About Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery
Congaree National Park is home to a number of different species of fireflies, but it is the synchronized fireflies that lure thousands of people to the park each spring. These fireflies are one of only a few species around the world that synchronize their flash patterns in a majestic ritual that heralds the coming of summer. This late springtime display is part of their annual mating ritual that takes place for approximately two weeks, typically beginning around mid-May, along the edge of the Congaree floodplain. During the evenings of May 20, 21, 22 & 27, 28, 29, entry to the park will be limited to only 120 vehicles displaying a valid event pass. Event passes will be distributed via lottery in order to provide an equitable opportunity for all interested visitors in this limited, yet high-demand event. During the event, the park entrance gates will close to entry at 4:00 PM. Day-use visitors will exit the park by this time. Access to the firefly viewing area will open to ticket holders at 6:30 PM. During non-event days the frontcountry areas of the park (including the entrance road and visitor center) will be closed to the public after 4:00 PM. Please visit the park’s Fireflies webpage for additional information about this event. • Lottery Opens: March 31, 2022, 10:00 AM EDT • Lottery Closes: April 6, 2022, 10:00 AM EDT • Results Announced: April 14, 2022 • Event Dates: May 20-22 & 27-29, 2022
How to Get There
Parking for the Congaree Fireflies Experience will be in the parking lots outside of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. From Interstate 77 Exit 5: Follow Bluff Road (SC-48) for approximately 8 miles and then take a slight right onto Old Bluff Road. Follow Old Bluff Road for 4.5 miles to the park entrance sign and turn right. From Interstate 26 West, Exit 145: Follow US-601 North for 23 miles and turn left onto Bluff Road (SC-48). Follow Bluff Road for approximately 11 miles and turn left onto Mt. View Road. Follow Mt. View Road to Old Bluff Road and turn right and in approximately .5 miles turn left at the park entrance sign. If using a GPS, please use this address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, South Carolina. Typing in “Congaree National Park” is not guaranteed to direct you to the right location and may result in you missing your reservation for the event.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery
Heading to Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery?
No central reservation system listed for Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/300008) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery?
Parking for the Congaree Fireflies Experience will be in the parking lots outside of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. From Interstate 77 Exit 5: Follow Bluff Road (SC-48) for approximately 8 miles and then take a slight right onto Old Bluff Road. Follow Old Bluff Road for 4.5 miles to the park entrance sign and turn right. From Interstate 26 West, Exit 145: Follow US-601 North for 23 miles and tu…
How do I contact Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery?
You can reach the park at phone: 803-776-4396 or email: cong_information@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
