Is Congaree open right now?
From the NPS
Current alerts
1 danger2 caution1 information
- Danger
Flood Conditions *10/14/26
The Congaree River and Cedar Creek remain above flood stage. During flood events, many park trails are underwater and inaccessible to hikers. This includes the Sims, Weston Lake, Oakridge, Boggy Gut, Kingsnake, Bates Ferry, and Fork Swamp Trails, and portions of low boardwalk. All elevated portions of the boardwalk trail, as well as Bluff, Firefly, and Longleaf trails remain open and accessible. Further information on current water levels can be found on our current conditions page.
More on nps.gov - Caution
Paddling Conditions
Trees down across Cedar Creek between Bannister's Bridge and South Cedar Creek may require significant portages depending on water levels & paddlers should plan accordingly. All paddlers should have necessary equipment, including the 10 Essentials.
- Caution
Backcountry Trail Conditions
GPS is necessary on backcountry trails: Oakridge, Boggy Gut (formerly River), and Kingsnake. These trails may be difficult to follow.
- Information
Planning Ahead for Transportation
If being dropped off at the park, please ensure you will have a return ride. Taxis and rideshares do not often come out to Congaree, and the bus may be unavailable. Please plan ahead.
More on nps.gov
Checked Oct 15, 2026, 9:38 AM ET from the NPS alerts feed.
Opening hours (NPS)
Congaree Operating Hours (Not Visitor Center Hours)
monday All Day tuesday All Day wednesday All Day thursday All Day friday All Day saturday All Day sunday All Day
FAQ
Congaree: open or closed?
- Is Congaree National Park open year-round?
- The National Park Service says: "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." Roads, campgrounds and visitor centers can still close for the season or for weather, so check current alerts.
- How do I check closures at Congaree?
- This page lists the park's current NPS alerts, refreshed hourly. The National Park Service's own current-conditions page for Congaree is the authority for road status and closures.
Sources · 3
- 1.Congaree National Park — current conditions · National Park Service
- 2.NPS Data API — alerts · National Park Service
- 3.NPS Visitor Use Statistics — monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (IRMA stats REST service) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior) — Visitor Use Statistics Program
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