Congaree Picnic Shelter
Open — Open year-round for day-use reservations available in two time slots: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. When not reserved, the shelter is available first-come, first-served.
Backcountry Trail Conditions
GPS is necessary on backcountry trails: Oakridge, River, and Kingsnake. These trails may be difficult to follow.
Please Email if Unable to Reach by Phone
Park phones are experiencing technical issues at this time. If unable to reach by phone, please feel free to email cong_information@nps.gov with any questions.
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.
America the Beautiful Pass Not Needed
As Congaree is an entrance fee-free park (pass not needed to visit), we do not have staff dedicated to selling/issuing America the Beautiful passes. There is no guarantee you will be able to purchase/obtain a park pass during your visit to Congaree.
Boardwalk Partially Closed for Construction
The lower section of the boardwalk loop is closed for construction at this time, and the Weston Lake Overlook is now open. Please click "more" below for a map highlighting the closed section and alternate routes.
About
The Congaree Picnic Shelter is located in an upland pine forest near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and adjacent to the park's primary parking area at Congaree National Park. The shelter provides convenient access to the popular Boardwalk Trail, which leads visitors into the old-growth floodplain forest that Congaree is most known for, featuring champion-sized trees and abundant wildlife. The picnic shelter offers picnic tables, two large barbeque grills, and trash and recycling facilities, making it ideal for group gatherings. From the shelter, visitors can easily access trails that explore both the floodplain forest and the surrounding upland pine forest, where they can observe how fire is used as a natural part of ecosystem management to maintain and restore this fire-dependent habitat. Congaree National Park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities including many miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderately strenuous, as well as opportunities to explore waterways by canoe or kayak. The park is located near Columbia, South Carolina, which offers additional attractions including museums, city parks, and shopping.
Directions
From Interstate 77, Exit 5: Turn onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road following brown and white Congaree National Park directional signs. Travel approximately 8 miles, then take a slight right onto Old Bluff Road. Follow Old Bluff Road for 4.5 miles to the park entrance sign on the right. Proceed one mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Parking lots will be on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Longleaf Campground 0.5mi
- Bluff Hike In Camping 0.5mi
- Sesquicentennial State Park Campground 18mi
- Poinsett State Park Campground 16mi
- Santee State Park Campground 29mi
- Lake Wateree State Park Campground 42mi
- Dreher Island State Park Campground 37mi
- Barnwell State Park Campground 44mi
- Aiken State Park Campground 43mi
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| cong_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (803) 776-4396 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!