Frontcountry campground reservation at Congaree: what applies in 2026?

Direct answer

Frontcountry campground reservation required in advance - no walk-up payment

Exact conditions

Status: Required under the listed conditions
Applies to: overnight guests
Place or corridor: Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground
Effective dates: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
Published fee: $15
Release model: rolling window

Release detail: Booked through Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. NPS does not publish a booking-window length or a daily release time for these campgrounds.

Fee detail: Longleaf: $15 per night for a regular tent site, $25 per night for a group site. Bluff: $10 per night. Senior and Access passholders get 50% off. Tents and hammocks only - no RVs or trailers.

Exceptions and limits

Backcountry camping uses a separate free permit rather than a Recreation.gov reservation.

Open the official action page

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

All campers are required to have a reservation to camp in either of the two frontcountry campgrounds (Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground) or have a valid permit to camp in the backcountry. ... Can I pay in person at the park? No.

Camping - Congaree National Park