places where fishing is not permitted are within 25 feet of any man-made structure, including bridges, boardwalks, and overlooks. Remember to have a valid South Carolina fishing license and follow all rules and limits.
- Wildlife Viewing - Congaree is an excellent place for bird-watching. Of course, the synchronous fireflies steal the show when they are in season! Several species are also in the park, like river otters, deer, newts, spiders, turtles, and occasional alligators.
Congaree National Park Tours
Congaree National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-5 hours | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
Step into one of America's last old-growth forests at your own pace with this GPS-enabled audio tour that brings Congaree's giant trees, hanging vines, and swamp ecosystem to life. Walk the shaded Boardwalk Loop Trail (2.4 miles) while learning about the park's history, wildlife, and the people who once lived and worked here, with stops at Weston Lake, Bluff Trail, and the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. The guide works offline and includes local tips on the best spots to listen for frogs, birds, and the flowing Congaree River, plus you'll have lifetime access to revisit anytime.
Guided Congaree National Park Kayak Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2-3 hours | 🛶Check Rates and Availability
Paddle Cedar Creek through the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast on this 2-3 hour guided kayak adventure inside Congaree National Park. Your guide will lead you past towering bald cypress, tupelos, and sweet gums lining the creek banks, exploring waterways not accessible by land while sharing stories about this unique ecosystem. Perfect for all experience levels and going rain or shine, the tour includes your kayak, paddle, life jacket, and guide, so just show up ready to experience South Carolina's only national park from the water.
Lodging options near Congaree National Park
There are no National Park Lodges, cabins, or glamping tents available inside Congaree National Park. Camping is also extremely limited, but there are plenty of great lodging options in Columbia, South Carolina (approximately 15-30 minutes away).
⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Hotel Trundle - Click here for Rates and Availability.
I stayed at Hotel Trundle and loved it! Hotel Trundle brings together three historic downtown Columbia buildings (dating from 1914 to 1940) into one quirky boutique hotel that celebrates local artisans and Southern hospitality on Main Street. Each individually decorated room features premium pillowtop bedding, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, microwaves, and private decks or patios, creating a comfortable home base just 20 minutes from Congaree National Park. After paddling Cedar Creek or hiking the boardwalk trails, return to enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast, on-site bar, fitness center, and the helpful staff who consistently earn top marks from guests for their warm welcomes and attention to detail.
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Marriott Columbia - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Located in the heart of downtown Columbia just minutes from the University of South Carolina, this 300-room hotel puts you close to Riverbanks Zoo, Williams Brice Stadium, and Congaree National Park (20 minutes away). Each spacious room features plush bedding, a 50-inch Smart TV with Netflix, workstation, and separate sitting area perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the park's boardwalks or paddling Cedar Creek. The hotel offers an indoor pool, fitness center, on-site Southern cuisine at Midlands' restaurant, plus helpful multilingual staff who consistently earn top marks from guests for their service and clean, comfortable accommodations.
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - The Lantern Columbia - Click here for Rates and Availability.
This boutique hotel sits in a historic Columbia landmark at the heart of the Vista district, just minutes from the University of South Carolina and 20 minutes from Congaree National Park. All 59 rooms feature contemporary design with premium bedding, 55-inch Smart TVs with Netflix and Hulu, mini fridges, and calming tones that create the perfect retreat after exploring the national park's old-growth forests. The property includes Ladder 13, a Mediterranean restaurant and bar set in the original firehouse framework, plus the hotel proudly employs and trains individuals with disabilities, delivering exceptional service while making a meaningful community impact.
Click this link or the map below for additional hotels and rental homes in Columbia, South Carolina
Additional Congaree National Park, Columbia, South Carolina, and area Articles
- Complete Guide to Congaree National Park - Complete Guide to exploring Congaree
- Things to do in Congaree NP - Learn more about the boardwalk trails, visitor center, fireflies, and more.
- Sesquicentennial State Park - Beautiful South Carolina State Park near Congaree National Park
- Columbia Sc, and Congaree National Park Trip Report Come read about our long weekend in Columbia, South Carolina, and Congaree National Park. Includes great restaurants, area attractions, and much more!
- Pimento Cheese Recipe - You will find Pimento Cheese everywhere in Columbia, SC. It is something not to miss if you travel to Congaree!
National Park Sites Near Congaree
- Ninety-Six National Historic Site
- Charles Pickney National Historic Site
- Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
- Fort Pulaski National Monument
Check out more articles on South Carolina National Parks, Tennessee National Parks, Georgia National Parks, and North Carolina National Parks.
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Additional Photos of Longleaf Campground
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