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.
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
