Congaree National Park · fireflies
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park near Columbia hosts a different synchronous species than the Smokies - Photuris frontalis, nicknamed the Snappy Single Sync, which fires a quick flash along the edge of the old-growth floodplain. The show runs roughly two weeks between mid-May and mid-June, with the 2026 event set for May 13-20. As at Elkmont, access during the event is by Recreation.gov event pass only, with 145 passes admitted per night (one passenger vehicle each). It pairs well with daytime boardwalk hikes through the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country.
Viewing window
About two weeks between mid-May and mid-June (2026 event: May 13-20); dates shift yearly
Species & access
Photuris frontalis (Snappy Single Sync) · Recreation.gov event-pass required · 145 passes per night
Where
Congaree National Park floodplain, Hopkins, South Carolina (near Columbia)
Nearest RV base
No in-park RV hookups; the park's Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds close during the event, so base in an RV park around Columbia, SC. RVs and trailers are not allowed at the viewing area itself.
Watch it honestly
Pass-gated and weather-dependent - rain can slow or stop the activity, and sightings are never guaranteed. Apply insect repellent before you arrive (no repellent can be applied after arriving at the park), use only red-mode or red-filter lights pointed at the ground, and do not use phones as flashlights or for flash photos. RVs, vehicles with trailers, large vans and buses are not admitted, and the in-park Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds close during the event, so stage your rig nearby and drive a smaller vehicle in.
Confirm the window + any lottery with the source: National Park Service - Congaree (Fireflies) .