National Park

Congaree National Park

National Park★ 4.7
Autumnal scene along the Congaree River in Congaree National Park, with colorful fall foliage reflected on calm water.

Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. 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.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Shoulder seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) for cooler weather and fewer crowds; May for firefly viewing

Highlights

Why Visit
Congaree National Park preserves a floodplain hardwood forest along the Congaree River near Columbia, South Carolina. The landscape is shaped by regular floods, and a 2.6-mile Boardwalk Trail gives access to a living river ecosystem where ancient trees rise over wetland floors and wildlife moves along the water's edge. Public access is paired with stewardship. Camping is allowed in designated sites (Bluff Campground at $10/night and Longleaf Campground $15-$25/night) with backcountry camping options, and vehicle camping is prohibited. The park moves people around with the COMET Route 47 shuttle to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center; parking is limited for large vehicles, and visitors should plan around mosquito activity and potential flooding.
Top Things To Do
Walk the 2.6-mile Boardwalk Trail

Areas to plan around

Main Floodplain
Old-growth-like floodplain hardwood forest along the Congaree River; boardwalk access and rich wildlife viewing
Boardwalk & Riverside Trails
2.6-mile Boardwalk Trail; water-edge perspectives; seasonal maintenance closures through 2026
Camping & Backcountry
Bluff Campground ($10/night); Longleaf Campground ($15–$25/night); backcountry camping; vehicle camping prohibited
Visitor Center & Transit
Harry Hampton Visitor Center; 9 AM–5 PM; 24-hour WiFi in VC and breezeway; COMET shuttle access; parking vicinity

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Getting There Driving Distances
From Columbia: about 20 miles (roughly 30-minute drive)
Getting There Entrances
Main access via Bluff Road near Columbia; closest entry to the Visitor Center
Getting Around Shuttles
COMET shuttle service connects to the Visitor Center; use it to access the park from town when available
Getting Around Reservations
Not required for park entry or parking
Getting Around Parking
Harry Hampton VC parking can fill early on busy days; oversized vehicles have limited parking and cannot access Bates Ferry Trail or Fork Swamp Trail lots

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
Bluff Campground ($10/night); Longleaf Campground ($15–$25/night); backcountry camping; camping in vehicles prohibited
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Bluff Campground; Longleaf Campground
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Columbia, SC

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Not a bear habitat
Safety Weather
Floodplain environment with periodic flooding; mosquitoes prevalent mid-spring to mid-fall; insect repellent advised
Safety Altitude
Varies
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out what you pack in; stay on designated trails
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry permits may be required; Special Use Permits information via the Permit Desk
Wildlife Overview
Turtles, snakes, alligators, deer, woodpeckers, river otters, bobcats; feral pigs are an invasive concern
Wildlife Where To See
Boardwalk loop and river edges are prime viewing zones
Wildlife Safety
Respect wildlife; maintain a safe distance; do not feed animals

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Boardwalk and VC; Day 2: Camping areas; Day 3: Backcountry option or river-edge exploration
Entrance Hacks
Main gate access via Bluff Road; rely on the COMET shuttle when parking is tight; arrive early to secure space
Basecamp Logic
BLUFF SIDE: river access; easier entry to camping; LONGLEAF SIDE: quieter settings and more seclusion; choose based on preferred pace and proximity to facilities
Crowd Calendar
May peak due to fireflies; summer brings heat and mosquitoes; fall has milder crowds; winter is quiet, spring can bring floods
Tips Advice
  • Check alerts for boardwalk closures and weather
  • Use the COMET Route 47 shuttle; notify driver for Congaree stop when applicable
  • Parking for large vehicles fills early; arrive early
  • Don’t feed wildlife
  • Bring insect repellent and water

More details

Park Code
cong
Tagline
National Park
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
Free
Nearby Services
Columbia, SC area provides medical facilities, gas, and supplies
Photography Tips
Position yourself along boardwalk overlooks; avoid blocking traffic; use early morning light along river edges
When To Visit Peak Season
May (firefly spectacle) is peak
When To Visit Shoulder Season
Fall (Sept–Nov) and Spring (Mar–May)
When To Visit Winter
Dec–Feb: quiet; mild temperatures, nights may drop below freezing
When To Visit Road Opening
Roads are generally accessible year-round; check alerts for temporary closures
Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals
Bear spray rentals available nearby
Weather Averages
Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters
Weather Precipitation
Frequent rainfall; high humidity; mosquitoes thrive mid-spring to mid-fall
Weather Info
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.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Bear spray, layers, water
What To Bring Clothing
No cotton; moisture-wicking layers; rain jacket
Review Summary
Visitors note the boardwalk as the standout feature; warmth, mosquitoes, and parking can shape the experience; plan around weather alerts and seasonal closures

Location

View of the Congaree River during the Fall

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee?

No. Congaree National Park is free to enter year-round.

Do I need a reservation for parking or camping?

Parking is first-come, first-served; vehicle reservations are not required. Camping occurs in designated campgrounds; backcountry permits may be required.

When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) typically see fewer crowds; May draws more visitors for fireflies.

Can I bring a dog to Congaree?

Yes, dogs are allowed on park trails and must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Are there camping options inside the park?

Yes: Bluff Campground and Longleaf Campground; backcountry camping is permitted; vehicle camping is prohibited.

Essential Congaree National Park guides

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Blossom Buffet

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All Congaree National Park guides 5 published

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.