Congaree National Park, located a short drive from Hopkins, South Carolina, offers a unique camping experience in one of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the U.S. This destination is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the park’s scenic beauty, biodiversity, and tranquil atmosphere. Camping here allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the lush, swampy landscape, home to towering bald cypress and loblolly pine trees.
Adventure Guide to Camping at Congaree National Park
Longleaf Campground
Location: Near the park entrance, about 20 miles from downtown Columbia.
What Makes It Special: This drive-up campground offers convenience for visitors who want basic amenities while remaining close to the park’s trails and waterways.
Key Features:
10 individual campsites and 4 group sites.
Picnic tables, fire rings, and a nearby vault toilet.
Reservations required through Recreation.gov.
Bluff Campground
Location: Accessible only by hiking about 1 mile from the parking area.
What Makes It Special: Provides a secluded experience for those looking for a more immersive wilderness stay.
Key Features:
Requires campers to bring in all supplies, including water.
No restrooms or running water available.
Must obtain a free permit before setting up camp.
Backcountry Camping
Location: Throughout designated areas in the floodplain.
What Makes It Special: True wilderness camping experience where visitors can set up in remote locations.
Key Features:
No designated campsites—allows for greater flexibility.
Must follow Leave No Trace principles.
Free permit required before entry.
Local Insights
The park floods frequently, so check water levels before camping.
Firewood cannot be brought from outside due to invasive species concerns—collect only downed wood or use local sources.
Expect to hear barred owls, tree frogs, and distant coyotes during the night.
Visitor Tips
Best Time to Visit: Fall through early spring for cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes.
What to Bring:
Mosquito repellent—biting insects are prevalent in warmer months.
Waterproof shoes or boots, since trails and campsites can be muddy.
Flashlight or headlamp—nights can be extremely dark due to low light pollution.
Driving Directions: From Hopkins, take SC-48 E (Bluff Rd) for about 30 minutes to reach the park entrance.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Joshua8 months ago
Yesterday was my first stay at Longleaf campground. The camping spaces are somewhat spread apart from one another. While this is out of the NPS control, the mosquitos are in abundance. Make sure to bring DEET!
Jonathan Cress4 years ago
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Longleaf Campground! As a joint family of 10 people there was plenty of space and fun to be had in these beautiful woods. The camp sites were well maintained and peppered with picnic tables, firewood, and grills. It was a beautiful and peaceful night!
Sable Wilson9 months ago
We really enjoyed this campground! It was peaceful and dog friendly! We stayed in campsite 10 and it was perfect! It was only about 150 yards from the parking area.
Michael Skeans2 months ago
Cool campground. Plenty of space between sites.
If you book any of the further back sites it is quite a bit of a treck if you have a lot of gear.
Natha B3 years ago
For a price and being in national park it us find rear to get. Huge parking, volt toilet. But I found that visitors center gas potable water and open during hours flush toilet.
Walkable to boardwalk and visitors center. Don't miss other trails, you would emerge into prehistoric, abandon life life. So calm and relaxing.