Congaree national swamp

[kgbenson]

Hi all,

I am hoping to take my 7 year old to the swamp for his first hang and was wondering if anyone who may have hung there might have any specific pointers, directions to a good spots to hang, etc,

Thanks,

Keith


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=34.071307,-81.169189

[MedicineMan]

DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ET!!!!!
I've paddled there twice, once when it was a Monument and then as a NP.
It is a beautiful place....it is one of those places where you can be daring and
actually hang over water
As far as your visit look at current water levels-it is a hardwood flood plane
and if you plan on paddling where you can paddle depends on the water level.

[chickenwing]

Permethrin and DEET are your friend this time of year.

[kgbenson]

The bug thing we have covered, we've lived in Columbia for >10 years now so the heat and skeeters thing is old hat (though i appreciate the warning).

Any specifics on good camp sites and so forth?

Keith


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[chickenwing]

Maybe RiceGravy will chime in on this one. He is very familiar with that area. Muskrat is in that area too and I think he might have some good input. Shoot either one of them a PM.

[Muskrat]

I have been to the park several times but have yet to camp there. Although, I did take the opportunity to check out their camping area. They have a designated area and I believe a few backcountry sites available. If you prefer to drive up and set up a base camp, the designated area is just before the visitor center on the left side of the road as you enter the park. I believe the sites are first come first serve but you also have to register at the visitors center. I don't believe there is a fee but that may have changed. Bugs can be really bad and I live in Irmo and have lived in central Florida and I have not seen a place in SC, and a select few in FL, that is as infested with skeeters like Congaree Swamp. If you wait until cooler months prevail, it will be much nicer. There is no electricity at the sites, water can be had at the visitor center and I believe they leave the restrooms open all night but its a short hike from the camping area. Last I saw they did have port-o-lets next to the parking area for the campsites. Hope this helps. Ricegravy doesn't frequent this forum much anymore but you never know....

[Muskrat]

Also try doing a search for Congaree Swamp Hang. Rice has hosted a few of these there and it might be of some assistance. Lots of good hanging spots there.