Congaree River Canoeing & Camping

I haven't been able to do this trip in three years due to various weather related issues. So, here is my annaul try at this trip...time for the Congaree River (The river's name comes from the Congaree Indians that use to live along its shores). 

Because of the lengthy drive to Hopkins, we will depart the carpool location early and try to beat a little traffic out of town. We will head to the Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC. Once there, we will camp overnight in the primitive campsites in the park. Later that night, we'll do a little night hiking along the haunted boardwalks of the park if interested.

Early the next morning, we will get our free backcountry camping permits, stop by a small local store for ice and last minute items and meet our local outfitters with our canoes, paddles and PFDs. We will load up our canoes (2 people and their gear in each canoe) and depart. Over the next two days, we will canoe a total of 20 miles. We will stop once we reach the Congaree River and setup camp on one of the sandbars.

Upon leaving the park, our journey first takes us on Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek is very beautiful swamp-like area with lots of wildlife, overhanging mossy hardwood trees and black water. We will follow the twisting and turning canoe trail for a couple of hours out to the Congaree River.

Once on the Congaree, we will paddle until we find a nice sandbar and setup camp. We'll enjoy a relaxing day playing in the river, swimming and sunning. Later, we'll have gourmet dinners, more swimming and relax around a campfire next to the river.

After breakfast and a relaxing morning, we will continue our journey down river to the Hwy 601 Bridge where we once again meet our outfitter by 3pm. From there, we will shuttle back to the park and then back to Atlanta by 8pm or so.

Finally, the Congaree River area is remote with very limited access to people and cellphone coverage (until late Sunday afternoon). Once we leave the national park, we will be dependent on ourselves. Safety is a number one priority but so it having fun!

NOTE: Water levels on Cedar Creek and Congaree are subject to rain levels and draught. There will potentially be some very shallow sections in which we will have to pull our canoes as short distance or portage around fallen trees. As we get closer to the event date, I will update the event attendees on river water levels.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a water event therefore you should know how to swim to attend. You should feel comfortable in swift moving and/or deep water. You should also know how to self rescue should you fall out of your boat or lose your footing in the river while swimming. Finally, knowledge of how to paddle and steer a canoe is highly recommended.

Driving directions will be sent out to registered group a week prior to trip.

Drive time is approx 4 hours. Hopkins is located 20 miles South of Columbia, SC.

Canoe rental, paddle, PFD and return shuttle.

Additional costs not included...$5 tip for shuttle driver.

Payment may be made via PayPal or PC Banking. It is your responsibility to get in to meet due dates. Allow two days processing for PayPal and one week for PC Banking.

Cancel on or before Aug 24, you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after Aug 24 unless someone replaces you, pays in full and then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee.

Event is NOT rain or shine. Event will be cancelled if a high percentage of rain/thunderstorms are forecast for the area. Also, the trip leader may cancel if the river/creek water levels are too low or high to navigate safely.