Basic Information

Physical Address

100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061

Directions

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.

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

All Park Hours

• Every Day:Open 24 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. PLEASE NOTE: Visitor center hours are different from park hours. The visitor center is closed certain holidays. Please scroll down for more information.

Weather

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.

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fee-free

This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required.

Internet & Cellular Access

Public WiFi is available.

Public WiFi is available in the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and breezeway 24-hours a day.

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

Ranger guided walks provide visitors an in-depth look at the largest remaining section of old-growth bottomland forest in the United States

NPS Photo/jt-fineart

 

Welcome to Congaree National Park!

Are you planning a trip to the park? Here are some things you will need to know:

• Driving Directions
• Weather and Climate Information
• Lodging and Camping
• Things to Do
• Nearby Attractions
• Pet Policies

Welcome to the Wilderness

Congaree National Park contains over 20,000 acres of federally designated wilderness that visitors can explore by either foot, kayak or canoe. In order for you to have a pleasant and enjoyable experience please keep the following in mind:

• Cell phone reception within the park is unreliable and may not be available where you are hiking or paddling.
• If hiking or paddling into the backcountry, leave an itinerary behind or let someone know what your intended route is in case of an emergency
  
• Be prepared for your wilderness adventure with the proper clothing and footwear, and carry essentials such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, a map and a compass.
• 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.
  
• During the summer, insects such as mosquitoes can be quite bothersome. Remember to bring insect repellent to avoid being bit.