Congaree National Park

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Overview

Visitors to Congaree National Park will be astonished by the biodiversity that exists in the park. Home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, the park's rich forests provide scenery and solitude for exploration. The Congaree and Wateree Rivers wind through the park, providing the sediment and nutrients that nourish and rejuvenate this vibrant ecosystem. With over 25 miles of trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalks, there are many ways to explore the park.

To learn more about Congaree National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Please Note: There are no singletrack trails within Congaree National Park that are open to mountain bikes. This page serves as a general overview of the area. If you're visiting the park and looking for places to ride, check out the following areas:

Visiting Tips

Congaree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While the park is open year-round, peak season tends to be in the spring and summer when temperatures are more moderate and insects are not a problem. For more information on current conditions and seasonal information, click here.

Fees & Passes:
Entrance to Congaree National Park is free. The park does not charge for admission, camping, or any ranger-led programs.

Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Camping & Lodging

Camping:
Congaree National Park offers two campgrounds for those looking to extend their stay in the park. Camping is tent only, and RV/car camping is not permitted in the park. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777. For more information about camping in the park, click here.

Longleaf Campground: 10 tent sites. 4 group sites.
Bluff Campground: 6 tent sites.

Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry camping in the park is free, and a permit must be obtained at the Longleaf Campground prior to camping.

Lodging:
There are no lodges, hotels, or cabins located within the park. The nearest overnight accommodations are located in the city of Columbia, which is approximately 20 minutes from the park.

Food & Drink

There are no food services located within the park. Additionally, there are limited dining options available in the town of Gadsden, which is located approximately ten minutes outside the park. If you're willing to travel a little further from the park, there are a wide variety of restaurants available in the nearby town of Columbia.

Other Activities

Whether you are coming out for a short stroll on the boardwalk or to take a canoe trip down Cedar Creek, Congaree has a variety of ways visitors to explore the park including hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Additionally, the area is rich with other historic parks, national battlefields, and national monuments. Visit the park's website for a list of nearby attractions. For those looking for other recreational opportunities in the area, head up the road for some mountain biking at Poinsett State Park.