Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Harry Hampton Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
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.
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Self-Guided Tours
Self Guided Boardwalk Tour
The 2.6-mile Boardwalk loop begins right outside the visitor center. To use this guide, look for numbers along the boardwalk railing. Wheelchairs, strollers, and pets on leash (fewer than 6 ft) are welcome.
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.
Where to Stay
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.
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.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
From Interstate 77, Exit 5 At Exit 5 turn onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road. Following the brown and white "Congaree National Park" directional signs, travel approximately 8 miles on and then take a slight right onto Old Bluff Road. Follow Old Bluff Road for 4.5 miles to the park entrance sign, which will be on the right. Proceed one mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Parking lots will be on the right.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Congaree National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Operating Hours
Congaree Operating Hours (Not Visitor Center Hours)
Congaree National Park is generally open 24 hours a day year-round. For visitor and staff safety, park operations and/or weather conditions may occasionally result in short term, temporary closures. Please review the park webpage and social media platforms for more information. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open 9-5, daily. It is closed New Year's Day, President's Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Please check alerts prior to your visit.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Photos
An owl perched on a wooden building
View of the Congaree River during the Fall
Two people in a canoe on a narrow creek surrounded by forest
A very large tree surrounded by smaller trees in a forest
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Congaree
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.