Congaree National Park reopens

The waters are receding, and Congaree National Park is open again.

But many of the trails are open too, according to a park news release. Stop in at the visitors center for a status report on each trail.

The park, in Lower Richland, had been closed since Oct. 4 floods.

Meanwhile, the park announced that it will begin collecting fees for camping, effective Thursday. The fees will go toward maintenance and improvements at the park.

Fees for the Longleaf campground will be $10 per night for regular tent sites, and $20 per night for group camp sites. Bluff campsite fees will be $5 per night.

In addition to the collection of fees for camping, visitors will soon have the ability to reserve camp sites online.

The fees only apply to developed camping areas. There is no charge for entrance to the park or for camping in the backcountry, the news release said.

For more information about camping fees and Congaree National Park, call (803) 647-3970 or visit www.nps.gov/cong.

This story was originally published October 13, 2015 at 11:24 AM with the headline "Congaree National Park reopens."