Best Tent Camping near Wedgefield, SC
Congaree National Park offers several tent camping options near Wedgefield, South Carolina, with Longleaf Campground and Bluff Hike-In Campground providing primitive tent sites. Located approximately 20 miles from Wedgefield, Congaree's campgrounds provide access to old-growth bottomland hardwood forest with unique wetland ecosystems. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, slightly farther north, also offers tent camping opportunities for visitors seeking a different ecological experience.
Tent sites at Longleaf Campground require a short walk from the parking area, with site #1 closest to parking and sites 4-10 offering more privacy. Campers should bring their own water, as potable water is only available at the visitor center about a mile away. The campground features vault toilets but no showers or running water at the sites. A visitor commented, "Sites have lots of shade but tree roots can be problematic for setting up tents." Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, though fires may be restricted seasonally. Reservations are required and camping costs $5 per night at both Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds.
Walk-in tent sites at Bluff Campground require a one-mile hike from the parking area, making it less crowded than Longleaf. The sites are arranged around a grassy area with limited privacy between them. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "The walk to Bluff isn't difficult but there are lots of tree roots to navigate when carrying gear." The primitive setting appeals to tent campers seeking solitude, though summer brings intense heat and biting insects. Congaree offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly during the synchronous firefly event in late spring when the forest lights up with coordinated flashing. Backcountry camping is also permitted with a free permit obtained from the visitor center, allowing tent campers to experience deeper immersion in this unique forest ecosystem.

