Best Tent Camping near Sumter, SC
Tent camping opportunities near Sumter, South Carolina include walk-in tent sites at Congaree National Park's Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. These primitive tent campgrounds provide basic accommodations for campers seeking to experience South Carolina's only national park, located about 35 miles northeast of Sumter. The park features old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and offers both drive-in access to the campground parking areas followed by short walks to individual sites.
Campers should prepare for minimal amenities when planning a tent camping trip to these locations. Longleaf Campground has ten walk-in sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Bluff Campground requires a one-mile hike from the parking area. Both are primitive tent setups without running water - potable water is available only at the visitor center. Vault toilets are located at the Longleaf parking area, but Bluff has no facilities. Sites must be reserved in advance, and bringing documentation of reservations is recommended as cell service can be inconsistent. The campgrounds experience seasonal flooding, which can affect trail access and camping conditions.
The tent-only experience at these campgrounds offers seclusion and connection to nature not found at developed campgrounds. Sites at Longleaf are spaced to provide reasonable privacy, with sites 2, 8, and 10 noted as being more secluded. Site 1 is closest to the parking lot (about 20 meters) while others require longer walks. The campgrounds provide access to the park's extensive trail system, including the elevated boardwalk that allows exploration of the swampy ecosystem. Wildlife viewing opportunities include birds, amphibians, and seasonal firefly displays. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "The primitive campground can be quite possibly one of the quietest places you ever camp depending on the season." Campers should be prepared for mosquitoes and other insects, particularly during warmer months, and bring equipment that can handle uneven terrain with exposed tree roots.