Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure with the Congaree National Park Tour! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• Tour takes 1–2 hours, with 19 stops along the Boardwalk Loop Trail.
• Starts at Harry Hampton Visitor Center and follows the trail counterclockwise.
• No entrance fees—Congaree National Park is free to enter year-round.
• The park is open 365 days, though services are limited from September to May.
• Bathrooms are available at the visitor center; no restrooms on the trail.
• No restaurants or food vendors inside the park—pack food and water.
• Best months to visit are March–May and September–November (mild weather, fewer mosquitoes).
• Mosquitoes can be intense from late spring to early fall—check the “Mosquito Meter.”
• Synchronous fireflies appear in spring—a rare natural light show worth timing your visit for.
• Do not feed or approach wildlife—this is strictly enforced in the park.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route:

• Congaree National Park is free to enter.
• There are no restaurants inside Congaree, so plan to bring food or eat in nearby Columbia.
• Groceries and simple meals are your best bet for keeping costs low.

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• Park is open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Services are limited in the “off-season” (September-May)
• Harry RE Hampton Visitor Center: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM

Get Packing!

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​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Insect repellent
• Lightweight, breathable clothing (helps protect from bites)
• Hat or head net (optional but handy during peak mosquito season)
• Comfortable walking shoes or waterproof hiking boots
• Light rain jacket or poncho
• Moisture-wicking clothing
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks or lunch (no food vendors in the park)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• First Aid kit

Best Time to Visit     

The best time to visit Congaree National Park is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and mosquitoes are minimal.

Safety Information 

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• At Congaree National Park, visitors are reminded not to approach or feed wildlife to help protect both the animals and themselves.
• Mosquitoes at Congaree National Park can be intense, especially from late spring through early fall, when the park’s floodplain creates ideal breeding conditions. 
• Check the “Mosquito Meter” at the visitor center, wear long sleeves, and use plenty of repellent — or visit in cooler months for a more comfortable experience.

Additional Need to Know Information

There are no food vendors in the park, and the nearest town, Gadsden, is about 10 miles away, offering limited options such as fast food and a grocery store.

Leave No Trace

While exploring Salem, we encourage you to follow leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the city responsibly with our commitment to preserving its historic charm.

Respect public spaces, minimize your footprint, and create memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you help protect Salem’s streets, parks, and landmarks for generations to come.

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