I think it depends on what you want to do. If your focus is just the park, camping is available and relatively cheap. If you are looking for hotels, they are all over but not in walking distance to the park. If you are thinking about making it a trip, I would recommend booking a hotel closer to Columbia. There are many nice hotels in the city close to restaurants and shops. My kids love the zoo and as a family we enjoy walking along the river walk.
We will be staying at Congaree Vines-a rustic log cabin in Gaston. Looks really cute, but have never been there so looking forward to it Oct.5-9th.
If you do plan to camp right now you'll want to check ahead of time... I think the park itself will stay open to the public during the government shutdown, but any services provided may not be available, so the two campgrounds may not be open. They did allow backcountry capping without a permit, but that'd be true "roughing it". If you just plan to visit and stay in a hotel then you should be fine, just check their site for any updates in regards to the current situation.
There are several hotels to choose from on Garners Ferry rd just a few minutes away.
Thanks to all. you have been a great help
Columbia SC has the best choices for motels camp at park or paddle into the swamp and camp with no facilities.
Camping is a good idea but check with the park ranger for the best location. When we hiked, mosquitoes were very heavy. But when we ate lunch there, we had no problems with mosquitoes.
Depends on the number of days you have. We explored the area when we were in Charleston for a week and we drove to Columbia and the park on one of those days. If you don't have a lot of time, but want to stay in a hotel, Columbia probably best.
I thinks its kind of far from the location. So my advice is Instead of spending on Motel, have tent and stay at camping its very affordable..
There are plenty of places to stay, just not real close to Congaree.
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