Camping at Congaree Swamp National Park

CAMPING (primitive) is allowed in the park by permit only. Permits may be obtained at the Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Permits are available no more than one day in advance of trip. Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

Camping Rules & Regulations

  • Be aware of your surroundings for rising water, poison ivy, snakes and insects. Maps, compass, first-aid kit, insect repellent, and drinking water are highly recommended.
  • All vehicles must be parked outside the main gate by 5:00 P.M.
  • Weapons and hunting are prohibited in the park.
  • Camping within 500 feet of the Visitor Center and the boardwalks is prohibited.
  • Pets must be leashed or physically confined at all times.
  • Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing natural, cultural, or archeological resources is prohibited.
  • PLEASE PACK OUT EVERYTHING YOU PACK IN!
  • The trails are marked with painted blazes and reflective recycled plastic markers. These reflectors greatly improve night visibility.
  • Count on mosquitoes! Repellent and protective clothing help.
  • Recycling bins are provided at all of the trailheads as well as at the Visitor Center. Please recycle.
  • Large groups should attempt to disperse their impact by breaking into smaller groups.
  • Restrooms near the Visitor Center are open from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. daily.
  • Potable water is available from the spigot on the south side of the Visitor Center.
  • It is always advisable to hang food when camping in a wilderness area.
  • Cedar Creek is crossed by trails in two spots, allowing for a combination of hiking and canoeing. Refer to the Hiking and Canoeing pages for more information.

Bluff Campsite

The Bluff campsite and After Hours campsite are the only designated sites that can accommodate group camping. The Bluff site is a large (approximately 80 yards by 50 yards) open field. To get to the campsite take the Bluff Trail from the parking area outside of the gate. The Bluff Trailhead is on the eastern side of the parking area. The site has three picnic tables and three fire rings. The After Hours campsite is located very close to the After Hours parking lot.

The Bluff Site and After Hours sites are the only sites where open fires are permitted. The following regulations apply:

  • Open fires are permitted only within existing fire rings. Wood must fit within fire ring.
  • Firewood may be collected provided it is "down and dead". This means that firewood must be both dead and on the ground.
  • Burn only wood in fire rings.
  • Tents must be pitched in the open field, not in the surrounding woods.

Backcountry Camping

All backcountry camping, including canoe camping, is primitive. The following regulations apply:

  • Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from roads, trails, lakes and flowing water.
  • Open fires are prohibited. Backpacking-type stoves are permitted.
  • To minimize impact on fragile wetland areas, group size is limited to 6 people per backcountry site.

Other Considerations

  • Water found along the trails is potable only if boiled, filtered, or treated with iodine.
  • Be ready for wet weather and always allow time for finding a dry camping spot free of poisonous plants.
  • To reduce the possibility of getting lost in the "flat" floodplain environment, off-trail travel is not recommended.
  • The park is subject to periodic flooding. On average, the park floods ten times per year with most floods occurring during the period December through April. Be alert to rising water and be prepared to move camp if necessary.