When is the best time to visit Congaree National Park?

If you want fewer people, go in February, the quietest shoulder-season month. May is the busiest month on average, and August the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.

How much does it cost to visit Congaree National Park?

Congaree National Park has no entrance fee, according to the National Park Service. Some tours, campgrounds or permits may still cost money.

When did Congaree National Park become a national park?

Congaree National Park was established as a national park on November 10, 2003.

What is the closest national park to Congaree?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 201 miles away in a straight line (roughly 5 hours' drive, estimated).

South Carolina · Est. 2003

Congaree National Park

Last verified October 1, 2026Free entry

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. — nps.gov

View of the Congaree River during the Fall — Photo: NPS

State: South Carolina
Established: November 10, 2003
Size: 26,693 acres
2025 visits: 287,833
Busiest-park rank: #49 of 63
Entrance: Free entry

Best time to visit

When is Congaree quiet?

Congaree is busiest in May and quietest in August. For a quieter visit outside the dead of the off-season, February is the quietest shoulder-season month, going by National Park Service visitor counts for 2021–2025.

In 2025 the park logged 287,833 recreation visits, the #49 busiest of the 63 national parks. Quiet months can also mean closed roads or facilities, so check current conditions before you go.

Crowd calendar, all 63 parks →Is Congaree open right now? →

Average visits by month

2021–2025 · NPS IRMA

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Quietest: AugustBusiest: May

Fees & passes

What it costs to visit Congaree

Congaree National Park charges no entrance fee.

From the NPS fees data, checked October 1, 2026.

Reservations · 2026

No park-wide reservation

The National Park Service lists no timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Congaree National Park. Campgrounds, tours and backcountry permits may still need booking, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.

Every park that needs a reservation in 2026 →

Things to do

Things to do in Congaree

21 activities the National Park Service lists for Congaree National Park.

All activities →

The number shows how many of the 63 national parks offer each activity.

Weather

Weather at Congaree

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.

From the National Park Service.

Getting there

Getting to Congaree

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.

100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061 · Directions on nps.gov

Nearby

National parks near Congaree

Straight-line distance between park centers; drive times are rough estimates.

Closest big cities: Charlotte (98 mi) · Raleigh (185 mi) · Atlanta (211 mi) · Jacksonville (245 mi)

Congaree is the orange dot. Tap any park to tick it off your checklist.

Two people in a canoe on a narrow creek surrounded by forest — Photo: NPS Photo

An owl perched on a wooden building — Photo: NPS Photo

FAQ

Congaree, quickly

When is the best time to visit Congaree National Park?: If you want fewer people, go in February, the quietest shoulder-season month. May is the busiest month on average, and August the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.
How much does it cost to visit Congaree National Park?: Congaree National Park has no entrance fee, according to the National Park Service. Some tours, campgrounds or permits may still cost money.
Do you need a reservation for Congaree National Park in 2026?: The National Park Service lists no park-wide timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Congaree National Park. Campgrounds, tours and some popular hikes may still need bookings, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
When did Congaree National Park become a national park?: Congaree National Park was established as a national park on November 10, 2003.
What is the closest national park to Congaree?: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 201 miles away in a straight line (roughly 5 hours' drive, estimated).

Sources · 3

1.Congaree National Park — official site · National Park Service
2.NPS Data API — /parks (all park units) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
3.Congaree National Park — Visitor Use Statistics · National Park Service (IRMA)

About this page

Park facts, photos, fees and visitor counts come from the National Park Service (NPS Data API and Visitor Use Statistics), last checked October 1, 2026. Park'd is an independent app and is not affiliated with the National Park Service. For official, current information, visit nps.gov/cong.

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Congaree National Park