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Congaree Swamp National Monument

Hopkins, SC

The monument rests on a floodplain of the Congaree River and is not a true swamp. This remnant preserves, in a wilderness state, the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The monument was authorized as a unit of the National Park Service on October 18, 1976.

Three features give national significance: some of the tallest trees in the East with one of the highest canopies in the world, broad biodiversity, and old-growth forest. The monument is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve, National Natural Landmark, Wilderness Area, and "Globally Important Bird Area."

CONTACTS

Email - cosw_information@nps.gov

Fax- 803-783-4241

Write to
Congaree Swamp National Monument
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061-9118

Phone
Visitor Information - 803-776-4396

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Operating hours 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily except for Christmas Day.

Getting There
PLANE - Columbia Airport - 30 miles away.

CAR - Take exit #5 off I-77. Follow signs to entrance of monument (approximately 15 miles)

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Taxi, approximately 20 miles from Columbia.

Weather & Climate
Hot, humid summers & cool, mild winters. Pleasant Spring and Fall seasons.

Accessibility
2.3 mile boardwalk loop trail is accessible to persons in wheel chairs.

Ranger Station and restrooms are accessible to persons in wheel chairs.

Getting Around
Hiking on boardwalk and trails. Canoeing & kayaking on Cedar Creek.

FEES/PERMITS

Permits
CAMPING PERMIT
Free! for 14 Days
Free camping permit can be picked up at Ranger Station.

CAMPING

Backcountry Camping
Open All Year
Camp in wilderness area of park 100 feet away from backcountry trails and water, 500 feet away from visitor center and boardwalk. Primitive camping-no facilities. Obtain free camping permit at Ranger Station.

Bluff Campsite
Open All Year
Designated Group Camping area. Porta-Johns, fire rings, and picnic tables. Large enough for several large groups. Obtain free camping permit at Ranger Station.

FACILITIES

Ranger Stations
HEADQUARTER'S BUILDING
Open All Year 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone - 803-776-4396
Location - Monument is located 20 miles southeast of Columbia, South Carolina
Closures - Christmas Day
Special Programs - NatureFest in April, Owl Prowls in Spring & Fall, monthly guided canoe trips, Harry Hampton Memorial Walk in November, and spring nature walks.
Exhibits - Few exhibits in Ranger Station.
Available Facilities - Restrooms accessable by wheel-chairs. Boardwalk loop, 2.3 miles, accessible by wheelchair. Over 20 miles of marked hiking trails 18 miles of marked canoe trail (primitive conditions with numerous tree falls accross creek.) Picnic tables near Ranger Station.

Visitor Centers
HARRY HAMPTON VISITOR CENTER
Open All Year 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone - (803) 776-4396

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