Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina, approximately 20 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. It is situated within the floodplain of the Congaree River, covering an area of 26,276 acres.

The park holds significant historical and ecological value. Its abundant old-growth bottomland hardwood forest makes it the largest intact tract of this type of forest in the southeastern United States. The park was established as a National Monument in 1976 and later redesignated as a National Park in 2003.

Congaree National Park offers visitors a range of activities to enjoy. Hiking is a popular option with several trails winding through the park, allowing visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems and spot a variety of plant and animal species. The Boardwalk Loop Trail is particularly famous for its accessibility to people of all ages and abilities.

Another attraction within the park is Congaree River, where visitors can embark on canoeing or kayaking trips to explore its scenic waterways. Fishing is also permitted within the park, providing an opportunity to catch various fish species such as catfish, bass, and bream.

For those interested in camping, Congaree National Park offers a designated campsite area where visitors can set up tents and spend the night surrounded by nature. Additionally, the park hosts various educational programs and guided tours to enhance visitors' understanding of the unique ecosystem and cultural history of the area.

Nearby attractions include the capital city of Columbia, where visitors can explore museums, art galleries, and historic sites such as the South Carolina State House and the Columbia Museum of Art. The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, located just a few miles from the park, is also a popular destination for families and animal lovers.

Overall, Congaree National Park offers a diverse range of activities and attractions, making it a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Congaree National Park is nestled in the heart of South Carolina, located just 20 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. Spanning over 26,000 acres, this remarkable natural treasure stands proudly as the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The park can be found where the Congaree River and Wateree River converge, creating a unique ecosystem that teems with diverse flora and fauna. Visitors are invited to venture into the park's untamed wilderness, where they can explore a fascinating mosaic of towering hardwood trees, shimmering creeks, and lush wetlands. Congaree National Park's strategic positioning within South Carolina makes it easily accessible for residents and travelers alike, offering a captivating escape into nature's sublime beauty.

Address & Contact

100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061
Driving Directions
Phone: 8037764396
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Congaree National Park is during the months of March, April, and May. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 68°F to 84°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation ranges from 3.2 in to 3.9 in, ensuring a moderate amount of rainfall. These months also have relatively higher visitor counts compared to other months, indicating a moderate level of crowd presence.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Congaree National Park are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Group Camping Freshwater Fishing Volunteer Vacation Citizen Science Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Congaree National Park: Animals Birds Geology Groundwater Night Sky Archeology Arts Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Native American Heritage Transportation Cats (wild) Fish Tortoises and Turtles River and Riparian Trails Water Trails Unique Species Wilderness Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Watersheds African American Heritage Painting Photography Religion and Spirituality Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Lakes Natural Sounds Astronomy Scenic Views Wetlands American Revolution Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Civil War Swamps Social Movements Conservation Movement Roads, Routes and Highways Rare Endangered Incarceration Enslavement Bridges Alligators or Crocodiles Hispanic American Heritage Colonial/European Contact Conflicts Reconstruction Poetry and Literature Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Harry Hampton 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 as the annual Firefly Viewing Event in May, or by resource management activity. Please check park alerts prior to your visit.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Congaree National Park

Bluff Campground

The Bluff Campground is a hike in campground and is perfect for those looking to camp in the frontcountry yet have a more backcountry experience. This campground has 6 sites that can accommodate up to 8 campers each. Each site has a firepit and a picnic table. Restrooms are available at either the visitor center or the Longleaf Campground, and water and park information is available at the visitor center. This is a pack it in/pack it out campground.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Walk-up Individual Sites - Tent Only)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Longleaf Campground

The Longleaf Campground offers walk up campsites for visitors wishing to camp in the frontcountry of Congaree. Campers may park and walk to their site. All campsites have a firepit and picnic table, and the campground has two vault toilets. 10 sites are for individuals or small groups of up to 8 people, while 4 sites are designated for larger groups from 9 to 24 people. The campground is a short drive from the visitor center, where running water is available, as well as park information.
Fees (US$): 15.00 (Walk-up Individual Sites - Tent Only), 25.00 (Walk-up Group Sites - Tent Only)
Total Campsites: 14
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Congaree National Park

Super 8 by Wyndham, Orangeburg

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham, Orangeburg in Orangeburg, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3608 Saint Matthews Rd, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118-82
Web: Link

Quality Inn & Suites

With a stay at Quality Inn & Suites, you'll be centrally located in Orangeburg, within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3671 Saint Matthews Rd, Stilton, South Carolina 29118-82
Web: Link

Sleep Inn Orangeburg

With a stay at Sleep Inn Orangeburg, you'll be centrally located in Orangeburg, within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3689 Saint Matthews Rd, Stilton, South Carolina 29118-82
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Orangeburg, an IHG Hotel

Located in Orangeburg, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Orangeburg, an IHG Hotel is in a rural location, within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 118 Sleep Inn Dr, Stilton, South Carolina 29118-82
Web: Link

Southern Lodge

When you stay at Southern Lodge in Orangeburg, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3616 Saint Matthews Rd, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118-82
Web: Link

Candlewood Suites, Columbia/Ft. Jackson, an IHG Hotel

Located in Columbia, Candlewood Suites, Columbia/Ft. Jackson, an IHG Hotel is within a 10-minute drive of Fort Jackson and University of South Carolina. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 921 Atlas Rd, Columbia, South Carolina 29209
Web: Link

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Orangeburg, SC

When you stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Orangeburg, SC in Orangeburg, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 731 Citadel Road, Stilton, South Carolina 29118-97
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Orangeburg, SC

With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Orangeburg, SC in Orangeburg, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 749 Citadel Road, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118
Web: Link

Tru by Hilton Orangeburg

Located in Orangeburg, Tru by Hilton Orangeburg is within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include a business center, luggage storage, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 739 Citadel Road, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118
Web: Link

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orangeburg

When you stay at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orangeburg in Orangeburg, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and South Carolina State University. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 675 Citadel Rd, Stilton, South Carolina 29118
Web: Link