Congaree National Park

View of the Congaree River during the Fall
View of the Congaree River during the Fall
Photos: National Park Service

About Congaree National 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.

Quick Facts

State South Carolina
Designation National Park
State Code SC
Weather 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…

Location & Map

Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina.

Operating 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.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Camping Backcountry Camping Canoe or Kayak Camping Car or Front Country Camping Group Camping Fishing Freshwater Fishing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Citizen Science Volunteer Vacation Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Off-Trail Permitted Hiking Paddling Canoeing Canoe or Kayak Camping Kayaking Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061
Phone 8037764396

Topics & Themes

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

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…

Hours: The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open daily with the exception of New Year's Day, President's Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. PLEASE NOTE: The park and visitor center may close due to hazardous weather or for resource management work. Always check the park Alerts page prior to your visit.

Campgrounds

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.…

6 Sites

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.…

14 Sites

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