Last Updated on 16 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Located in the heart of South Carolina is a lesser-known National Park that is home to a gorgeous old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and an upland pine forest. To truly enjoy all that Congaree has to offer, you may want to stay for a few days!

Camping at Congaree National Park can be done at 3 places within the park:

• Longleaf Campground
• Bluff Campground
• Backcountry Camping

Camping at Congaree National Park is tent-camping only, and all sites are walk-in. Sleeping in a vehicle overnight, such as an RV or campervan, is not permitted.

Below, I’ll explore the details of each of the three epic options for camping at Congaree National Park, including price, how to reserve a site, and any special considerations.

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1. Longleaf Campground

As you turn on National Park Road and drive past the Congaree National Park sign, you’re quite close to the Longleaf Campground. It’s situated on the left-hand side of the road when driving into the park. By the way, the address to Congaree National Park is 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061.

Compared with the Bluff Campground and backcountry camping, the Longleaf Campground offers the most amenities. It’s located approximately 0.7 miles from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

There’s no better way to experience camping at Congaree National Park than at the Longleaf Campground! Let’s explore the details.

Site Details

The Longleaf Campground has 14 sites available, located in a beautiful mixed pine and hardwood upland forest. Because the Longleaf Campground is at a slightly higher elevation, flooding is not a concern there as it is in other parts of the park.

• Number of sites available: 14
  • 10 individual sites
  • 4 group sites
• Fire ring and picnic table at each site
• Two vault toilets are at the beginning of the campground
• No potable water, no hook-ups. Head over to our article on potable water to learn where to find it while traveling!
• Tent only

Camping at Congaree National Park at the Longleaf campground is the best option for those bringing the whole family. It boasts the most amenities and is conveniently located near the main road, providing easy access to the rest of the park.

In the summer, mosquitoes and other bugs can be a problem. It’s a good idea to bring bug spray to keep these pesky annoyances away. I always recommend natural-based insecticides, like Murphy’s Naturals. It utilizes essential oils, making it safer for you and your family!

Price

The price per night at the Longleaf Campground varies depending on whether you stay at an individual site or a group site.

• Individual Site: $15/night
• Group Site: $25/night

If you have a Senior Pass or Access Pass, you are eligible for a 50% discount on the above prices. For those who don’t know, an Access Pass is not the same as an America the Beautiful Pass. It is only available to those with permanent disabilities. After all, camping at Congaree National Park should be available to everyone!

Specific Considerations and Rules

The Longleaf Campground may not be in the flood zone like other camping destinations in the park, but there are still a few special considerations to think about before camping at Congaree National Park at the Longleaf Campground.

• Maximum Stay: Camping at Longleaf is allowed for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
• Parking: Vehicles are not permitted to drive to the campsite. All campers must park in the designated gravel lot (Map) and walk to their campsite with all gear.
• Pets: Pets are allowed in the campground, but must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended.
• Check In/Out: Check-in is at 12 pm, and check-out is at 11 am.
• Maximum Occupancy: Individual sites can accommodate up to 8 campers and 3 tents. Group sites can have up to 24 campers and 12 tents.
• Firewood: Collecting downed wood is allowed. Firewood brought from outside the area is not permitted due to the potential to bring insects and disease to a fragile ecosystem.

Camping at Congaree National Park is a privilege and a way to experience the park in a way that many never get to see. Always be respectful, pack out all trash, and never burn trash or leave trash in the fire rings.

By the way, Congaree isn’t the only pet-friendly National Park! Head over to our guide on the pet policies of National Parks in all 50 states!

How To Reserve

If the Longleaf Campground sounds like the right choice for you or your family, reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. Alternatively, reservation information can be obtained by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Reservations for camping at Congaree National Park cannot be made at the park, and all payments must be made online.

2. Bluff Campground

Another option for camping at Congaree National Park is to stay at the Bluff Campground. This campground is further away from the main park attractions, offering more solitude and nature than the Longleaf Campground.

That said, it’s a further hike to reach the Bluff Campground, and there are fewer amenities than at the Longleaf Campground. These sites are best for individuals with experience in tent camping. It’s not the best site for folks bringing kids because there are no restroom facilities.

Site Details

To get to the Bluff Campground, campers must park at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center or the public gravel lot at the Longleaf Campground and walk to their site. Sites are approximately 1 mile from both parking areas.

The campground is located at the intersection of the Firefly and Bluff trails and, like the Longleaf Campground, is located above the floodplain. Still, it’s always a good idea to check the weather before booking!

While camping at the Bluff Campground, you’ll be surrounded by a mixed pine and hardwood forest and camping in an open, grassy clearing beneath the stars. Because the campground is more isolated, it’s an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife!

• Number of sites available: 6 individual sites
• Tent only
• No running water, no hook-ups
• No restrooms
• Fire ring and picnic table at each site
• Hiking trails within walking distance

Camping at Congaree National Park at the Bluff Campground is a little like roughing it in the backcountry. Be sure to bring everything you need so you don’t have to make the 2-mile trek to and from the car!

Price

It costs $10/night to stay at the Bluff Campground. As mentioned before, reservations must be made online or by calling 1-877-444-6777. 

Those with senior or Access passes are eligible for a 50% discount, meaning it would only cost $5 per night.

Specific Considerations and Rules

Many of the rules for the Longleaf Campground apply to the Bluff Campground, such as maximum stay lengths and being a tent-only campground.

• Maximum Stay: Camping at Bluff is allowed for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
• Parking: Vehicles are not permitted to drive to the campsite.
• Pets: Pets are allowed in the campground, but must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended.
• Check In/Out: Check-in is at 12 pm and check-out is at 11 am.
• Maximum Occupancy: Individual sites can accommodate up to 8 individuals and 3 tents.
• Firewood: Collecting downed wood is allowed. Firewood brought from outside the area is not permitted due to the potential to bring insects and disease to a fragile ecosystem.

Because the Bluff Campground is more secluded, it’s more important than ever to keep food in sealed containers like the Bear Vault Jaunt Bear Canister. It has 440 cubic inches of space, which is approximately enough for 4 days for an individual or 2 days for 2 people.

How To Reserve

Like the Longleaf Campground, reservations for the Bluff Campground can be made online at recreation.gov. Alternatively, call 1-877-444-6777 for information about reserving. Reservations and payments cannot be made at the park.

3. Backcountry Camping

Camping at Congaree National Park in the backcountry is the best way to experience true wilderness in the park. There’s no road noise, no campers making noise to scare away the wildlife. It’s just you and the wild, scenic side of Congaree.

The backcountry at Congaree National Park includes all land within park boundaries except to the north of Cedar Creek between Bannister Bridge Canoe Access and Cedar Creek Canoe Access.

There are no designated spots in the backcountry, so, for the most part, the park is your oyster! Find a suitable, flat spot to call home for a night or two and set up camp. Let’s dive into some of the finer points of hiking and camping in the backcountry.

Backcountry Camping Rules

While camping at Congaree National Park in the backcountry, there are a few rules to follow to keep this beautiful park open to camping.

• Give creeks and rivers some space: Campsites must be at least 100 feet from Cedar Creek, Tom’s Creek, Bates Old River, and Wise Lake.
• Watch for flooding: Flooding occurs in the backcountry. Check the weather before camping to ensure heavy rains are not in the forecast.
• No crazy parties: Backcountry campsites are limited to a maximum of 6 campers and 3 structures per site to minimize the impact on vegetation.
• Give other campers space: All campsites must be at least 300 feet from the next closest campsite.
• Don’t light the forest on fire: Fires are not permitted in the backcountry except for backpacking stoves.
• Pack in, pack out: Pack out all trash (this means ALL trash – food scraps, toilet paper, etc.).
• Don’t camp in the front country: Backcountry camping is not permitted in the front country.
• Keep pets safe: Pets are allowed in the backcountry, but should always remain on leash and should never be left unattended. Always pick up after your pet, as their waste can harbor diseases that can transfer to other canine species like coyotes and foxes.

These rules are in place to minimize the impact of people on the fragile ecosystem in Congaree National Park.

Permit Required

A free permit is required to camp in the backcountry at Congaree. Permit requests must be made at least 72 hours in advance to allow park staff to process the application.

Applications can be made on the National Park Service website here. If you need more information about backcountry camping at Congaree National Park, call (803) 776-4396. You can also email cong_information@nps.gov.

No Amenities

If you’ve never been backcountry camping before, it’s important to realize there are no amenities. However far you hike into the backcountry is how far you’ll need to hike out in an emergency.

Here are a few recommendations to deal with the lack of amenities while camping at Congaree National Park in the backcountry.

• Bring all the water you need: Don’t depend on creeks and streams to provide water, as these sources may be contaminated. Bring all the water you will need, or bring a purification system to make the water safe to drink.
• Bring enough food: Hiking in the backcountry is far more laborious than hiking on a curated trail. Bring extra food and snacks to keep your energy levels up. Our guide on the best hiking snacks offers healthy options to keep your strength up.
• Bathroom needs: Everyone goes, right? Bring any essential bathroom items you’ll need to do your business in the woods, such as a collapsible shovel and wipes. The Pact Outdoors Ultra Lite Bathroom Kit comes with everything you need to go in nature.
• Keep clean: Speaking of wipes, bringing some body wipes will help keep you clean and hygienic while exploring the backcountry.

A lack of amenities doesn’t have to mean your camping experience is miserable! A few creature comforts and enough food will keep most campers happy.

Recommended Items for Backcountry Camping at Congaree National Park

Camping at Congaree National Park in the backcountry is a different experience from backcountry camping at other parks. There are obstacles and concerns specific to the weather and environment found only at Congaree.

Here are some gear recommendations to make your backcountry camping experience more enjoyable.

• Waterproof Gear: Bring a rain jacket, waterproof boots, dry bags, a tarp, and a waterproof tent. Congaree is a swamp, so it’s known for being a wet environment.
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and ticks are abundant in Congaree. Bring bug netting, bug spray, and plan to wear long sleeves and pants to avoid getting bitten by these bothersome critters.
• Water purification: If you plan to utilize the streams and rivers to obtain freshwater, use a filter or purification tablets to ensure the water is safe to drink.
• Navigation: Grab a park map and bring a compass or GPS device to help you navigate the dense forests and floodplains of Congaree.
• Let there be light: There are no lampposts or lights in the backcountry. Pack a flashlight and a headlamp, and bring a way to charge them or replenish the batteries in case they run out of charge.
• Trash bags: Remember to pack out all trash from your stay in the backcountry.
• Trekking poles: Trekking poles are a useful item in the backcountry to ensure the ground ahead is firm and walkable. The swampy environment of Congaree can make muck look like solid ground.
• First-Aid Kit: It’s best to be self-reliant when in the backcountry, and a suitable first-aid kit can help for minor scrapes and burns. Our article on hiking first-aid kits offers recommendations for making your own kit and buying store-bought kits.

Camping at Congaree National Park in the backcountry can be a freeing experience and a way to connect with nature. Being properly prepared with all the gear you need is one way to make sure your camping trip is as enjoyable as possible.

If you plan to hike and camp alone in the backcountry, head over to our guide on how to hike alone safely for tips.

Getting To Backcountry Campsites

To get to the backcountry, you can park at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center or any public parking within the National Park. Trails like the Oakridge, Kingsnake, River, Bates Ferry, and Fork Swamp all lead into the backcountry and offer opportunities for backcountry campers.

Alternatively, you can canoe or kayak on the Congaree River Blue Trail, which follows the Congaree River, and camp north of the banks.

Hiking At Congaree National Park

Camping at Congaree National Park is an excellent way to ensure you have enough time to hit all your favorite trails in the park. Congaree has 27 miles of hiking trails to enjoy, ranging from easy 1-mile strolls to challenging 10-mile treks.

11 trails can be found at Congaree, all featuring unique environments and stunning scenery! You can grab a park map from the visitor center as well as a self-guided boardwalk tour.

1. Fork Swamp Trail: A 0.6-mile adventure that meanders alongside the southern channel of an oxbow lake that was created by a hurricane in the 1800s.
2. Bluff Trail: Explores a young loblolly and longleaf pine forest and rings in at 1.8 miles.
3. Firefly Trail: This 1.8-mile trail explodes with light during the summer from hundreds of fireflies!                                          
4. Bates Ferry Trail: A 2.2-mile trail that follows a ferry road from the 1920s down to the Congaree River.
5. Boardwalk Loop Trail: An elevated 2.6-mile trail through a Tupelo and Bald Cypress forest, including state and national champion trees.
6. Longleaf Trail: This trail connects the Longleaf Campground to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and measures 1.3 miles one-way.
7. Sims Trail: This 3.2-mile trail follows an old gravel road down to Wise Lake.
8. Weston Lake Trail: A moderate 4.5-mile trail that loops around Weston Lake.
9. Oakridge Trail: A challenging 7.1-mile trail through an oak forest.
10. Kingsnake Trail: This 8-mile trail is in a remote section of the park, making it excellent for viewing wildlife.
11. River Trail: The longest trail in the park, the River Trail leads to the Congaree River.

To explore these trails in more detail, head over to our article on the Congaree National Park Trails!

Wrapping Up Camping at Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is home to champion trees and rich biodiversity. Camping at Congaree National Park is the best way to immerse yourself in this unique ecosystem and experience the park after dark.

To recap, the three epic options for camping at Congaree National Park include:

1. Longleaf Campground: Perfect for families and close to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
2. Bluff Campground: Close to hiking trails. Best for experienced campers.
3. Backcountry Camping: Should only be done by experienced hikers and campers.

Reservations are required and must be made online; they cannot be made at the park. Camping at Congaree National Park is tent-only, so remember to pack all your essentials and enjoy your time in nature!

For more camping and travel tips, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!