Est. 2003 | South Carolina | 26,692 acres

Congaree

It’s all about trees and rivers in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park. As one of the last bottomland old growth forests in the country, the trees have grown exceptionally tall here in the nutrient rich valley of the Congaree River. Hike and paddle under Loblolly Pines, Bald Cypress, and Water Tupelos reaching record-breaking heights of over 130 feet tall with water and rot resistant trunks. For centuries, these trees have supported a diverse ecosystem of life in an otherwise inhospitable floodplain.

Located just 20 miles southeast of Columbia, South Carolina, Congaree National Park is a hidden gem of the national park system. With no mountainous terrain or dramatic elevation changes, the park’s beauty lies in its quiet, lush forests and wetlands, home to champion trees, owls, wild pigs, deer, snakes, and the occasional alligator. Congaree National Park is bound by the Congaree River to the south and Cedar Creek that runs along the north. Roughly 10 times every year, these waterways overflow their banks and flood the lowlands. While this limits foot traffic, it opens up a whole new world of paddling possibilities as the entire forest is practically a giant lake.

The main entrance road and only roadway into the park, National Park Road, leads to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center area where several trails and canoe launch points begin. Although small in size, the park’s unique ecosystem provides opportunities for hiking, birding, and paddling.

Must-see highlights in Congaree National Park

Boardwalk Trail—This 2.6-mile elevated boardwalk offers an easy, immersive experience into the heart of Congaree’s forest and swamp. Starting at the Visitor Center, it winds past cypress knees, massive hardwoods, and rich wetland flora. It’s accessible year-round and a great introduction to the park. During periods of flooding, the lower portions of the boardwalk become submerged, offering a fun wet trudge for those up to the challenge.

Weston Lake Trail—This 4.5-mile trail branches off the boardwalk and circles the serene Weston Lake. It combines upland and bottomland forest habitats and is popular for spotting owls, woodpeckers, and river otters. Wear waterproof shoes—this area can be muddy, especially in spring.

Cedar Creek Canoe Trail—The best way to explore the park’s floodplain is by paddling. The 15-mile one-way route meanders through a landscape of flooded forests and cypress groves from Bannister Bridge in the northwest corner of the park to its confluence with the Congaree River in the southeast. Paddlers should be prepared for fallen trees and downed limbs that may require visitors to portage around the obstacles. Rentals aren’t available inside the park, so bring a canoe or kayak, or book with a local outfitter.

Firefly Festival—Every year in late-May and early-June, a special species of synchronous firefly migrates through the park. These fireflies flash in rhythmic unison to attract mates. As predictable as weather and temperature, the festival generally lasts for two full weeks, but can vary year to year. Due to its popularity, a lottery system was established to witness the spectacle. Entries to the lottery can be reserved on Recreation.gov. For those unsuccessful in the lottery, fireflies can still be viewed throughout the park. Look for areas near water with little underbrush and a dark canopy.

Kingsnake Trail—This 11-mile backcountry trail is perfect for experienced hikers and birders. It offers solitude and the chance to spot rare species among dense, quiet woods. Be prepared for wet, buggy conditions and carry a GPS or map—it’s easy to lose the trail in places.

Best time to visit Congaree National Park

Overall, spring and fall offer the best conditions for visiting Congaree National Park with less bugs, cooler temperatures, and lower water levels. Winter, though usually flooded, offers great options for solitude and wildlife viewing, while summer is generally regarded as the worst time to visit.

Spring (March to May): Mild weather and high water levels make spring ideal for paddling. Wildflowers bloom, and migratory birds return as temperatures range from 60ºF to 80ºF. Bugs start to increase by late May, coinciding with the annual firefly festival. Spring is typically the busiest time of year to visit Congaree, though still recording modest numbers compared to other national parks.
Summer (June to August): Summer is mostly hot, humid, and full of mosquitoes. Temperatures regularly reach 90ºF with heavy rainfall of 4.5 inches per month. Bring bug spray, wear breathable clothing, and consider early morning hikes. With high water levels, heat indexes, and mosquito counts, summer does not attract the crowds
Fall (September to November): Pleasant temperatures and fewer insects make fall the most enjoyable time to hike and paddle. Autumn colors emerge in late October and temperatures average 50ºF to 75ºF.
Winter (December to March): Quiet and cool, winter offers a bug-free visit and excellent birding. Expect temperatures from 30ºF to 60ºF. While snow is rare, it is still possible. But winter flooding is the bigger variable to monitor. It does not need to rain for the river to overflow its banks. Rainfall from upstate is enough to flood the valley, especially in winter.

How long should I visit Congaree National Park?

For most visitors, 1–2 days is enough to explore the major trails and paddle Cedar Creek. A half-day covers the boardwalk and visitor center, while a full day allows time for hiking or canoeing. If you’re birding or backpacking, a second day adds depth to your visit.

Getting to Congaree National Park

Most visitors arrive by car via I-26 from the south or I-77 from Columbia and the north. Bluff Road from I-77 leads 8 miles south east to Old Bluff Road which in turn leads 4 miles to the park entrance. Visitors flying in can land at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), a mere 25 miles northwest of the park entrance for the closest proximity. Because Columbia can be pricey, alternative flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) 113 miles north or Charleston International Airport (CHS) 98 miles southeast may offer better budget-friendly options.

Where to stay in Congaree National Park

Lodging—Congaree National Park offers no lodging within the park boundaries; however 25 miles away, Columbia carries many options for hotel accommodations.

Campgrounds—Congaree offers one front country campground (Longleaf Campground) and one backcountry campground (Bluff Campground). Both are located near the visitor center grounds, though Bluff Campground requires a 1 mile hike into camp.

Longleaf Campground—16 sites (tent only), open year round, closed during the firefly festival
Bluff Campground—6 sites (walk-in tent only), open year round, closed during the firefly festival

When should I book my trip to Congaree National Park?

Camping is available year-round, but spring and fall are peak seasons. Book your campsite 2–4 weeks in advance, especially in March through May and October. Lodging in Columbia is plentiful but may fill during university events or regional festivals.

How much should I budget for Congaree National Park?

A 1–2 day trip to Congaree booked 4 months in advance can cost roughly $500–$650 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to Columbia	$200–$400
Car Rental	$50–$90/day (not including taxes/fees)
Campgrounds	$10–$15/night
Lodging	$100–$250/night (not including taxes/fees)
Meals	$10–$20/meal
Entrance Fee	FREE

Packing list for Congaree National Park

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For Congaree National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, rain coat, water shoes or sturdy sandals, and a water bottle.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to Congaree.

For more detailed information on Congaree National Park, visit the official park website.