Congaree National Park
National Park · SC
Caution · Backcountry Trail Conditions
GPS is necessary on backcountry trails: Oakridge, Boggy Gut (formerly River), and Kingsnake. These trails may be difficult to follow.
Caution · Being Prepared for Excessive Heat & Humidity
Congaree can be hot & humid from late spring through early fall. Be sure that you & your party (including pets) have adequate water & choose activities that fit your level of physical fitness. Consider visiting early in the morning when it is cooler.
More informationCaution · Paddling Conditions
Trees down across Cedar Creek between Bannister's Bridge and South Cedar Creek may require significant portages depending on water levels & paddlers should plan accordingly. All paddlers should have necessary equipment, including the 10 Essentials.
1 noticefrom the National Park Service
Information · Planning Ahead for Transportation
If being dropped off at the park, please ensure you will have a return ride. Taxis and rideshares do not often come out to Congaree, and the bus may be unavailable. Please plan ahead.
More information
Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.
- NPS site
- nps.gov/cong
- Location
- Congaree National Park (33.792, -80.749)
Track your visit to Congaree National Park
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
Passport stamp locations
- Harry Hampton Visitor Center
Hours
Congaree Operating Hours (Not Visitor Center Hours)today: All Day
- Sat Oct 3All Day
- Sun Oct 4All Day
- Mon Oct 5All Day
- Tue Oct 6All Day
- Wed Oct 7All Day
- Thu Oct 8All Day
- Fri Oct 9All Day
Congaree National Park is generally open 24 hours a day year-round. For visitor and staff safety, park operations and/or weather conditions may occasionally result in short term, temporary closures. Please review the park webpage and social media platforms for more information. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open 9-5, daily. It is closed New Year's Day, President's Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Please check alerts prior to your visit.
Hours are retrieved from the National Park Service and can change without notice — check the official site before you go.
Visitor centers
1
- Harry Hampton Visitor Centertoday: 9:00AM - 5:00PMDirections
Self-guided tours
1
Self Guided Boardwalk Tour1–2 hours · 20 stops
The 2.6-mile Boardwalk loop begins right outside the visitor center. To use this guide, look for numbers along the boardwalk railing. Wheelchairs, strollers, and pets on leash (fewer than 6 ft) are welcome.
Entrance fees
No entrance fee.
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