Bluff Hike In Camping

Show on mapcong_information@nps.gov
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061

Overview

This is a hike-in campground that is located at the intersection of the Bluff and Firefly Trails, approximately 1 mile from both the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and the Longleaf Campground. It is surrounded by a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. This campground is located at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to the flooding events that occur regularly in other parts of the park.

Recreation

Campers with reservations at the Bluff Campground have easy access to the park’s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and other hiking trails via either the Firefly or Bluff Trails. At the visitor center you find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the visitor center.

Facilities

• Camping at this campground is tent only.

• This is a hike-in only campground and cannot be accessed by vehicle. Campers must park at either the Longleaf Campground or Harry Hampton Visitor Center. 

• All sites have a fire ring and picnic table.

• This campground does not provide electric/water/sewer hook-ups.

• This campground does not have restroom facilities. Restrooms can be found at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, and two vault toilets are located at the Longleaf Campground. 

• Running water is not available at this campground. Potable water is available at filling stations 24/7 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

• This campground does not have trash or recycling receptacles. All campers must remember to pack out all trash and/or waste when leaving and can dispose of it at either the Harry Hampton Visitor Center or Longleaf Campground.

Natural Features

Campsites are located on the edges of an open, grassy clearing in the mixed pine/hardwood forest, and is adjacent to an area currently undergoing restoration to a longleaf pine grassland/savanna. Depending on the time of day, sites may be the sun during the morning or afternoon/evening hours. This location offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (803) 647-3970.

Nearby Attractions

Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.

Camp site features

Across 6 camp sites:

  • Largest party: 8 people

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

38 reviews
5 stars
31
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
1 stars
1
Ciera L
Loop:Bluff Hike-in
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Great site. Decent hike in, and sites are not right on top of each other.
Tyler B
Loop:Bluff Hike-in
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Great camp spot! Love the park
Colette B
Loop:Bluff Hike-in
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
The campground is quiet and secluded yet doesn't feel as far from the visitor center as it is with the boardwalk connector. The trails leading in are maintained. A large informational sign indicating the Leave no Trace principles encourages campers to comply and also provides a teaching tool for children. We stayed in site 5 which had two picnic tables and three nice spots to choose from for a tent site.
Nicholas D
Loop:Bluff Hike-in
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
Great flat spots with plenty of shade cover.
Robert C
Loop:Bluff Hike-in
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
Great campsite. One of the other groups here was unfortunately very loud and playing music until around 2-3 am, which kind of dampened our otherwise peaceful experience on the second night. But that, of course, isn't the park's fault.
Lothar D
Loop:Bluff Hike-in
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
I accidently booked a site at this campground confusing it with the Longleaf site. It is about half a mile to get there from the parkinglot of the isitor center, but it is near the ranger residence, thus not secluded. It has no facilities and no water. i.e. all the challenges of wilderness camping, without being a wilderness camp. .... We weren't the only ones making that error. Fortunately we were able to book a site at longleaf campground, but we forfitted our registration money.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Season dates

Peak season

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

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