National Park · SC
Congaree National Park
Congaree is quietest in January and August and busiest in May.
Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.
260K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Congaree
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Clear | 68°F | 47°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Clear | 70°F | 45°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Clear | 77°F | 40°F | 0% |
| Wed 21 | Overcast | 74°F | 49°F | 0% |
| Thu 22 | Clear | 75°F | 50°F | 0% |
| Fri 23 | Clear | 73°F | 49°F | 0% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 70°F | 52°F | 0% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | — | 3.8" |
| February | — | — | 3.7" |
| March | — | — | 4.0" |
| April | — | — | 3.3" |
| May | — | — | 3.7" |
| June | — | — | 5.1" |
| July | — | — | 5.0" |
| August | — | — | 4.6" |
| September | — | — | 4.7" |
| October | — | — | 3.5" |
| November | — | — | 3.0" |
| December | — | — | 3.9" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HOPKINS 3.9 NNE, SC US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- Free — Free entrance
- Hours
- Congaree National Park is generally open 24 hours a day year-round. For visitor and staff safety, park operations and/or weather conditions may occasionally result in short term, temporary closures. Please review the park webpage and social media platforms for more information. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open 9-5, daily. It is closed New Year's Day, President's Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Please check alerts prior to your visit.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Planning Ahead for Transportation
If being dropped off at the park, please ensure you will have a return ride. Taxis and rideshares do not often come out to Congaree, and the bus may be unavailable. Please plan ahead.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Backcountry Trail Conditions
GPS is necessary on backcountry trails: Oakridge, Boggy Gut (formerly River), and Kingsnake. These trails may be difficult to follow.
- Caution
Paddling Conditions
Trees down across Cedar Creek between Bannister's Bridge and South Cedar Creek may require significant portages depending on water levels & paddlers should plan accordingly. All paddlers should have necessary equipment, including the 10 Essentials.
- Caution
Post-flood Trail Conditions
Park trails may still have significant areas of standing water on them over the next several days as waters continue to recede post flood. Please be aware that trails such as Boggy Gut, Oak Ridge, and Kingsnake may be more difficult to follow after flooding events and depth of standing water may be difficult to gauge. Please check our current conditions page for more information.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Congaree questions
When is the best time to visit Congaree?
Congaree is least crowded in January, August, and February. May is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Congaree?
Entry to Congaree is free.
When is Congaree busiest?
Congaree is busiest in May, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Congaree during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Congaree. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.