Which Park Pass
A view of a bottomland/floodplain forest, with wide based cypress and tupelo trees, cypress knees

All parks

Congaree National Park

SC

Floodplain Forest. Photo: NPS Photo

Entrance
Free
Nonresident fee
None
Park annual pass
Not sold
Payment
Not listed

Work out the cost for your group

About Congaree

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 the National Park Service.

Photos

  • An owl perched on a wooden building
    Barred Owl on Harry Hampton Visitor Center Roof Photo: NPS Photo
  • View of the Congaree River during the Fall
    Congaree River Photo: NPS
  • Two people in a canoe on a narrow creek surrounded by forest
    Canoeing Cedar Creek Photo: NPS Photo
  • A very large tree surrounded by smaller trees in a forest
    Loblolly Pine Photo: NPS Photo

Entrance fees

This park has no entrance fee.

Reservations

NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.

Weather and seasons

Check the forecast before getting on the road. Conditions can change rapidly within the park. Flooding can happen with little or no warning, so make sure to check water levels for Cedar Creek and the Congaree River.

Hours

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.

Getting there

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.

Campgrounds

Visitor centers

Alerts

  • Caution: Paddling Conditions
  • Caution: Backcountry Trail Conditions
  • Information: Planning Ahead for Transportation

As of October 26, 2026. Current alerts on nps.gov

Parks nearby

Sources

Congaree National Park fees on nps.gov. Prices, park information and photos from the NPS Data API, checked October 26, 2026. Photos credited to the National Park Service.