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View of the Congaree River during the Fall
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26 Activities

Congaree National Park

SC

Park Alerts (5)

Park Pass Not Needed: As Congaree does not have an entrance fee, we do not have staff dedicated to selling or issuing park passes. If interested in obtaining a park pass, you must call the day of your visit to inquire abou...
Backcountry Trail Conditions: GPS is necessary on backcountry trails: Oakridge, Boggy Gut (formerly River), and Kingsnake. These trails may be difficult to follow.
Boardwalk Partially Closed for Construction: The lower section of the boardwalk loop is closed for construction at this time, and the Weston Lake Overlook is now open. Please click "more" below for a map highlighting the closed section and alter...

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.

Available 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

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 for Cedar Creek and the Congaree River.

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.

Plan Your Visit

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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.

Location

SC

33.7919, -80.7487

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