Best Tent Camping near Gadsden, SC
Congaree National Park offers tent-only camping options within 30 miles of Gadsden, South Carolina, featuring two distinct primitive tent campgrounds. Longleaf Campground provides 10 walk-in tent sites with varying distances from the parking area, while Bluff Campground offers a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience with a one-mile hike to reach its 6 sites. Both campgrounds cater exclusively to tent campers seeking a natural experience within the old-growth forest ecosystem. The sites are reservable online through the National Park Service, with permits required for all overnight stays.
Sites at both campgrounds feature uneven terrain with numerous tree roots that can make tent setup challenging, particularly for larger tents. Campers should bring all necessary water, as no potable water exists at either campground, though water is available at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Vault toilets are located at the Longleaf parking area, but Bluff Campground has no facilities. The lowland location means sites can flood during heavy rains, and summer brings significant mosquito activity. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, but firewood must be brought in or gathered. Cell service is generally available with Verizon reporting consistent coverage.
In spring, tent campers frequently visit to witness the synchronous fireflies, a natural phenomenon that occurs for approximately two weeks in May. One camper noted, "The primitive campground can be quite possibly one of the quietest places you ever camp depending on the season." Sites 2, 8, and 10 at Longleaf offer more privacy, while site 1 provides the easiest access from the parking area. According to reviews, "Sites are pretty large and about 10-20 yards away from each other," providing adequate spacing between neighbors. The boardwalk trail system is accessible directly from the campgrounds, allowing tent campers to explore the unique floodplain ecosystem with its diverse wildlife including frogs, lizards, birds, and fox squirrels.