South Carolina Camping: Congaree National Park

Ready for the family vacation of a lifetime?

Discover why so many generations have returned to Congaree National Park. Experience the world’s largest expanse of old growth hardwood forest and explore a variety of habitats from cypress highlighting deep water swamps, wetlands, Carolina Bays, and more! Camping here offers not only breathtaking views but countless activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing or just simply exploring miles of hiking trails. Even better you'll get to experience all that nature has to offer in one place.

So grab your tent and come with us on an adventure your whole family will love! Let go of worries about finding things to do - there's something new around every corner at Congaree National Park. Watch wildlife gliding over the water in search of their next meal or keep an eye out for some rare birds perched among ancient trees towering above the park floor creating a feeling of awe and amazement everywhere you turn.

Come on along! Let's walk through why this national park is a great destination for you and your family or friends.

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Congaree National Park - A Brief Overview

Congaree National Park, located in South Carolina, is a unique area of natural beauty and ecological significance. It gained its national park status in 2003 and encompasses more than 22,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest. It is one of the largest intact expanses of old growth floodplain forest left in the United States.

History

The area has a rich history that spans centuries. Evidence suggests that Native Americans have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Later, during colonial times, Congaree National Park was home to some of the earliest European settlers and plantations along the Congaree River. Congress established Congaree Swamp a National Monument in 1976.

Current

Today, tourists from around the world come to explore this pristine landscape filled with towering bald cypress trees, wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and fascinating night skies. There are multiple walking trails to explore throughout the park and canoeing trips available downriver. Visitors can also take part in ranger-led programs such as hikes, campfire talks, and night walks.

Camping

For those who want to stay longer, there are individual campsites and recreational vehicle sites available year round. Amenities ranging from primitive or backcountry campsites to RV sites equipped with electric hookups can be found within campgrounds both very near Congaree National Park and within Congaree National Park itself. Check details for each location for the presence of two vault toilets, a picnic table, a fire ring along with the restrictions on open fires while you camp out under the tallest trees in South Carolina. Note: There are no walk up campsites available. Contact the national park service website for details.

Activities

Other activities at the park include fishing opportunities on Cedar Creek Lake or kayaking/canoeing along Cedar Creek which flows through the park towards its meeting with the Congaree River just outside its boundaries. Bird watching is also popular nearby due to abundant wading bird populations along Cedar Creek's banks in addition to migratory birds which seasonally pass through the area each year

Campgrounds

Congaree National Park is full of beautiful, scenic areas and offers an amazing variety of campgrounds for visitors to choose from. If you are looking to go tent camping, then this is a great place to be. There are two frontcountry campgrounds that are very popular and are detailed below. Both require reservations. If the camp sites you are looking for are full, make sure you take a look a what is available at the many state parks in South Carolina as well.

Bluff Campground

Bluff Campgrounds is the largest campground in the park, located near the Visitor Center. It offers a great selection of backcountry campsites with plenty of room for tents and RVs. There are also group sites along with primitive, fire rings and picnic tables available. Groups have access to designated campsites. Restroom facilities are on site.

Longleaf Campground

Longleaf Campground is the other main campground at Congaree National Park. It features 50 RV sites with electric hookups, drinking water, flush toilets and showers. There are also primitive campsites available as well as group sites that can accommodate up to 25 people.

Backcountry/Primitive Camping

Backcountry camping is also permitted in Congaree National Park so visitors can explore some of the wilder parts of the park by setting up their own primitive private campgrounds away from civilization. However, visitors are advised to check out regulations in advance if they plan on doing this type of camping and acquire the free permit.

RV Camping Beyond the Park

Finally, there are plenty of RV campsites located outside the national park and these can provide improved facilities such as restrooms, showers, a dump station, and RV hookups if needed. Whether you’re looking for a primitive, backcountry camping experience or need more amenities while camping, Congaree, along with other SC National Parks camping has something to offer every visitor!

Barnyard RV Park

Located near Congaree National Park, Barnyard RV Park is the perfect spot and campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.

The park offers large, pull-through sites with full hookups including water, electricity, and sewer hook ups perfect for those traveling with an RV or camper. The grounds also feature spacious shaded areas where visitors can relax and take in the peaceful setting of the South Carolina countryside.

In addition to modern amenities such as a laundry room and clubhouse, Barnyard RV Park also provides access to several recreation activities like fishing, swimming (no swimming pool), and nature walks making it great for those looking to explore the area’s natural beauty while still enjoying the comforts of a safe and secure camping facility.

If you decide to visit Congaree National Park, Barnyard RV Park is the ideal place to stay when visiting the area. And, don't forget the South Carolina state park camping scattered all over the state in case this park does not work.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in Congaree National Park, as it has an abundance of diverse fish species in its various bodies of water.

Bates Old River

Bates Old River is one of the largest rivers in the park, and it is filled with bass, sunfish, bluegill, and catfish. The area is also rich with native wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and snakes – so visitors are advised to be cautious when fishing in this area.

Wise Lake

Wise Lake offers plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers looking to catch bass or bluegill. Tom’s Creek also contains some unique species for those who love fly fishing.

Weston Lake

Weston Lake can provide visitors with excellent largemouth bass fishing if they are willing to put in the time and effort needed to land a big one!

Overall, Congaree National Park provides a great diversity of fish species and fishing locations for visitors to choose from regardless of whether you prefer casting a line or simply exploring the bankside scenery.

Hiking

Congaree National Park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the United States – and they offer a great variety of experiences for all types of hikers.

For those looking for a leisurely hike with plenty of scenery, Weston Lake Loop Trail is an excellent choice. This 2.6 mile loop takes visitors through old growth forest, past creeks and ponds, and by historic cabins dating back to the 18th century.

Another popular trail is the Boardwalk Loop Trail, which offers views of bottomland forest and a chance to spot many species of birds. At 0.75 miles long, it’s the perfect trail for taking a quick nature walk during a sightseeing outing.

For more experienced hikers, there are also longer trails available such as Bluff Trail, Sandy Island Trail, and Mill Creek Trail, all of which provide opportunities to explore Congaree National Park’s diverse ecosystems in greater depth and get close to native wildlife like deer and river otters.

With its varied terrain and abundance of natural beauty, Congaree National Park makes for an ideal destination for hikers of all levels!

Harry Hampton Visitor Center

The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is a great place to visit when exploring Congaree National Park. Located just 10 miles from Columbia, South Carolina, the center offers interactive exhibits and educational displays that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the natural history and ecology of the national park.

The Visitor Center also features a nature store where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books and maps related to their trip. Additionally, rangers are always on hand to answer questions and offer advice – making it easy for everyone to get the most out of their experience at Congaree National Park.

The park entrance parking lot is located off U.S. Highway 601, with a large parking lot available for those wishing to explore by foot or bike. A variety of passes are available for entry into Congaree National Park, including day-use passes and an annual pass which allows unlimited admission throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

What an amazing experience Congaree National Park has to offer for those seeking the ultimate camping adventure with your family. The lush greenery and wildlife make it a perfect place for family fun, exploration, rv camping, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Plus, the park provides plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, from taking in nature at its purest with hikes, canoeing, and fishing to lounging at night while watching the stars twinkle in the night sky. It can be quite magical.

I highly recommend you take some time to check out Congaree National Park if you're looking for a great destination. With all this nature right at your fingertips, I'm sure you won't regret it. Consider subscribing so that when my next adventure is posted, you will be one of the first to know! Who knows what new experiences await?

~Ron