Parks / The Southeast and the Keys
Congaree
Stop 1 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Columbia SC, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around Boardwalk Loop.
- State
- SC
- Stay in
- Columbia SC
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- April
- Don't miss
- Boardwalk Loop
- Getting here
- 212 mi from Atlanta GA, about 3 h 56 min.
- Next stop
- Everglades, 667 mi, about 12 h 17 min.
About the Park
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.
Description from the National Park Service.
Where to Stay
On this route you sleep in Columbia SC. Gateway towns have more lodging, groceries and fuel than the park itself. If you want an in-park lodge instead, the busiest parks book up as early as 13 months out.
Entrance Fees
The NPS lists no entrance fee for this park. Tours, ferries, parking or campgrounds may still cost money.
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains about 193 mi as the crow flies
- New River Gorge about 280 mi as the crow flies
- Mammoth Cave about 351 mi as the crow flies
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/cong/. Route data checked 2026-10-19.