Campground

Bluff Hike In Camping

Congaree National Park · Hopkins · South Carolina — managed by National Park Service

Books out fast — 1 of 4 weekends we sampled are sold out
Bluff Hike In Camping campground
Photo: Recreation.gov · NPS Photo (Victoria Stauffenberg)

Weekend availability at Bluff Hike In Camping

Live from Recreation.gov · checked Nov 6, 5:55 AM PT

Sold out 2 of the next 6 weekends — exactly when cancellation alerts earn their keep.

  • Fri, Nov 6
    Sold out
  • Fri, Nov 13
    Sold out
  • Fri, Nov 20
    Limited
    2/6 sites
  • Fri, Nov 27
    Open
    3/6 sites
  • Fri, Dec 4
    Open
    6/6 sites
  • Fri, Dec 11
    Open
    6/6 sites

Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.

How booked is Bluff Hike In Camping?

as of November 6

Weekends book out well ahead here — 1 of the 4 Saturdays we sampled, as far out as Jan 2027, are already sold out. When a site frees up it's gone again within minutes, so people watch Bluff Hike In Camping and hear the instant one opens for their dates. Weekdays still have room — for now.

Weekends (Saturday night)

Nov 14Sold out
Dec 12Open
Jan 2Open
Jan 30Open

Weekdays (Wednesday night)

Nov 11Open
Dec 23Open
Jan 27Open

Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.

Campsites & amenities

Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.

Campsites
6
Electric sites
6
Hike To

About this campground

Overview This is a hike-in campground that is located at the intersection of the Bluff and Firefly Trails, approximately 1 mile from both the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and the Longleaf Campground. It is surrounded by a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. This campground is located at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to the flooding events that occur regularly in other parts of the park. Recreation Campers with reservations at the Bluff Campground have easy access to the park’s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and other hiking trails via either the Firefly or Bluff Trails. At the visitor center you find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the visitor center. Facilities • Camping at this campground is tent only. • This is a hike-in only campground and cannot be accessed by vehicle. Campers must park at either the Longleaf Campground or Harry Hampton Visitor Center.  • All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. • This campground does not provide electric/water/sewer hook-ups. • This campground does not have restroom facilities. Restrooms can be found at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, and two vault toilets are located at the Longleaf Campground.  • Running water is not available at this campground. Potable water is available at filling stations 24/7 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. • This campground does not have trash or recycling receptacles. All campers must remember to pack out all trash and/or waste when leaving and can dispose of it at either the Harry Hampton Visitor Center or Longleaf Campground. Natural Features Campsites are located on the edges of an open, grassy clearing in the mixed pine/hardwood forest, and is adjacent to an area currently undergoing restoration to a longleaf pine grassland/savanna. Depending on the time of day, sites may be the sun during the morning or afternoon/evening hours. This location offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (803) 647-3970. Nearby Attractions Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.

Getting there

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.

Directions to Congaree National Park, not to this specific campground.

Elevation
114 ft
Contact
(803) 776-4396
Congaree National Park office

Activities

  • CANOEING
  • INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
  • KAYAKING
  • STAR GAZING
  • BIRDING
  • CAMPING
  • HIKING
  • BACKPACKING
  • VISITOR CENTER
  • WILDERNESS

Nearby federal campgrounds

Never miss an opening at Bluff Hike In Camping

Popular South Carolina campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Bluff Hike In Camping around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.