Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery

Congaree National Park

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 16-25, 2024, entry to the park will be limited to 145 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 4:30 PM. Day-use visitors must exit the park by this time. Access to the firefly viewing area will open to ticket holders at 7:00 PM. 

 

Please visit the park’s Fireflies webpage for additional information about this event. 

• Lottery Opens: April 4, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT

• Lottery Closes: April 10, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT

• Results Announced: April 16, 2024

• Event Dates: May 16-25, 2024

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 16-25, 2024, entry to the park will be limited to 145 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 4:30 PM. Day-use visitors must exit the park by this time. Access to the firefly viewing area will open to ticket holders at 7:00 PM. 

 

Please visit the park’s Fireflies webpage for additional information about this event. 

• Lottery Opens: April 4, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT

• Lottery Closes: April 10, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT

• Results Announced: April 16, 2024

• Event Dates: May 16-25, 2024

Need to Know

Changes and Cancellations

Cost

Congaree Firefly Viewing Experience Lottery

Vehicle Parking Pass - $25.00

Max Number of Passengers – 8 (All passengers must be legally seated) 

Changes and Cancellations

There are no refunds, changes, or cancellations allowed for this event. All lottery applicants will be charged a $1.00, non-refundable application fee. Successful applicants will automatically be awarded a vehicle entry pass, and remaining balance will be charged to the same credit or debit card used for the application fee. If the charge to the credit card is declined for any reason, the reservation will be forfeited. Passes for no-shows will be forfeited and deemed void, and refunds will not be issued. Entry passes are only valid for the date specified.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

100 National Park Road Hopkins SC 29061

Phone Number

803-776-4396

Available Tours and Tickets

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