Tent camping near Manning, South Carolina centers around Congaree National Park with its unique bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, though occasional flooding occurs in the lowland areas after heavy rainfall. Mosquitoes and other insects are abundant throughout the warmer months, particularly from April through October.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Congaree offers Cedar Creek Canoe Trail for paddlers to explore the forest from water level. According to a visitor at Francis Marion National Forest, "My buddies and I drove our trucks off the normal road to find ultimate privacy. The next morning after breakfast we explored for hours, in our trucks and by foot. It was absolutely amazing."
Firefly viewing: Late May to early June brings the synchronous firefly spectacle. A camper at Longleaf Campground noted, "We saw the synchronous fireflies! There were even a few at our site." Another visitor mentioned, "The fireflies were very pretty and interesting. We saw other wildlife around the campground too."
Wildlife observation: The forest ecosystem supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper reported, "We saw a lizard during a walk during the day. Many frogs during the rain at night." The campground is located next to a pond where frogs become particularly vocal at night.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment away from crowds. A visitor mentioned, "After losing several nights of sleep at our previous campground, this one was a huge relief. Sites were spread out, but also the vibe was less 'party all night' and more 'sleep and then explore the park during the day.' Exactly my kind of vibe!"
Accessible trails: Direct access to hiking paths from campgrounds receives positive mentions. According to one camper at Francis Marion National Forest, "It's right on the trail, it also allows for you to drive right up to the campground and park your car, set up camp and then head out for a hike."
Natural immersion: The undeveloped setting appeals to those seeking authentic outdoor experiences. A visitor noted, "The setting is incredible and the park itself a true gem," while another mentioned, "The reality is, this is a very secluded campground and has a lot of potential."
What you should know
Bug protection essential: Insects are numerous, particularly during warmer months. A camper at Longleaf Campground advised, "Bring bug spray!" Another remarked, "Prepare to be eaten alive by deer flies everywhere you go!"
Flooding concerns: Low-elevation areas can flood during heavy rainfall. One visitor shared, "The first night got a lot of rain and storms and several of the campers from sites farther back left saying they were flooded out." Another noted, "It's lowlands so it floods easily in heavy rains...learned this the hard way!"
Limited facilities: Amenities are minimal throughout the area. A visitor commented, "The vault toilet was disgusting, covered in splattered poop and very smelly. I sometimes drove to the visitor center to use the flush toilet and sink there." For Longleaf, "There's a two-stall pit toilet in the parking lot and trash/recycling cans."
Tips for camping with families
Bring transportation aids: Carrying gear to walk-in sites requires planning. One family suggested, "Definitely bring a wagon for packing your stuff in," while another mentioned, "If I did [bring everything], it would be nice to have a second person or a wagon."
Consider site location: Some sites require significantly longer walks than others. A camper at Longleaf Campground advised, "If you don't want to walk far, get campsite #1. It's right next to the parking lot and closest to the bathrooms."
Plan for heat management: Summer temperatures can be challenging for children. A visitor noted, "The heat in June is also pretty bad, so having to go back and forth out to your vehicle to bring your stuff in and out is very difficult even though the path is flat and very short."
Tips from RVers
Supply planning: Limited services mean bringing essentials. A visitor mentioned, "There is a convenience store with sandwiches, ice, beer, and groceries in Gadsden 8 min away which was convenient. Just a couple minutes from Congaree national park."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies by carrier. One camper at Longleaf Campground reported, "Att signal was 1 bar, no signal problems," while another noted, "We had Verizon service. Enough to use Google image search to look up plants, animals, and mushrooms we had found."
Charging options: Some locations provide limited power access. A visitor mentioned, "Pit toilets and solar powered device charger available in parking lot," which helps when staying at sites without electrical hookups.
