Congaree National Park in South Carolina, USA - map, photos and visitor information

Congaree National Park in South Carolina is a forest visit shaped by water. The boardwalk leads into a floodplain of tall trees, while Cedar Creek offers a different view from a canoe or kayak. Start at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center near Hopkins. Choose your route after checking water levels: flooding can change an easy walk into an inaccessible trail.

Highlights in Congaree

• Boardwalk Loop: A 2.6-mile round trip passes through the forest, with benches along the route.
• Cedar Creek: Paddle beneath cypress trees on a short return trip or a longer route with arranged transport.
• Forest wildlife: Look for turtles, wading birds, and river otters without expecting a guaranteed sighting.
• Synchronous fireflies: This seasonal display has a separate viewing event and entry process.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Floodplain safety

Read the park conditions report before choosing a hike. A trail listed on a map may be flooded. Carry drinking water and a map, tell someone your route, and do not rely on cell service. Check yourself and your dog for ticks after a visit.

For a paddling trip, check creek conditions and choose a route that matches your skills. An out-and-back paddle from South Cedar Creek Landing avoids the vehicle shuttle needed for a one-way trip. Water levels can change the route and the difficulty; do not treat a published distance as a promise of easy passage.

Visit responsibly

Keep dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet, collect their waste, and never leave them unattended. Pets are normally allowed on trails and in campgrounds, but the firefly event has separate restrictions. Give snakes and other wildlife space. Bikes are not allowed on hiking trails.

Use campground fire rings where permitted. Backcountry campfires are prohibited. During a firefly event, follow the designated route and lighting rules, and never catch or disturb the insects.

Camping and event reservations

Reserve a frontcountry campsite before arrival through the system linked from the official camping page. There is no on-site payment option. Request a backcountry permit at least 72 hours before your trip by emailing [email protected].

The synchronous firefly event page explains the lottery and special access rules. The 2026 event required a pass and changed daytime access and camping operations. Check the next published event instructions before planning a future visit around the display.

Maps, location, and access

Set your destination to 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061. From I-77, the official approach uses Exit 5, SC 48/Bluff Road, and Old Bluff Road. This takes you to the visitor center area rather than a separate creek landing or the eastern trailheads.

Pick up the park map and boardwalk guide at the visitor center. Brochures are also available outside around the clock. Cell coverage is unreliable, so save route information before leaving.

Vehicle access to the Congaree River is outside the park. Bates Ferry and Fork Swamp parking areas cannot accommodate RVs or trailers. If you arrive by rideshare, arrange your return carefully; pickup in the area can be difficult.

Nearby parks

Sesquicentennial State Park is a practical stop on the Columbia side of the trip, reached from I-77 and US 1/Two Notch Road. Poinsett State Park is another regional option near Wedgefield, approached from US 378/76 and SC 261. Choose the one that fits your onward drive.

Walk the forest or paddle Cedar Creek

For a first visit, use the Boardwalk Loop and its numbered self-guided brochure. The route accommodates wheelchairs and strollers, but low sections can flood. Check accessibility and conditions together before setting out.

• Bluff Trail: A 1.8-mile round trip explores upland pine forest.
• Weston Lake Trail: A 4.5-mile round trip adds creekside forest and opportunities to watch wildlife.
• Paddling: South Cedar Creek Landing supports a flexible return trip. The Bannister's Bridge-to-Cedar Creek route is approximately 6.2 miles and needs a transport plan.

Bring your own boat or arrange equipment with an outfitter. The park does not rent canoes or kayaks. Its paddling guide identifies authorized operators and links to route conditions.

Visitor services and overnight stays

The visitor center has exhibits, a store, accessible restrooms, and outdoor drinking water. An accessible family restroom remains available around the clock. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free on a first-come basis; call ahead to check availability. A paved route leads to the picnic shelter.

Camping is for tents and hammocks, not RVs or overnight vehicle stays. Longleaf has vault toilets but no running water. Bluff requires a hike and has neither toilets nor running water. Collect drinking water at the visitor center before heading to camp.

About Congaree National Park

A landscape used for generations

People have used this floodplain for more than 13,000 years. Its human history includes Indigenous communities, people who escaped slavery, logging, and conservation. The forest is both a natural habitat and a landscape of work, refuge, and changing land use.

Wildlife along the waterways

Cedar Creek supports opportunities to see river otters, deer, turtles, and wading birds. Alligators also occur. Watch quietly from a distance and let animals move away. The fireflies' synchronized signals are part of their mating behavior, which is why light and disturbance controls matter during viewing events.

Contact the park

Congaree National Park: 803-776-4396. Address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061. For backcountry permit requests, use [email protected].