What a HIDDEN Gem near the city we headed there and entrance fee was $6 dollars per person and with…read moreso much to do what a great park to visit! If you're a local and will be coming here often I believe the annual pass is a better fit especially since it's not just this park but all state parks in SC First stop since we had the pup with us we headed to the gated dog park but we didn't want to deal with passes for the day so we opted for a hike by the lake and it was the best idea! The dog park here is pretty strict but at the end of the day safe for the pups There is also facilities for parties or a boathouse where you can rent out equipment and head to the water ‍

Sesquicentennial state park is beautiful! They have 4 trails, including one trail (Sandhills trail)…read morethat loops around the lake, which makes for some great photos during sunrise or sunset. They have a little visitor center when you can buy a bunch of souvenirs, snacks, and can get a stamp in your SC state parks passport. If this review was solely on the trails and beauty, it would be a 5/5 but unfortunately the campsite brings it down a bit. The campsite is on the larger side, and has 3 bathhouses to accommodate the area (close to you). You are given the basics like a picnic table & fire ring. Sites 1-29 have 20/30/50 amps, and 36-84 have 20/30 amp electric hookups. Sites 1-9 are full service (also have sewer). These sites do not give you a lot of privacy, and it seems like they built as many sites as they could in a confined area instead of spreading the sites out a bit to give the camper a bit more privacy. The bathhouses are clean, but are very dated and are in desperate need of a renovation. If you are not a camper, you will be charged an entrance fee of $6 if you are an adult, $3.75 for seniors (65+), or $3.50 for children (6-15). Overall, a 5/5 for the beauty of the park and amenities outside of the campsite, but 2/5 for the campsite itself.

While Congaree National Park is very different from many of the other National Parks I've visited…read morethroughout the United States, rest assured that if it's a National Park, it's getting five stars from me. Having now visited more than 60 designated National Parks, I can confidently say that each one offers something unique - and Congaree remains one of the system's underrated gems. My first visit was a solo trip in September 2021. The entire purpose of that South Carolina adventure was to cross another National Park off my list, so I flew into Charleston and made the drive up to Congaree. Like many National Park enthusiasts, I was thrilled to spot the entrance sign and officially arrive. I spent my first day exploring the visitor center, collecting a park stamp, patch, magnet, and Junior Ranger book before heading out onto the boardwalk trail. Even with some exhibits closed due to COVID-era protocols, the famous Mosquito Meter was alive and well. The 2.4-mile boardwalk offered an excellent introduction to the park's towering trees, floodplain forest, and unique ecosystem. Even in mid-September, the mosquitoes were plentiful - but thankfully they mostly left me alone as long as I kept moving. That evening, I camped in the park and enjoyed a peaceful night of sleep. The following morning, I joined a Forest Wellness program hosted by the National Park Service and Friends of Congaree. For over two hours, we hiked through the forest while participating in creative journaling exercises and mindfulness activities. It was a very memorable ranger led program!!! I returned again in May 2026, this time with two friends. We explored the visitor center, watched the park film, completed our Junior Ranger books (you're never too old), and spent time walking the boardwalk once again. We also paddled nearby Cedar Creek, which provided a completely different perspective on the Congaree ecosystem. Unfortunately, while we had planned to return that evening to see the famous synchronous fireflies, the weather had other ideas. Rain moved in and changed our plans. That's okay, resting in a hotel was good too. Like all of our National Park units, Congaree protects something special. While it may not have the dramatic cliffs of Yosemite or the iconic vistas of the Grand Canyon, it preserves one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. The massive trees, winding waterways, cypress knees, wildlife, and quiet solitude create an experience unlike any other national park in the system. Sure, this is not a park that requires several days (or even a full day) to explore, but it is worth your time. Whether you're hiking the boardwalk, paddling Cedar Creek, camping, attending a ranger program, or simply marveling at the giant trees, Congaree offers a unique experience. Come with the right expectations, bring your own supplies (services are limited) and take the time to appreciate what this park protects. America's Best Idea isn't always about the grand scenery. Sometimes it's about preserving places that would otherwise be forgotten. Congaree is one of those places and I'm grateful it exists! Plus, Charleston and all of its city glory is nearby and awaits your visit pre- or post-Congaree!

Congaree National Park preserves the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the…read moresoutheastern United States, which is what makes it a National Park. It is a primeval floodplain ecosystem, which is what makes it so beautiful! There are 11 trails at Congaree National Park, all featuring beautiful scenery and the value within nature. Beware of the mosquitoes! Because of this floodplain (body of water), this is a prime home for mosquitoes. They are known for their "Skeeter Meter," which is helpful in gauging the presence of mosquitoes. If you want to avoid the mosquitos, try to come during the Fall & Winter seasons, or during a drought. This park is 100% dog & RV friendly, and is a great place to take your kids!! Have fun, and take in the scenery!

Less than 2 hours from Charleston, this is likely the closest hiking area to the city that offers…read moresignificant elevation changes, several miles of different trails, and even a waterfall. I would consider this an intermediate hike - mate sure you check the map for the distance you want to travel (keeping in mind the up and down makes things feel longer), and keep your eyes peeled for the trails markers. It's easy to miss the arrows directing you, and you could end up on a different trail taking you out of your way. We selected a rightly 3-mile hike, and brought out dog with us. We all had a great time! It was not crowded, we probably saw a person every half hour at most. The elevation changes were tiring, but paid off with great views. Although we wore sneakers, I would recommend sturdier footwear. Carry plenty of water, as there are no services within the preserve.

Love this place! Great for the whole family! They have a stream to play in a waterfall and is great…read morefor walking or running.

It was a beautiful day. Very nice walk. We pushed a stroller without problem. Loved seeing the…read moreturtles and even got to see a snake and egret. Just bummed that a large part was closed so wasn't able to get all my steps in.

Beautiful park. We were able to take a nice afternoon walk. There are some nice spots to take…read morepictures.

Beautiful nature scenery. Nice walking trails. Plenty of parking…read more Plenty of bathroom facilities. A nice place to visit. FYI... get the State Park Annual Pass.

The good- beautiful lake, lots of sites and amenities. The…read morebad- most items in tackle shop unpriced, busted up roadways, small sites, mostly unkept and broken. The ugly- mold in bathrooms, shower curtains ready to walk away on their own on the 80 loop. (Like, loose your campground host they're terrible) Not the best campground in SC, but you can have a good time here on the right site.

Amazing park has many trails and you don't see anyone often so you can enjoy the privacyread more

Found this place by complete accident and so thrilled I did. I am an Empath so I need a place I can…read morego that is out in nature, quiet and away from everything. This is a small piece of the river most people don't know about or just don't visit and I love that because it isn't over crowded. I almost cried when I noticed them adding a parking lot. There are beautiful tables by the river so you can sit and have a meal. There are big rocks you can sit on by the edge of the river. It is truly peaceful here. Writing this review makes me want to go there right now. But there are little nooks and crannies you can get to to be right near the water. Have I mentioned the bridge? Breathtakingly beautiful! I've walked it from end to end. There are big beautiful trees that hang over the bridge, beautiful flowers in the spring, blackberries and honey suckle grow wild and free. I've gone at all different times of the day but sunset is my favorite. I love going here when there is a full moon! The view is incredible. This is my place of peace. Others who come here, they come for the peace and quiet too. They aren't noisy or playing loud music. The river is the only sound I need

This is a great family outing…read more The lights are always well done. About half way through, you can stop for a hay ride ans race your kids down the hill on the slide. Kids can write letters to Santa and buy hot chocolate and snacks. It was a nice warm 48 degrees when we went there. Get out have some fun and make a few memories.

If you love Christmas lights, this is one of the best spots to be. The trail is 4miles long, and we…read morewere able to stroll through for the annual Sleigh Bell Trot. The light displays don't really change year after year, so if you've been last year, there aren't any new surprises this year. Still a fun night out! Safe and clean!