Congaree National Park RV Vacations
This is a place of magic, where rivers meet and flood the forest floors, bringing nutrients to the beautiful hardwood forests. What an exceptional place to go on an RV vacation!
RV Vacations to Congaree National Park
You'll find hiking trails, tranquil spots to paddle and ranger-led walks and tours in this South Carolina National Park. And, you will find a great RV campground not far away where you can make your home base.
RV Camping on a Budget
Overnight RV camping is not permitted in Congaree National Park but there are a few RV campgrounds within driving distance where you can stay.
Barnyard RV Park: Located in Lexington, South Carolina.
- Good Sam rating
- Full hookups
- Level sites
- Walking distance to restaurants and grocery stores
- Adjacent to the Barnyard Flea Market
Sesquicentennial State Park: Located in Columbia, South Carolina – about 45 minutes from Congaree National Park.
- Drive-in spaces
- Water and Electric hookups
Sweetwater Lake Campground: Located in St. Matthews, South Carolina.
- 50 sites
- All sites are lakefront
- Pull through sites
- Electric and water hookups
- Pets allowed
- Dump station
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Located in Swansea, South Carolina. Particularly great for kids!
- Full hookups
- Pull-through sites
- Swimming pool
- Game room with big screen TV
- Nature trails
- Dump station
- Free WiFi
- Laundry room
First Trip to Congaree National Park?
When you discover the history of this amazing area, you will understand so much more about the place you are visiting. The region was first inhabited by prehistoric foragers who hunted and fished for a living.
The Congaree Indians soon claimed the beautiful floodplains but lost most of their people to smallpox when it was introduced by European settlers. Although the land was not suitable for planting or grazing when the settlers tried, the constant flooding allowed the trees to thrive and the soil to be extremely rich.
One tree within the park is the largest Loblolly Pine in the U.S. at a height equal to a 16-story building. You can see this tree when you visit Congaree National Park. As well, you will enjoy the forest canopy which holds numerous bird species and shades other animals, reptiles and insects.
With nearly 27,000 acres, this is a spot where you can explore and find beauty and inspiration around every turn. Kids love the ranger programs and are all invited to participate in the Junior Ranger Program where they can earn an official Junior Ranger patch and badge.
Things to Do While Visiting the Park
There are plenty of fun things to do in Congaree National Park. Here are just a few:
Boardwalks – The elevated boardwalks are almost six feet above the forest floor and wind through old-growth forest. You will have a self-guiding brochure which will give you interesting facts as you walk the 2.4-mile boardwalk. (No pets are allowed on the boardwalks)
Hiking – So many hiking trails and so much to see! Some of the favorites are:
- Bluff Trail – 0.7 miles long and passes through a small stand of loblolly pines.
- Weston Lake Loop Trail – 4.6 miles long and follows a loop through old-growth forest, with lots of wildlife.
- Oakridge Trail – 7.5 miles long and takes you on a moderate hike in old-growth forest across a number of small creeks.
- King Snake Trail – 11.1 miles long and takes you to a remote section of Congaree, with a lot of wildlife and opportunity to get in some great bird watching.
- River Trail – 10.4 miles long and takes you to the Congaree River.
Fishing – Throw in a line in any lake or stream except Weston Lake. You will be sure to catch something. The kids love fishing here.
Canoeing/Kayaking – If you really want to experience the primeval wilderness and see some of the tallest trees imaginable, take a canoe or kayak on the waterways. Be sure to watch out for river otters, raccoons, turtles and deer.
Where to Find More Information
Visit the Congaree National Park website to find details of the park to aid in a smooth visit.
Find more to see nearby on the Congaree National Park Nearby Attractions page. You can discover such fascinating places as the Fort Sumter National Monument, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, and the Cowpens National Battlefield.
Traveling in an RV is the very best way to take a trip. Call us at (888) 337-2214 to reserve your motorhome!