Campground

Longleaf Campground

Campground

Longleaf is a walk-in tent campground with 14 rustic sites in Congaree's frontcountry, minutes from the visitor center. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table; two vault toilets serve the grounds. No hookups, no showers, no water on-site—bring everything you need. It's intimate, quiet, and designed for campers who want simplicity.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov online only
Reservation Tips
Most of the 14 sites available online via Recreation.gov. Mix of individual and group options. Typically available most seasons given modest size and walk-up nature.
Fills Up Speed
Usually available. With 14 sites and walk-up nature, rarely sells out instantly.
Per Night Cost
Individual sites: $15/night (1–8 people). Group sites: $25/night (9–24 people).

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov online only
Reservation Tips
Most of the 14 sites available online via Recreation.gov. Mix of individual and group options. Typically available most seasons given modest size and walk-up nature.
Fills Up Speed
Usually available. With 14 sites and walk-up nature, rarely sells out instantly.
Per Night Cost
Individual sites: $15/night (1–8 people). Group sites: $25/night (9–24 people).
Day Use Fees
None (free park entrance)
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers park entrance only, not camping fees. Camping fees paid separately via Recreation.gov.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
14
Site Types
Tent only (walk-up)
Site Type Breakdown
10 individual tent sites, 4 group tent sites
RV Max Length
No RVs allowed at campsites
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
9 to 24 people per site (4 group sites available)
Hookups
Dry camping only. No electrical, water, or sewer hookups.
Site Features
Fire pit (iron ring), picnic table, tent space on natural ground
Ground Type
Dirt with possible roots. Level in most spots.
Site Privacy
Moderate. Parking lot adjacent; walk-in sites are spaced apart but within view. No dense forest buffer between individual sites.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets (2)
Potable Water
No spigots at campground. Running water available at visitor center, short drive away. Bring your own containers.
Trash Service
Dumpsters provided, year-round service. Pack out what you pack in after full collection.
Camp Store
No store on-site. Bring all supplies. Nearest shops in Columbia.
Firewood Availability
No wood sold on-site. Gathering not permitted. Bring your own dried firewood or purchase in Columbia.
Cell Service
Limited. Cell reception varies by carrier. Download offline maps before arriving.
Nearby Facilities
Columbia (nearest major town). Also nearby: Orangeburg, Saint Matthews, Sumter.

Access

Road Type
Paved (to parking lot), then dirt paths to sites
Road Conditions
Paved access to campground parking lot. Oversized vehicles and trailers have limited space; park at visitor center lot instead.
Vehicle Restrictions
No RVs or trailers at campsites. RVs may park in oversized visitor center lot overnight but cannot sleep in vehicle. Campers must stay in tents.
Clearance Needed
Standard. Paved main road; watch overhead branches on internal paths.
Gate Hours
Open year-round, all day. No gate closure times listed.
Distance From Entrance
Short drive from visitor center (exact distance not specified).
Accessibility
Limited. Paved parking lot and gravel access road. Dirt path to campsites has roots and trip hazards. Site #1 wheelchair-accessible; off-road wheelchairs navigate better than standard models.
ADA Accessible Sites
1 site (Site #1) with wheelchair access from parking area via flat dirt path.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
No lockers provided. Hang food 10 feet high or store in vehicle at visitor center lot. Bears present—follow 100-yard distance rule.
Fire Restrictions
Fire pits permitted year-round. Extinguish completely before leaving site. Water available at visitor center for fire safety.
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Tent camping, exploring visitor center, boardwalk walking tours, wildlife observation (alligators, birds).
Trailheads Nearby
Congaree boardwalk trail system accessible from visitor center. Day hike option near campground.
Wildlife Viewing
American alligators in nearby water. Birds abundant year-round. Follow 100-yard distance from bears (present in park).
Stargazing Quality
Poor to moderate. Parking lot lights and tree canopy limit views. Leave stargazing to darker-sky parks.
Shade Coverage
Full canopy. Bottomland forest provides consistent shade.
Scenic Views
Congaree bottomland forest. Swamp views possible along boardwalk trails.
Noise Level
Quiet. Vault toilets, no mechanized equipment. Natural swamp sounds.
Best Time To Visit
October–March. Cooler temps, lower humidity, fewer mosquitoes. Water levels lower—better for exploring.
Vibe Check
Parking lot frontcountry feel. Walk-up sites create intimacy but limited solitude—you'll see and hear neighbors. No highway noise. Rustic and unpretentious.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: Tent campers seeking affordable, rustic campground near trails. Day-use visitors. Self-sufficient campers who don't need hookups or showers. Groups of 9–24 looking to reserve together. ❌ SKIP IF: RV owners, trailer campers, anyone needing hookups or showers. Families with very young children or mobility challenges. Campers dependent on on-site amenities.
Tips Advice
  • Bring all drinking water or plan refill trips to visitor center.
  • Pack headlamp or lantern; campground lighting minimal.
  • Stake tents firmly (roots may interrupt level ground).
  • Mosquito season (May–Sep): use repellent and light-colored clothing.
  • Firewood not available; bring your own or use camp stove.
  • Alligators present but shy; keep 100 yards distance.
  • Explore boardwalk trails during day, return before dark.
  • Cell service spotty; download maps offline.

More details

Park Area
Congaree National Park frontcountry
Sites Tent Only
14
Sites Group
4
Family Friendly Notes
Good for older kids comfortable with rustic camping. Vault toilets only (no flushing), no showers, no running water at sites. Younger children need supervision around water and natural hazards (roots, uneven paths). Boardwalk trails family-friendly.
Amphitheater
No ranger programs or amphitheater. Visitor center offers exhibits and information.
Boat Launch
Hand carry. Water access available; kayak/canoe launchable from camp area.
Nearby Attractions
Congaree Self Guided Boardwalk Tour (on-park). Visitor center (short drive with water, restrooms, information).
Terrain Type
Flat. Bottomland forest environment.
Temperature Ranges
Summer (Jun–Aug): highs 88–92°F, lows 70–75°F. Winter (Dec–Feb): highs 60–65°F, lows 40–50°F. Spring/Fall moderate.
Snow Season
Rarely significant. Light flurries possible Dec–Feb, but snow doesn't stick.
Monsoon Season
Summer thunderstorms common June–August. Setup your camp away from low spots.
Wind Exposure
Protected. Forest canopy breaks wind.
Bug Season
Mosquitoes peak May–September, especially after rain. Bring repellent.
Setup Strategy
All sites are walk-up only. Park in gravel lot, walk to your assigned tent site (flat dirt paths). No pull-through or back-in parking at sites. Set up tent on natural ground. Firewood gathering not allowed—bring your own or go without.
Review Summary
Longleaf draws tent campers seeking affordable, low-frills camping near boardwalk trails. Most appreciate the intimate walk-up sites and quiet atmosphere. Limited facilities require self-sufficiency.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation?

Yes, all sites require online reservation via Recreation.gov. Walk-up arrivals not accepted.

Can I bring my RV or trailer?

No. Tent camping only. RVs may park in oversized visitor center lot overnight but cannot sleep in vehicle.

Is there water at the campground?

No running water at campsites. Water available at visitor center, short drive away. Bring drinking water containers.

Are there bears here?

Yes. Hang food 10 feet high or secure in vehicle. Maintain 100-yard distance from bears.

Can I have a campfire?

Yes, fire pits provided at each site. No firewood sold on-site; bring your own. Extinguish completely before leaving.

Are there showers?

No showers at campground. Expect vault toilets only. Plan for a creek bath or shower at nearby town.

Bluff Campground

Hike-in primitive camping, zero amenities, $10/night. Pack water and expect total solitude.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.