This park has the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States and as a result, you'll find amazing biodiversity. Here, waters from the Congaree and Wateree rivers move through the floodplain and carry nutrients and sediment that feeds the ecosystem and supports the growth of national and state championship trees.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
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.
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
Address: 100 National Park Road Hopkins SC 29061
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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Bluff Campground
6 sites · $10/night
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 campgrou…
Longleaf Campground
14 sites · $15/night
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 cam…
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Congaree National Park open?
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.
Are there campgrounds in Congaree National Park?
Yes — Congaree National Park has 2 campgrounds, including Bluff Campground, Longleaf Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.