Congaree National Park

Reviewed by SCguide1 on November 5, 2009

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The great thing about Congaree is that you can spend two weeks there or 2 hours there. If you spend 2 weeks, you wont be bored. If you spend 2 hours, you wont be disappointed.

The primitive campground at the after-hours parking area is nice and there are chemical toilets available. Drinking water is available at a spigot outside the park visitors center, as long as the center is open.
All 7 sites are within 50 yards of the parking area so a walk-in is pretty easy.
For a longer walk-in, the Bluff Campground is a little over a mile from the parking area. There are no facilities at Bluff. This is pure primitive camping.
Backcountry camping is also available throughout the park. Check with the rangers at the visitors center for further information.
A permit, issued at the visitors center, is required to camp anywhere in the park. The permit is free.

Gentle walking, strenuous hiking and backpacking are all possible at Congaree. Check out the NPS.GOV website for details.

Wildlife and plantlife photography opportunities are near endless. On a bright day, they are near perfect. The large trees with their massive canopies block out a considerable amount of sunlight, yet allow enough filtered light through to make for some interesting tones and shadows.

Paddling the Cedar Creek Trail is popular at Congaree. Backcountry camping can be enjoyed along it's route. Car spotting can be achieved by parking your spotted vehicle at the Cedar Creek Canoe Access, South Cedar Creek Road, and driving back to Bannister Bridge Canoe Access on Old Bluff Road. See the NPS website for more details and call ahead for water levels and conditions. (803) 776-4396.

Fishing is permitted everywhere in the park except Weston Lake. South Carolina fishing regulations and licensing apply.

No hunting or firearms permitted in the park.

Congaree National Park is a natural sanctuary and all plants and animals are protected. ---Walk softly, and carry a big camera!

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