Camping Regulations:

• Primitive camping is allowed in the park by permit only. Permits may be obtained at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (and until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Daylight Savings Time). 
• State or government issued identification is needed to obtain a camping permit. Permits are available on a first come first served basis on the day of your stay.
• Maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive days and no more than 28 days in any 6 month period. 
• Hunting is prohibited in the park.
• Pets must be on a leash no more than 6 feet in length or physically confined at all times.
• Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing natural, cultural, or archeological resources is prohibited.
• Please pack out everything you pack in! Please ask a park ranger for more information on the principles of Leave No Trace or visit www.lnt.org
• Restrooms at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center are open twenty four hours a day and portables toilets are available at the After Hours Campground.
• Potable water is available from the spigot on the south side of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Please ask a ranger for the spigot key.
• Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. No campfires are permitted in the backcountry.
• External wood sources are prohibited from entering the park. Only dead and down wood found within the park may be used. 
• Glass bottles and kegs are prohibited in the park.
• You may camp in your car, pop-up trailer, or RV with a valid camping permit.

After Hours Campground:

• The After Hours Campground is located beside the After Hours parking lot.
• There are 8 sites. Each site is limited to 8 campers.
• Portable toilets are available.

Bluff Primitive Campground:

• The Bluff Campground is available for large group camping There are six sites available on a first come first served basis. Each site is limited to 30 people.
• The After Hours parking lot is approximately one mile from the Bluff Campground. The trailhead is located on the eastern side of the After Hours parking lot and is marked with blue trail markers.

Backcountry Camping:

•  All backcountry camping is primitive including canoe camping.
•  Fires are prohibited in the backcountry. Backpacking stoves are permitted.
• Group size in the backcountry is limited to 6 individuals.
• A free camping permit is required for backcountry camping.
• Backcountry camping permits can be issued via telephone up to 30 days in advance.
• Camping must be 200 feet from trails and water, including Cedar Creek, Weston Lake, Wise Lake and the Congaree River.
• Backcountry camping is not permitted within 500 feet of park buildings and the boardwalk.
• Pack out everything you pack in. For more information on Leave Not Trace, ask a park ranger or visit www.lnt.org

Other Considerations:

• Water found along the trails is potable only if boiled, filtered, or treated with iodine.
• The park is subject to periodic flooding. Be alert to rising water and be prepared to move camp if necessary.
• Please check the Congaree River Water Level on the Canoe/Kayaking page before leaving.
• Be prepared for inclement weather and always allow time before dark to find a dry campsite.
• Cedar Creek is crossed by trails in two locations allowing for a combination of hiking and canoeing. Refer to the Hiking and Canoeing pages for more information.
• To reduce the possibility of getting lost in the “flat” floodplain environment, off trail travel is not recommended unless you are equipped with a map and compass.