Longleaf Campground

This campground is located just off the park entrance road, approximately half a mile before the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. It sits at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to the flooding events that occur regularly in other parts of the park. Camping here is tent only; RV and car camping are not permitted. Campsites do not accommodate vehicles, so all vehicles must be parked in the designated parking lot and campers walk a short distance to reach their site. All sites have fire rings and picnic tables. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups, and running water is not available at the campground, though potable water is available at filling stations 24/7 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Two vault toilets are located next to the parking area, and receptacles for trash and recycling are available near the campground parking lot. Campers have easy access to the park's 27 miles of hiking trails, and can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center by car or by hiking the Longleaf Trail. At the visitor center you can access the Boardwalk and find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5 and 10 minutes by car from the campground. Campsites are surrounded by pines and other trees and are generally in shade for large parts of the day. An open field in the middle of the campground is available for use by campers throughout the day, and this location offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and the occasional southern fox squirrel. Congaree National Park is located near many state parks and forests, and the city of Columbia is a short drive away, offering museums, city parks and shopping.