How much does camping cost at Longleaf Campground?

Camping fees at Longleaf Campground range from $15-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Longleaf Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Longleaf Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Longleaf Campground before I book?

Yes! Longleaf Campground has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Longleaf Campground?

Longleaf Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Longleaf Campground?

Longleaf Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Longleaf Campground have?

Longleaf Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Longleaf Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Longleaf Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Longleaf Campground?

Longleaf Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Longleaf Campground?

Popular activities at Longleaf Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Longleaf Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Longleaf Campground?

Fire policies at Longleaf Campground: Camp Fires • Fires may only be made within established fire rings and must be fully extinguished (cool to the touch) when leaving your campsite or checking out at the end of your stay. • Campers may only gather and use any dead or downed branches on the ground for building a fire. • The only outside firewood that can be brought into the park is that which has been purchased locally and/or has been certified as being pest free , and must have the receipt/proof of purchase and/or wrapper with pest. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.30

183 reviews

100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061

Top 5% in SCWinter

Pet FriendlyStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Congaree National Park#1 Hiking Camping South Carolina#1 Forest Camping South Carolina#3 +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

161 ft

Price

$15 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 5% in state

Book on Congaree National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

161 ft

Price

$15 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 5% in state

Book on Congaree National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Longleaf Campground

$15.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Longleaf Group Sites: $25.00; Longleaf Individual Sites: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061

Longleaf Campground

100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061

Nearby places

Columbia (approximately 20 miles / 30-minute drive)

Weather at Longleaf Campground

Current alerts(4)

Campsite Occupation and Use • Individual sites (e.g., IS01) may have up to 8 campers and can have no more than 3 tents and/or structures (e.g., pop-up canopy or awning) per site.
Food Storage and Disposing of Trash • Remember to properly store all food within sealed containers to prevent access by wild animals such as racoons. • Please properly dispose of all uneaten food and trash in the proper waste bins located next to the campground parking lot.
Reservations • All campsites are available for reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be reserved prior to setting up camp. • Check-in time is 12:00 p.m. on the day of arrival. • Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure.
Vehicles in Campground • Vehicles may not be driven directly to a camp site and must remain in designated parking lots during your stay. Campsite access to set up camp requires a short walk from the parking lot.

Best Time to Camp at Longleaf Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild temperatures, low humidity, and reduced insect pressure — perfect for hiking the mixed pine and hardwood uplands and for wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (roughly 55–75°F) with cool nights in the 40s–50s, good for comfortable tent camping and campfires. Fall colors in the hardwoods peak from late October into November and paddling or fishing on calmer water is pleasant, while crowds are generally light to moder Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 5% in SC

Winter is favored for cooler temps and fewer bugs; campground open year-round.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Longleaf Campground

Longleaf Campground sits in Congaree National Park near Hopkins, South Carolina, offering tent and primitive sites in mixed pine and hardwood uplands. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground serves as a quiet base for hiking the park's trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Reviewers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, clean vault toilets, and unexpected amenities like solar-powered charging stations.

Longleaf Campground is a primitive, walk-in, tent-only camping facility. It does not accommodate RVs or vehicles, and all sites must be accessed by foot from the parking lot.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild temperatures, low humidity, and reduced insect pressure — perfect for hiking the mixed pine and hardwood uplands and for wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (roughly 55–75°F) with cool nights in the 40s–50s, good for comfortable tent camping and campfires. Fall colors in the hardwoods peak from late October into November and paddling or fishing on calmer water is pleasant, while crowds are generally light to moder Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: July, August

Elevation161 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in the park's upland forest, where longleaf pines mix with hardwoods instead of the floodplain swamp below. Shade is plentiful. An adjacent meadow draws butterflies, southern fox squirrels, and a rotating cast of bird species. Sites are wooded enough for hammocks, though sparse understory means you'll see your neighbors clearly. The elevation keeps you above the flood-prone bottomlands that define most of Congaree.

Lodging & AccommodationsLongleaf Campground is tent-only, and no other lodging options are available directly within this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned for the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual sites may host up to 8 campers, while group sites must have a minimum of 9 campers.

Groups

Group sites must be reserved for a minimum of 9 campers and can accommodate up to 24 people and 12 tents. Users have noted issues with noise from group sites affecting individual campers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, including online and through its mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not specifically outlined. Campers must walk from the parking area to the campsites, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeThe sites are described as having ample size, with some featuring raised, level areas or platforms for tents. One user commented, 'Sites are a nice size with picnic table and fire ring.

PrivacyCampsites are shaded and situated in a wooded area, providing both seclusion and opportunities for hammock setups. However, some reviewers noted limited vegetation between sites, stating, 'The sites are not unusually close together, but there is little vegetation between them so you can really see your neighbors.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 1 and 2 are closest to the parking lot and ideal for easier access. Higher-numbered sites offer more privacy but require a longer walk. Sites 8, 9, and 10 are shaded but involve a longer trek.

Best CampsitesSites 1 and 2 sit closest to parking and have raised tent platforms, which helps with leveling gear. Site 2 has flooded during storms, so check conditions if rain is forecast. Higher-numbered sites are farther from the lot but offer more distance from the group area.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Longleaf Campground, located within the Congaree National Park, is a primitive, tent-only camping facility. It does not allow vehicles at campsites, and campers must park in a lot and walk to their sites. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, but each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Two vault toilets are located near the parking area. Potable water is not available within the campground, but campers can access it 24/7 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, a short drive away. Trash and recycling facilities are provided near the parking area. The campground is surrounded by a mixed pine and hardwood forest, providing ample shade and opportunities for wildlife observation in the open field at the center of the campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Longleaf Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and stargazing. The campground provides access to the park's 27 miles of hiking trails, and campers can launch watercrafts from nearby landings. The area is also ideal for observing the unique ecosystem and old-growth forests of Congaree National Park.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Longleaf Campground. Campers must use the two vault toilets located near the parking area.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCamp Fires • Fires may only be made within established fire rings and must be fully extinguished (cool to the touch) when leaving your campsite or checking out at the end of your stay. • Campers may only gather and use any dead or downed branches on the ground for building a fire. • The only outside firewood that can be brought into the park is that which has been purchased locally and/or has been certified as being pest free , and must have the receipt/proof of purchase and/or wrapper with pest

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling receptacles are located near the campground parking lot. Campers are advised to dispose of waste properly and not burn trash in fire rings.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

183 reviews

Satisfactory

Longleaf Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Longleaf Campground has received mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.98 for campgrounds. Many users appreciated its natural beauty, ample shade, and proximity to trails, but some expressed concerns about noise from group sites, lack of supervision, and the condition of vault toilets.

Review Summaries

Based on 183 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 183 reviews.

Site 1Loved
Site 1 is closest and described as convenient for access.
Site 2Mentioned
Site 2 is noted to be prone to flooding after storms.

What Campers Love

Users praised the peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained campsites, opportunities for stargazing, and access to park amenities like hiking trails and canoe launches. A reviewer stated, 'Vault toilet...

Based on 183 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include noise from group sites, lack of ranger supervision after hours, and limited on-site amenities such as water access and showers. One user noted, 'If they are going to rent group...

Based on 183 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray, firewood, and a collapsible wagon for transporting gear. Another suggestion was to visit during winter to avoid bugs and heat. One user suggested, 'HIGHLY...

Based on 183 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is a favored season due to cooler temperatures and fewer bugs. Summers are marked by oppressive heat and high insect activity, as noted by one user: 'The heat was oppressive and the mosquitos...

Based on 183 reviews

Camper Quotes

'This is a beautiful area to camp. Sites are a nice size with picnic table and fire ring.' - Julie Bergh. 'Nice little campsite amongst pine, sweet gum, and oak trees. It's tent only, which is a plus...

Based on 183 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed accessibility reviews were provided, but the requirement to walk from the parking lot to campsites may present challenges to those with mobility issues.

Based on 183 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, and one user noted, 'My dog loved the place.' No specific pet-related facilities or features were mentioned.

Based on 183 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet National Park experience with hiking and wildlife viewing in South Carolina's low country.

Skip if

You need on-site supervision, electric hookups, or guaranteed silence from neighboring group campers.

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Campgrounds

Congaree National Park

Longleaf Campground

About Congaree National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Longleaf Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.

Directions

From Interstate 77, Exit 5 At Exit 5 turn onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road. Following the brown and white "Congaree National Park" directional signs, travel approximately 8 miles on and then take a slight right onto Old Bluff Road. Follow Old Bluff Road for 4.5 miles to the park entrance sign, which will be on the right. Proceed one mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Parking lots will be on the right.