Congaree National Park Wilderness Area

Congaree National Park Wilderness Area protects nearly 15,000 acres of primitive backcountry in South Carolina. This is federally designated Wilderness—meaning no roads, motorized vehicles, or mechanized travel of any kind. What you'll find here is solitude in a non-developed landscape where hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to move through the land.

Visiting means embracing Leave No Trace principles strictly: pack out everything you pack in, camp only in designated areas if permitted, stay on established routes, and leave no trace of your presence. There are no facilities, no maintained infrastructure, and no shortcuts. Access typically requires a short walk-in from the nearest trailhead or road access point at the main park. Conditions vary seasonally—spring and fall offer moderate temperatures, while summer heat and humidity are intense, and winter can bring wet, muddy conditions. Check with the National Park Service before your visit for current access routes, permit requirements, and any seasonal closures or restrictions.