Congaree National Park in South Carolina contains a 2.4 mile boardwalk hiking trail through its old-growth bottomland forest. This is the largest section of floodplain forest left in the southeastern United States. As the seasons change, the water from the Congaree River floods into the forest, elevating the water table.

In addition to the boardwalk, there are 20 miles of hiking trails through the cypress and tupelo. Because the park is an interlacing of land and water, canoes and kayaks are another way to see the Congaree Swamp. Off-site outfitters rent canoes and kayaks, or you can bring your own. Cedar Creek has a marked canoe trail.

Camping in the park is primitive. You can car camp at the After Hours campground, with picnic tables, fire rings and porta-potties, or backcountry camp away from trails, water, and visitor services. Groups can also use the primitive Bluff campground.