Activities For Dogs In Congaree National Park

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Introduction

The Congaree National Park is a national park located in central South Carolina that boasts over 26,000 acres. The park is known for its astounding biodiversity; it protects the biggest and last remaining undamaged stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the entire southeastern United States. It is also home to the Congaree and Wateree rivers, which flows through the park to keep the ecosystem healthy. It also has some of the tallest and highest trees and canopies in the country. But what most pet lovers appreciated about the Congaree National Park is that it is completely dog-friendly. Yes, dogs are allowed in virtually every part of the park, except the buildings. It’s the perfect place to visit with your four-legged friend during your vacation.

Walking Trails

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water
Waste bags
Activity description

One of the reasons why pet-loving visitors avoid national parks is because of the restrictions that they have when it comes to bringing dogs. Some national parks promote that they are “dog-friendly” but, in reality, dogs are only allowed in a select few places. This is not the case with Congaree National Park. In fact, dogs are allowed in all the trails of the park, which means you and your pooch can go walking and trekking to your heart’s content. Select the trails that interest you and head out for a few hours of free and easy fun!

Step
1
Choose the trails you want to go to
Congaree National Park offers a variety of walking trails for visitors, all of which are open to dogs. Choose a trail or two that you want to check out for the day. If you have no idea on where to start, you may ask for assistance from the visitor center or get a self-guided map.
Step
2
Explore the park
Remember that dogs must be kept on a leash while on the trails. Allow them to sniff and explore, of course, but keep your curious pup within arm's reach. Walk, take some photos and hang out with your pooch during this time. Also, make sure that you clean up after your dog before leaving the area.

Swamp Tour

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water
Waste Bags
Activity description

Congaree National Park offers plenty of recreational and outdoor activities for its visitors. For those who bring their dogs along, a unique and exciting activity that you can do is the Congaree Swamp Canoe Tour. The park’s floodplain forest features one of the tallest canopies not just in the country, but the whole world. The huge pines and hardwoods are not only the highest, they also have an abundance of wildlife and birds. What’s more, dogs are completely free to join the owners in this tour, which is held every other Sunday, so long as weather permits. Tours may cost a bit but the enjoyment you and your dog will get out of it is priceless. 

Step
1
Make a reservation
If you are planning a trip to Congaree National Park and would like to check out their swamp canoe tours, you need to call ahead to make a reservation. The park requires that you reserve at least 2 weeks ahead of time as tours can get fully booked immediately.
Step
2
Go on your tour
When you have made the reservation for the tour, all you have to do is wait for the day of your tour. On that day, make sure that you have food and water for your dog. You also need to have waste bags in case your dog needs a “bathroom break”. During the tour, your dog should be leashed and well-behaved at all times.

Camping Adventure

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
24 - 48 hrs
Items needed
Tent
Food
Water
Collapsible bowl
Waste bag
Leash
First-aid kit
Activity description

When visiting the Congaree National Park, you will probably need more than one day to see the park in all its glory. You will also need a place to stay in case you are coming from another city or state. While hotels are an option, camping provides a cheaper alternative. In addition, camping allows you to enjoy the outdoors and the wilderness. Your dog will also love being stimulated by all the flora and fauna in the campgrounds. Congaree National Park allows dogs within the campgrounds as long as they are well-behaved and not a nuisance to the other campers. Moreover, they should always be supervised by their owners and not left unattended. 

Step
1
Have your camping gear ready
One of the golden rules when it comes to camping is to always be ready, even for the unexpected. Make sure that you have all that you need, especially when emergencies occur. Bring your tent, a sleeping bag for you and a bed for your dog, enough food and water, flashlight and a first-aid kit.
Step
2
Camp out in the wilderness
As soon as you have prepared all you need, head to the Congaree National Park. Campers need to have a permit and reservation for the campground, which can be obtained either online or by calling the park’s office. As soon as you have your permit, head to the campsite reserved for you and set up your tent. When your camp is all good, you can start doing activities with your pooch such as hiking and playing. Before going to sleep, make sure your dog is settled down with you in the tent for the night.

More Fun Ideas...

Pet-friendly Hotel

If you are visiting the Congaree National Park, there’s a chance that you might want to spend some time in the area, especially if you are coming from another city or state. If this is the case, you might want to check in at a pet-friendly hotel near the park premises. There are lots of options available, including the Red Roof Inn and Aloft Columbia Downtown.

Visit the Boardwalk Loop

One of the highlights of the Congaree National Park is the Boardwalk Loop. This 2.4-mile boardwalk is a great way to start your journey throughout the park. It has a flat surface that is accessible to all and allows you to see and experience the park’s wilderness. Self-guided brochures are available in the visitor center. 

Conclusion

Congaree National Park is one of the most beautiful and impressive national parks in the country. The beautiful scenery, numerous options for recreational activities and year-round operation are just some of the reasons why you should pay a visit to the park. But the best part of all is that you can bring your dog with you for some fun and adventure.