What to do in Congaree National Park with Kids
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The family on the boardwalk in Congaree National Park
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what to do in Congaree national park with kids
If you’re looking for what to do in Congaree National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll find plenty to do here. Congaree National Park is conveniently located right outside of Columbia, South Carolina. Approximately 287,800 people explore this park annually and is the 56th largest U.S. National Park coming in at about 26,540 acres.
Every visitor to Congaree should make a stop at the Harry Hampton visitor center to get a park map and find an up-to-date weather report or share info about the park’s road and trail conditions and possible closures. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots. The visitor center is open 7 days a week from 9AM to 5PM, but closed for federal holidays.
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Table of Contents
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Congaree National Park Quick Guide
📍 Where is Congaree National Park?
Congaree National Park is located about 30 minutes southeast of Columbia, South Carolina, making it one of the easiest National Parks to visit as a day trip.
⏰ How much time do you need?
One full day is enough to experience the park's highlights, including the Boardwalk Loop, Visitor Center, Junior Ranger Program, and a picnic. If you plan to kayak or canoe Cedar Creek, consider spending two days.
👶 Is Congaree National Park good for kids?
Yes! Congaree is a very family-friendly National Park. The elevated Boardwalk Loop is stroller accessible, the Junior Ranger Program is excellent, and the flat trails make hiking manageable for younger children.
🥾 What is the best hike?
The 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop is the most popular hike and is perfect for families. It features giant cypress trees, towering loblolly pines, and excellent wildlife viewing without significant elevation gain.
🛶 Is kayaking worth it?
Absolutely. Paddling Cedar Creek is one of the best ways to experience Congaree's famous floodplain forest. If you have the time, it's one of the park's most unique experiences.
🦟 Are mosquitoes really that bad?
They can be! Visit during spring or fall for the most comfortable conditions, and always pack insect repellent, especially if you're visiting in late spring or summer.
🚻 Are there bathrooms?
Yes. Restrooms and drinking water are available at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Vault toilets are also available near the Longleaf Campground.
🎟️ Does Congaree National Park require reservations?
No. The park is free to enter and does not require reservations for general admission. However, special events like the annual synchronized firefly viewing use a lottery system.
🚗 Can you visit Congaree as a day trip?
Definitely. Many families visit from Columbia, Charleston, Charlotte, or Savannah and spend one day exploring the park.
⭐ Is Congaree National Park worth visiting?
Yes! While it's one of the least-visited U.S. National Parks, Congaree offers towering old-growth forests, unique wildlife, beautiful boardwalk trails, paddling opportunities, and one of the best Junior Ranger programs for families.
When to Visit Congaree National Park
The best time to visit Congaree National Park is during the Spring and Autumn months. Spring (March through May) brings warm temperatures reaching the mid to upper 70s. May is the peak month to witness the famous Synchronized Fireflies, which you don’t want to miss! Autumn (September through November) has low humidity and the temperatures are in the low 70s. This time of year also brings the fall colors and perfect water levels for paddling.
Congaree in june requires bug spray and lots of water!
The worst time to visit Congaree National Park is peak summer and during winter months. In the summer, the temperatures can reach the 90s with high humidity and lots of mosquitos. Thunderstorms are common and precipitation is at its highest point. During the dead of winter (November through February) the temperatures are mild during the day and can dip below freezing at night. This time of year brings the annual flooding. As a watershed, Congaree National Park is susceptible to flooding without warning.
The average annual weather for reference - Photo Courtesy of google.com
How to get to Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is a fairly small National Park with only one entrance. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory national park sign photo!
Columbia to Congaree National Park is 27 minutes.
Charleston to Congaree National Park is 2 hours.
Charlotte to Congaree National Park is 1 hours and 45 minutes.
Savannah to Congaree National Park is 2 hours, 20 minutes.
Atlanta to Congaree National Park is 3 hours, 20 minutes.
This park is easiest accessed from Columbia, South Carolina. It is a very easy drive and doable as a day trip.
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Where to Stay in Congaree National Park
Congaree Mountains Lodging:
There is no lodge inside Congaree National Park.
Congaree National Park Camp Grounds:
There are two desgnated camp grounds in Congaree National Park. For back country camping, please visit this NPS page for rules and regulations.
All of the campgrounds are listed below and you can find site-specific information, costs and reservation information. (All information provided by the National Park Service)
Longleaf Campground - Located adjacent to the park entrance road, this campground has 10 individual and 4 group camping sites. Individual sites can have a maximum of 8 individuals and 3 tents. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Two vault toilets are located at the front of the campground, but it does not have running water. Water is available 24 hours a day at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Sites are walk-up only. No cars are permitted past the gravel parking lot. COST: $10 per night, $20 for group sites
Bluff Campground - This campground is located on the Bluff Trail approximately one mile from the Longleaf Campground. There is no vehicle access to this campground; all visitors who wish to use this site must carry their equipment to the site. This campground has 6 individual campsites that have hold a maximum of 8 individuals and 3 tents. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are no restroom facilities at this site, nor any running water at this campground. COST: $5 per night
The Cypress trees coming out of the water in congaree national park
Where to Stay Outside of Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is located a short distance to Columbia, South Carolina. This makes it easy to find convenient lodging outside of the national park.
We stayed at the Hampton inn downtown columbia when visiting congaree
Columbia, South Carolina
Hampton Inn Downtown: This hotel is extremely convenient to everything in downtown Columbia. Walking distance to the State House, the Soda City Farmers market and even walking distance to the University of South Carolina. The hotel has a phenomenal continental breakfast complete with fresh fruit smoothies and MTO waffles. It also provides free gated parking. Walk to fine dinning or even the Edventure (the children’s museum). The hotel is only about 35 minutes from Congaree National Park.
If your family feels more comfortable in a hotel, use this map to find one near Congaree National Park
Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park with Kids
1) Hiking in Congaree National Park
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Congaree National Park
The boardwalk trail is absolutely perfect for families
Boardwalk Loop Trail - This 2.4 Mile walk is on an elevated boardwalk that leads down to the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. I visited Congaree with children ages 11, 9, and 3, and the Boardwalk Loop was perfect for us. The trail is stroller-friendly, shaded, and the giant cypress trees kept them interested the entire walk. Along the path, you’ll see a variety of different tree species including bald cypress and tupelo trees in the lowest elevations. Loblolly pines, oaks, maples and holly. The boardwalk has benches along the way and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Pick up the Self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure at the Visitor Center before beginning your walk to learn more about the the natural and cultural history of Congaree.
Download your Digital Boardwalk Tour GuideBluff Trail - This trail is 1.7 miles round trip. This upland trail loops north of the Visitor Center and connects to the elevated boardwalk for a short distance. The Bluff Trail passes through a young forest of loblolly and longleaf pines.
Fork Swamp Trail - This .6 mile trail is the park's newest trail and it provides access to the Fork Swamp area of the park. The trail runs alongside a narrow section of Bates Old River, a large oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852.
TRACK TRAIL: This is a 2.6 mile loop trail through the upland forest ecosystem. This trail is designed for families and kids. At the trailhead you’ll find mini guides to use as you hike!
Best Hikes for Kids in Congaree National Park:
Sims Trail - This trail is 3.2 miles round trip. The Sims Trail follows an old gravel road and runs from the Bluff Trail on its northern end to Cedar Creek at its southern end, crossing the boardwalk twice. The clearing at the intersection with the Weston Lake Loop Trail was the site of a hunt club where Harry Hampton was once a member.
Weston Lake Loop Trail - This 4.4 mile trail is not a loop, but an out and back. It provides great views of Cedar Creek where otters and wading birds are regularly observed. The eastern portion of this trail follows a cypress -tupelo slough (dried up river bed) where many cypress knees can be seen sticking up out of the water.
Bates Ferry Trail - This 2.2. mile trail starts from Route 601 in the eastern section of the park and follows a 1920's ferry road south to the Congaree. It is a remnant of the areas rich history, which includes colonial era ferries which once crossed near here. Since the river bank is steep and could potentially be slippery, defintiely stay on the marked path.
The trails are well kept and easy to navigate in congaree national park
giant loblolly pine along the boardwalk trail
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Congaree National Park:
Oakridge Trail - This trail is 7.0 miles. It passing through a rich stretch of old-growth forest & traverses a subtle ridge where a variety of large oak trees grow. The number of low-lying sloughs makes this trail great for viewing wildlife like deer and wild turkey.
River Trail - This 10.4 mile trail leads to the Congaree River, the lifeblood of the park's great natural diversity. Approximately ten times a year the river overflows its banks and pulses water through the bottomland forest. When the river is low, a large sandbar may be visible.
Kingsnake Trail - This 11.7 mile trail is not a loop, but rather an out and back. Kingsnake Trail is a favorite trail for birders because of the diverse vegetation and proximity to Cedar Creek. When sloughs are full of water, beautiful views are possible around every bend. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera for this one!
We did the boarwalk trail and ventured into the waters
2) Watch the Synchronized Fireflies
Photo of fireflies courtesty of nps.gov
A natural phenomena occurs right inside of Congaree National Park; millions of fireflies decent on the park in May. What makes these fireflies extra special? They all light up at the same time. Imagine walking along the trail and the entire forest lighting up for a brief moment and then going dark and then lighting up again. It’s magical. With over 2,000 firefly species found world-wide, there are only three species of synchronous flashing fireflies that can be found in North America. Every year, Congaree National Park hosts synchronous fireflies for approximately two weeks between mid-May and mid-June. For information on The Firefly Festival, click HERE.
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3) Junior Ranger Program:
Congaree National Park has their own Junior Ranger Program. Stop in at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center to become an important part of helping to protect Congaree National Park. Pick up your activity book today and learning about what makes this amazing place what it is. Junior Ranger books are available during the parks operation hours and via mail. If you would like one to be mailed to you before your trip, click HERE.
the kids got their congaree junior ranger badges!
4) Fishing in Congaree National Park:
Congaree National Park allows fishing with a valid South Carolina fishing license. Bass, catfish, bream, crappie and others can be caught in Cedar Creek or in oxbow lakes, while on the Congaree river, striped bass are available. All South Carolina laws pertaining to licensing, size, and creel limits apply. Find more information about fishing in Congaree National Park HERE.
5) Take a Yoga Class:
Congaree National Park offers a Forest Wellness Program that includes Yoga! Relieve the stresses of your everyday life by taking the time to reconnect with nature and your inner forest. Join a certified Yoga instructor and a National Park staff member for a 2 mile (round trip) guided walk and Yoga class amidst the tallest loblolly pine trees in South Carolina. You can find times and dates for the classes HERE.
The kids playing on the banks of the congaree river that runs from columbia to COngaree
6) Canoe or Kayak in Congaree National Park:
One of the most populat activities in Congaree National Park is navigating the waters by canoe or Kayak. Something that makes Congaree stand apart from other National Parks is the Congaree River Blue Trail. This is a 50-mile recreational paddling trail, starting near the state capital of Columbia and then heading downstream to Congaree National Park. Paddlers put their kayaks in the water in Columbia, but as the trail continues downstream, they’ll cross the fall line and enter the Coastal Plains region. Many choose to camp along this 1-3 day trek. With ever increasing meanders and seemingly countless sandbars, boaters encounter high bluffs and extensive floodplain habitats associated with the Congaree National Park.
Before setting off on a water adventure in Congaree National Park, be sure to check out this page for updates on flooding, down trees and saftey precautions.
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Congaree National Park is a wonderful destination for families. It surprised us. The cypress trees reach out of the water, the Congaree river, the wildlife and the feeling that you’re in a sacred place; Congaree is an amazing National Park. No matter whether you camp out, stay nearby in Columbia, Congaree National Park is an easy trip for an unforgettable family adventure.
It may be one of the least visited National Parks, but it is absolutely wonderful. If you're looking for a family-friendly park that can easily be explored in one day, Congaree deserves a spot on your list.
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