Congaree National Park


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.

From Interstate 77, Exit 5 At Exit 5 turn onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road. Following the brown and white "Congaree National Park" directional signs, travel approximately 8 miles on and then take a slight right onto Old Bluff Road. Follow Old Bluff Road for 4.5 miles to the park entrance sign, which will be on the right. Proceed one mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Parking lots will be on the right.

  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Group Camping
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hands-On
  • Citizen Science
  • Volunteer Vacation
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • African American Heritage
  • American Revolution
  • Archeology
  • Arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Poetry and Literature
  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Enslavement
  • Explorers and Expeditions
  • Farming and Agriculture
  • Hispanic American Heritage
  • Incarceration
  • Industry
  • Logging and Timber Cutting
  • Native American Heritage
  • Reconstruction
  • Religion and Spirituality
  • Schools and Education
  • Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Social Movements
  • Conservation Movement
  • Transportation
  • Bridges
  • Roads, Routes and Highways
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
  • American Revolutionary War
  • Civil War
  • Animals
  • Alligators or Crocodiles
  • Birds
  • Cats (wild)
  • Fish
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Climate Change
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Geology
  • Groundwater
  • Lakes
  • Natural Sounds
  • Night Sky
  • Astronomy
  • River and Riparian
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Water Trails
  • Unique Species
  • Rare
  • Endangered
  • Watersheds
  • Wetlands
  • Swamps
  • Wilderness

Congaree River

View of the Congaree River during the Fall

View of the Congaree River during the Fall