Congaree National Park
Park Regulations & Safety
Camping Regulations
- CAMPING (primitive) is allowed in the park by permit only. Permits may be obtained at the Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Permits are available no more than one day in advance of trip. Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
- Be aware of your surroundings for rising water, poison ivy, snakes and insects. Maps, compass, first-aid kit, insect repellent, and drinking water are highly recommended.
- All vehicles must be parked outside the main gate by 5:00 P.M.
- Weapons and hunting are prohibited in the park.
- Camping within 500 feet of the Visitor Center and the boardwalks is prohibited.
- Pets must be leashed or physically confined at all times.
- Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing natural, cultural, or archeological resources is prohibited.
- PLEASE PACK OUT YOU PACK IN!
- The trails are marked with painted blazes and reflective recycled plastic markers. These reflectors greatly improve night visibility.
- Count on mosquitoes! Repellent and protective clothing help.
- Recycling bins are provided at all of the trailheads as well as at the Visitor Center. Please recycle.
- Large groups should attempt to disperse their impact by breaking into smaller groups.
- Restrooms near the Visitor Center are open during park hours.
- Potable water is available from the spigot on the south side of the Visitor Center (please ask a ranger for a spigot key).
- It is always advisable to hang food when camping in a wilderness area.
- Cedar Creek is crossed by trails in two spots, allowing for a combination of hiking and canoeing.
Bluff Campsite
The Bluff campsite and After Hours campsite are the only designated sites that can accommodate group camping. The Bluff site is a large (approximately 80 yards by 50 yards) open field. To get to the campsite take the Bluff Trail from the after hours parking area outside of the main gate. The Bluff Trailhead is on the eastern side of the parking area. The site has three picnic tables and three fire rings. The After Hours campsite is located very close to the After Hours parking lot.
The Bluff Site and After Hours sites are the only sites where open fires are permitted. The following regulations apply:
- Open fires are permitted only within existing fire rings. Wood must fit within fire ring.
- Firewood may be collected provided it is "down and dead". This means that firewood must be both dead and on the ground.
- Burn only wood in fire rings.
Backcountry Camping
All backcountry camping, including canoe camping, is primitive. A backcountry camping permit is required and can be obtained free of charge at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
The following regulations apply:
- Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from roads, trails, lakes and flowing water.
- Open fires are prohibited. Backpacking-type stoves are permitted.
- To minimize impact on fragile wetland areas, group size is limited to 6 people per backcountry site.
Other Considerations
- Water found along the trails is potable only if boiled, filtered, or treated with iodine.
- Be ready for wet weather and always allow time for finding a dry camping spot free of poisonous plants.
- To reduce the possibility of getting lost in the "flat" floodplain environment, off-trail travel is not recommended.
- The park is subject to periodic flooding. On average, the park floods ten times per year with most floods occurring during the period December through April. Be alert to rising water and be prepared to move camp if necessary.
Congaree In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
