Congaree Picnic Shelter

About

The Congaree Picnic Shelter is a day-use facility situated in an upland pine forest near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at Congaree National Park. This covered shelter provides a convenient gathering space for groups visiting the park, offering picnic tables and two large barbecue grills for cookouts, along with trash and recycling receptacles. The shelter is ideally positioned adjacent to the park's primary parking area and within walking distance of the popular 2.4-mile Boardwalk Trail, which takes visitors into the old-growth floodplain forest that Congaree is known for. From here, visitors can access trails leading into the backcountry to see champion-sized trees and diverse wildlife, or explore the upland pine forest ecosystem. This is strictly a day-use facility and does not permit overnight camping. Reservations are required for organized events and can be made through Recreation.gov. Half-day reservations (4 hours) cost $25, while full-day use (both time slots) costs $50. When not reserved, the shelter is available free to park visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

Directions

From Interstate 77, take Exit 5 onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road. Follow brown and white Congaree National Park directional signs for 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. The picnic shelter is located next to Parking Lot #1.