Congaree National Park with kids, big tree

A Day Trip to Congaree National Park with kids | What to See and When

On a day trip to Congaree National Park with kids, you will find a one-of-a-kind beauty that will give you a greater appreciation for the history and longevity of the natural wonders of the area.  Although it is not the top national park, Congaree National Park is worth a visit.  Keep reading to find out more about one of the most underrated national parks in the southeast.

The area of Congaree National Park is the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.  This extraordinary biosphere is part of the floodplain for the Congaree and Wateree Rivers.  Each year the park floods up to 10 times and this flooding brings nutrients and nourishment to the plants and animals within that habitat.  Children and adults can appreciate the interesting beauty and history of this park.  Make a fun day trip to Congaree National Park to learn about this special environment.

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Location & Fun Facts

driving directions:

Congaree National Park is a 30-minute drive southeast of Columbia and a 28-minute drive from Columbia Metropolitan Airport.  It is two hours from both Charleston and Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC.  Atlanta is a little further at 3 hours and 30 minutes.

*If you are staying in Charleston and are visiting Congaree for the day, check out this post for more fun activities: An Amazing Multigenerational Family Weekend in Charleston, SC


Family weekend getaway in Charleston, SC, pin, plane and two boys

history:

Originally it is estimated that over 50 million acres across the southeast were considered bottomland hardwood forests.

Native Americans have inhabited the area for thousands of years.

In the 1500s, Spanish explorers, such as Hernando de Soto traveled through the forests in search of gold and prosperity.

Battles were fought in the swampland during the American Revolution and Civil War.  Many slaves used the Congaree swamps to flee from slavery.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, logging within the area became a major industry and threatened the sustainability of the hardwoods.

A journalist named Henry Hampton fell in love with the bottomland forest and was an activist to conserve the woodlands.  After several decades, logging resumed in the Congaree swamp, but in 1972, Congress declared the area a national preserve.

It wasn’t until 2003 that Congaree National Park was formed.  Today over 150,000 visitors enjoy the park every year.

alligators:

This unique ecosystem is home to hundreds of different animal species, but are there alligators in the park?

The answer is yes, maybe.

Although alligators can be found living as far north and inland as Columbia, they are less commonly found here than in the southern coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, and especially Florida.

Alligators are usually spotted near the south part of the park or in the larger lakes and rivers when flooding occurs.  Although the bottomlands are swampy, they do not stay wet all year round.  This makes the area less attractive to alligators.

All that to say, explore the waters carefully, and don’t ignore the warning signs that help keep you safe throughout the park.

St Augustine with kids, alligator

To see alligators up close but without the bite, head to St. Augustine, FL for a family trip.

interesting facts about Congaree

  • Congaree is one of the 10 newest nationals park, created in 2003.
  • Congaree boasts 6 national Champion trees, and 23 state Champion trees, which are some of the biggest, oldest, and hardiest trees around.
  • Congaree is home to over +150 species of birds.

books to about Congaree

Best times to visit

Congaree National Park Seasons & Weather: Spring and fall are the best times to visit Congaree National Park, but winter is also very pleasant.

Spring:

March through May is a great time to visit the park.  The temperatures are still manageable with highs increasing from the 50s to the 70s throughout the spring.  Although May will be a little sweaty, this is when the synchronous firefly event takes place, so it would be worth it to plan to visit then.  “April showers bring May flowers” is true in Congaree and storms can be frequent during the spring months.

Summer:

June through August means the temperatures are extremely hot in the subtropical south.  With high humidity levels, temperatures and the heat index can reach well into the 100s.  It’s steamy, like wrapping yourself in a giant blanket and sitting in a sauna, with blood-sucking insects.  Lovely.  Honestly, unless summer vacay is your only once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit this place, just don’t.

Fall:

September to November.  Now, I’m hesitant to lump September into fall in the south.  We all want September to be fall, but who are we kidding?  September is still toasty in South Carolina.  BUT, October and November are chef’s kiss when it comes to temperature and fall foliage.  This is a beautiful time to visit the park.

Winter:

December through February can be a nice time to visit the park.  We visited in February and really enjoyed ourselves.  It rarely snows in the Midlands and Low Country of South Carolina and temperatures stay very mild; usually staying in the 50s.  No bugs to bother you as you explore the park trails.  We saw turtles playing in the water and heard many birds. (with 4 kids between 2 families, your chances of seeing a ton of wildlife are slim- the kids are the wildlife).   Flooding can be an issue during the winter season, so be cautious if exploring the less traveled trails and waterways.

A Fun Day at Congaree National Park with kids, family at national park sign

Mosquitos:

This is a swamp, and where there is standing water there are mosquitos.  They even have a Mosquito Meter to tell visitors how awful the bugs will be on any given day.  On hot humid days be prepared to fight for your lives.

Know Before you Go

How long to visit Congaree National Park with kids:

Congaree is an excellent day trip experience.  Our family drove down from Greenville and explored the Boardwalk Loop Trail.  All the kids enjoyed completing the Jr. Ranger booklet and getting their badges.  We had a picnic lunch and went to another area of the park to find a champion tree.  We were able to do all this and drive back home to enjoy chili from the crock pot that night.

A fun day at Congaree National Park, family circling a big tree

Fees and parking:

Congaree is free and open year-round.  Parking is free but limited.

Maps, Guides, and Brochures:

Check out the National Parks website for trail maps, animals and tree identification brochures and more HERE.

Safety:

  • If you plan to hike in the backcountry, make sure to leave a copy of your hiking route at the Visitor Center in case a ranger needs to find you in an emergency.
  • Follow the cautionary signs that warn against alligators, high flood waters, or steep cliffs.
  • Make sure to check the park website for any trail closures.
  • Check the weather before you hike in case of severe weather.

Other than that, Congaree National Park is a very safe park to enjoy.  Use common sense and plan ahead, and safety shouldn’t be an issue.

What to bring:

  • Make sure to bring bug spray or some type of insect repellent because MOSQUITOS.
  • Always bring water in refillable water bottles.
  • Snacks and packed lunches are a great idea since there is not a cafe or restaurant at the Visitor Center and places to eat outside the park are a bit of a drive.
  • A cell phone.  Service may be spotty but you will want to take pictures.
  • Binoculars.  Since there are so many birds living in the forest you will want to get a good view of them.
  • Comfortable clothes and durable shoes.  In the summer wear lose fitting clothes that wick away sweat.  In the cooler months wear layers as the temperatures can vary 20 degrees or more.
  • Always bring a rain jacket.
  • Unless you are only walking the Boardwalk Loop, make sure to wear sturdy shoes such as hiking boots that have some sort of water resistance.

Things to do at Congaree National Park with Kids

Hiking Trails:

There are 10 named and marked trails and the Boardwalk Loop, plus numerous backcountry trails.  Most trails are easy to walk and are short, only 1-2 miles.  There are two longer trails at 7 and 11 miles.

Boardwalk Loop:  We took the boardwalk trail during our visit to Congaree.  Once the kids had the Jr. Ranger booklets and the grownups had the Self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure we headed off to see the various types of trees in the forest.  The kids loved the knobby-kneed Cyprus trees and the Loblolly pines.  We found the oxbow lake called Weston Lake (which has its own trail), and we enjoyed watching the snapping turtles in the water.

King Snake Trail: This trail is best for bird-watching.

River Trail:  The longest trail at 11 miles and one of the most challenging trails in the park.

Bates Ferry Trail: This historic trail has stories from Colonial times when ferries carried people and cargo across the Congaree River.  And a champion tree along the trail.

Day trip to Congaree National Park with Kids, 4 kids on boardwalk in swamp

photo credit: Aaron Shaner, Faith and Family Travel

Camping:

If you are adventurous and like to ‘rough it,’ Congaree National Park camping is for you.

The park has two front country campsites: Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds.  Both are walk-in campsites, which means no cars are allowed.  There is no running water at the campsites, but there is a spigot and water fountain at the Visitor Center.  Longleaf Campground is just off a gravel road near the Visitor Center, but Bluff Campground is about a mile hike into the forest.

Backcountry camping is free but requires a pass.  Visitors may camp anywhere that is at least 100 feet away from rivers.  No fires are allowed in the backcountry, but you can carry in backpack cooking stoves.  Backcountry camping definitely allows you to get in touch with nature.

*All camping requires reservations that must be made online in advance.*

Kayaking & Canoeing:

Kayaking or canoeing can be a great activity to do in the park.  Check out the national park website for trip ideas.  The park does not rent equipment, so you must bring your own gear.  You can also rent equipment from local companies in the area.  There are also companies that offer guided paddling tours along the rivers.  Here are some of the outfitters that the national park website recommends:

River Runner Outdoor Center

Palmetto Outdoors

J.K. Adventure Guides

Carolina Outdoor Adventures

Fishing:

Some of the various fish that you can catch in Congaree National Park are Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Catfish, and Perch.  You will need a SC fishing license and your own gear.  Take your time finding a great spot, just make sure it is not near any manmade structure.  So, not fishing from the boardwalks or bridges within the park.  Fishing together is a great family activity.

Jr. Ranger Program:

day trip to Congaree National Park with kids, kids at table with Jr Ranger booklets

The National Parks Jr. Ranger Program is one of my favorite family activities!  These free educational activity books help children and their parents learn more about the park or monument that they are visiting and help them stay engaged and motivated to soak in all the park has to offer.  My kids love collecting the badges and pins from each of our trips, and they proudly display them in their rooms.  I hope that one day they can look back to see all the wonderful places within the US that we have been able to visit and experience.

The Harry Hampton Visitor’s Center is Congaree National Park’s only visitor center.  It is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm every day except for a few major holidays.  It’s where anyone can pick up a Jr. Ranger booklet.  Based on your child’s age, they must complete a certain number of page activities in order to be sworn in as a Jr. Ranger and receive a badge.  Some activities include sketching the nature they observe as they walk through the park, or matching animals to their habitats.  There is usually historical information as well as science facts in the booklets.  Have fun learning together with the Jr. Ranger Program.

day trip to Congaree National Park with kids, 4 kids with Jr Ranger badges

Birding:

With over 150 species of birds in the park, there are plenty of birds to observe and enjoy.  The King Snake Trail is known for being excellent for bird watching.  There are many apps that help you identify birds based on their size, shape, and sound.  This is another fun family activity that everyone can enjoy.

Tours:

The rangers at the park are very helpful.  They also offer Congaree National Park tours throughout the year.  These ranger or volunteer-led tours usually take place on the weekends and include topics like Trees of Congaree, Owl Prowl, Birding for Beginners, and Story of a Southern Wilderness: A Brief History of the Congaree Floodplain.  All of these sound fascinating to learn more about.  Some of these tours are evening tours and all tours require a reservation made online.

Fireflies:

One of the most spectacular events that take place in Congaree Nation Park is the synchronous firefly mating season.  This 2-4 week phenomenon happens between mid-May and mid-June and has become extremely popular.

The specific species of firefly that is found in the area have a mating ritual that causes them to fly low to the ground and blink in unison.  Park guests follow the Firefly Trail and get to walk amongst the millions of twinkling lights that is like something out of a fairytale.

Because of its popularity, the national parks have created a lottery system to decide who will get the opportunity to experience this natural wonder.  Check the NP website as early as March to enter into the lottery; then cross your fingers!

Where to stay near Congaree National Park:

Hotels:

In Columbia, there are plenty of hotels that work great for families.  To get the most bang for your buck, choose hotels that offer free breakfasts and have pools that your family can enjoy.


hotel door opening to room

VRBO:

Vacation house rentals are perfect for families.  They allow you to have your own space and everyone can spread out.  It also is cost-effective because you can cook your meals instead of eating out for every one.

VRBO rentals offer some adorable spots in Columbia, Charleston, Charlotte, NC, and Greenville.

Campgrounds near the park/RV camping:

If you like camping, but don’t want to hike into your primitive campsite, there are several campgrounds around the Congaree area that have water and electric hookups or RV-accessible sites.

Cruise America came up with 5 great campground choices in this post.  They include:

  • River Bottoms Farm Family Campgrounds
  • Barnyard RV Park
  • Magnolia Campground
  • Santee/Santee Lake KOA
  • Palmetto Shores RV Resort

And Camping World recommends a few other campsites within less than an hour from the park in this post:

  • Edmund RV park
  • Sesquicentennial State park
  • Big Rig Friendly RV park

Other Area Attractions

Columbia:

Visit the South Carolina State House

Riverbanks Zoo

South Carolina State Museum

EdVenture Children’s Museum

Charleston:

Related posts:

Charleston: Things to Do This Weekend

An Amazing Multigenerational Family Weekend in Charleston, SC

Things to see:

Historic Downtown and Waterfront Park

Fort Sumter

Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum

South Carolina Aquarium

Boone Hall Plantation and Farm

Charleston Tea Garden

Greenville:

Falls Park on the Reedy

Swamp Rabbit Trail

Children’s Museum of the Upstate

Paris Mountain State Park

Roper Mountain Science Center

Charlotte, NC:

Carowinds

Nascar Hall of Fame

Great Wolf Lodge

Billy Graham Library

Carolina Raptor Center

Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium

Travel Helps

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Groupon – Groupon is a great way to find discounts for things to do on vacation.  You can save money on fun activities for the whole family.

Viator– Viator delivers online and mobile access to thousands of trip activities including tours, attractions, shore excursions and private guides, in more than 1,500 destinations worldwide.  I’ve used Viator for several family trips and they have all been great.  They offer great prices, which is great for a family on a budget, and they have 24/7 customer service, so they are available to help you out whenever you need.

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What is your favorite national park to visit with your family?

Let me know in the comments below and we can compare notes!

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Kyleen Bontrager, the Bonnie Traveler

Kyleen is a wife, homeschool mama, lover of teatime, and passionate traveler.  Having lived on 3 continents and visited +32 countries, she helps others enjoy memory-making experiences for multigenerational travel.  Ready for a bonnie adventure?  Let’s go!

3 thoughts on “A Day Trip to Congaree National Park with kids | What to See and When”

  1. Great article on this family activity. Getting families out of the house and away from “screens” is an investment in good personal and family mental health.

  2. Pingback: Family Travel Gift Idea Guide | the perfect something for your wandering crew - The Bonnie Traveler

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