Best Tent Camping near West Columbia, SC
Congaree National Park, approximately 20 miles southeast of West Columbia, South Carolina, offers tent campers two primitive campgrounds with basic amenities. Longleaf Campground features 10 walk-in tent sites for those seeking a low-impact camping experience, while Bluff Campground provides a more secluded overnight option with a one-mile hike to reach its 6 tent sites. Both campgrounds require advance reservations and offer affordable rates at $5 per night.
The tent sites at Congaree's campgrounds require campers to walk varying distances from the parking area to their sites. Sites at Longleaf range from 20 meters to 250 steps from the parking lot, with sites 1-3 being closest to the lot. A recent review noted, "Sites 2, 10 and 8 are private or not too close to other sites. It's an easy walk in from the parking lot." Amenities are minimal—each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, but no drinking water is available at the campgrounds. Vault toilets are located at the Longleaf parking lot, while potable water and flush toilets can be found at the visitor center, which may require a drive rather than a walk from the campgrounds.
Tent campers at Congaree experience a unique floodplain forest environment with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The campgrounds remain quiet and uncrowded, with most sites spaced to provide adequate privacy despite the open forest setting. One camper shared that "the campground is primitive. There are 10 single sites that you have to walk into from the parking lot. Not a very long walk but just enough to feel secluded from traffic and other people." Tree roots are prevalent throughout the tent sites, which can make tent setup challenging and walking in the dark hazardous. Both campgrounds provide excellent access to the park's trail system, including the elevated boardwalk trail. Summer visitors should prepare for significant mosquito activity and high humidity, while spring visitors may encounter the famous synchronous firefly display, making this backcountry tent camping experience truly memorable.
