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.

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.

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>•	Camping at this campground is tent only.</p>
<p>•	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. </p>
<p>•	All sites have a fire ring and picnic table.</p>
<p>•	This campground does not provide electric/water/sewer hook-ups.</p>
<p>•	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. </p>
<p>•	Running water is not available at this campground. Potable water is available at filling stations 24/7 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.</p>
<p>•	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.</p>

<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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.</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (803) 647-3970.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>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.</p>

A hiker in the cypress forest of Congaree National Park

A fallen cypress tree spans Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park

The endless wet terrain and wide Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) trees  in Congaree National Park.

The boardwalk through Congaree National Park

Hikers with a park ranger beneath fall colors at Congaree National Park

Bluff Hike In Camping

Bird's eye view of the campground

## Overview

The Congaree Picnic Shelter is located a short distance from the Harry Hampton
Visitor Center and is adjacent to the park's primary parking area. The picnic
shelter is also near the park's popular Boardwalk Trail.

## Recreation

Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and
experience the great outdoors. Many miles of hiking trails can be found in the
park ranging from easy to moderately strenuous. Old growth forests, teeming
with wildlife can be accessed by park trails or by exploring the many miles of
waterways in a canoe or kayak. Interpretive programs including guided hikes,
canoe tours and special ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year.

## Facilities

The picnic shelter offers picnic tables and two large barbeque grills, as well
as trash and recycling cans.

## Natural Features

The picnic shelter is located in an upland pine forest. The shelter is a short
walk away from the Boardwalk Trail, which takes visitors into the old-growth
floodplain forest that Congaree is most notable for, as well as access to
other trails that take visitors into the park's backcountry where they can see
champion-sized trees and wildlife. The shelter is also close to trails that
take visitors through the upland pine forest where they can see how fire is a
natural part of the ecosystem and is used to maintain and restore this fire-
dependent habitat.

## 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.

## Charges & Cancellations

Customers who cancel a picnic shelter reservation less than seven (7) days
before the arrival date will forfeit the total fee.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Congaree Picnic Shelter is located a short distance from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and is adjacent to the park's primary parking area. The picnic shelter is also near the park's popular Boardwalk Trail. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors. Many miles of hiking trails can be found in the park ranging from easy to moderately strenuous. Old growth forests, teeming with wildlife can be accessed by park trails or by exploring the many miles of waterways in a canoe or kayak. Interpretive programs including guided hikes, canoe tours and special ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The picnic shelter offers picnic tables and two large barbeque grills, as well as trash and recycling cans. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The picnic shelter is located in an upland pine forest. The shelter is a short walk away from the Boardwalk Trail, which takes visitors into the old-growth floodplain forest that Congaree is most notable for, as well as access to other trails that take visitors into the park's backcountry where they can see champion-sized trees and wildlife. The shelter is also close to trails that take visitors through the upland pine forest where they can see how fire is a natural part of the ecosystem and is used to maintain and restore this fire-dependent habitat.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Customers who cancel a picnic shelter reservation less than seven (7) days before the arrival date will forfeit the total fee. </p>

The Congaree Picnic Shelter may be rented for up to four hours for $25 (9:00
AM to 1:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM). If you wish to rent the shelter for the
entire day (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), then you will need to make two reservations
(one for each time slot) for a total of $50.

Congaree Picnic Shelter

Barbeque grills at the Congaree Picnic Shelter

Congaree Picnic Shelter.

## Overview

This campground is located just off the park entrance road, approximately ½
mile before the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, in 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 Longleaf Campground have easy access to the
park’s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor
Center by car or by hiking on the Longleaf Trail. At the visitor center you
can access the Boardwalk and 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
campground.

## Facilities

• Camping at this campground is tent only.

• Camp sites do not accommodate vehicles. All vehicles must be parked in the
designated parking lot, and campers must walk a short distance to reach their
reserved site.

• This campground does not permit RV/car camping.

• All sites have fire rings and picnic tables.

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

• This campground has two vault toilets located next to the parking area.

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

• Receptacles for trash and/or recycling are available near the campground
parking lot.

## Natural Features

Located in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest, campsites are surrounded by
pines and other trees. Campsites are generally in shade for large parts of the
day. An open field in the middle of the campground is available for use by
campers throughout the day, and this location offers campers excellent
opportunities for observing wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and the
occasional southern fox squirrel.

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>This campground is located just off the park entrance road, approximately ½ mile before the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, in 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. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Campers with reservations at the Longleaf Campground have easy access to the park’s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center by car or by hiking on the Longleaf Trail. At the visitor center you can access the Boardwalk and 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 campground. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>•	Camping at this campground is tent only.</p>
<p>•	Camp sites do not accommodate vehicles. All vehicles must be parked in the designated parking lot, and campers must walk a short distance to reach their reserved site.</p>
<p>•	This campground does not permit RV/car camping.</p>
<p>•	All sites have fire rings and picnic tables.</p>
<p>•	This campground does not provide electric/water/sewer hook-ups.</p>
<p>•	This campground has two vault toilets located next to the parking area. </p>
<p>•	Running water is not available at this campground. Potable water is available at filling stations 24/7 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.</p>
<p>•	Receptacles for trash and/or recycling are available near the campground parking lot. </p>

<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Located in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest, campsites are surrounded by pines and other trees. Campsites are generally in shade for large parts of the day. An open field in the middle of the campground is available for use by campers throughout the day, and this location offers campers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and the occasional southern fox squirrel. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>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.</p>

A photo of facility Longleaf Campground with No Amenities Shown

An orange tent pitched at Congaree National Park

Three children kayak on the water

Three children kayak on the water in the autumn

Many paddlers explore the park on the water

Congaree National Park

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Bluff Hike In Camping

Congaree Picnic Shelter

Longleaf Campground