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.

All 9 Natural Attractions in Congaree National Park

4.7 3,075 reviews

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

Historic canal beside the Congaree and Broad Rivers; a pump house anchors the view.

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4.5 687 reviews

Earlewood Park

66-acre urban forest shaped by urban planning and a Broad River crossing.

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4.8 353 reviews

Gamecock Park

Boardwalk through an old-growth floodplain forest; river floods shape the land.

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4.4 455 reviews

Gist Park

Floodplain forest formed by rivers; 2.6-mile Boardwalk Loop.

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4.5 303 reviews

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Floodplain forest under a 100–200 ft canopy; river deposition built this landscape.

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4.7 4,344 reviews

Riverbanks Botanical Garden

Bog Garden waterfall amid floodplain plantings; paved paths keep it accessible.

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4.7 455 reviews

Timmerman Trail

Congaree Creek floodplain along a paved trail; water-driven erosion shapes flat land.

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4.4 208 reviews

Trenholm Park

Trenholm Park—10.7 acres of community recreation with ADA upgrades, playgrounds, and a pool.

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4.7 3,031 reviews

West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater

Congaree floodplain walk; river erosion and deposition shape the edge. ADA-friendly, half-mile paved path.

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