Andrew Jackson State Park in South Carolina, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-23. Check linked official notices before travel.

Andrew Jackson State Park near Lancaster, South Carolina, combines a museum about Jackson's boyhood with wooded walking trails, a fishing lake and a campground. It works as a history stop with time outdoors, but the museum and replica schoolhouse keep shorter hours than the park. Check those schedules before planning a visit around the exhibits.

Backcountry history beside a small lake

• Museum and schoolhouse: explore late-18th-century backcountry life and view a replica schoolhouse when it is open.
• Boy of the Waxhaws: Anna Hyatt Huntington's sculpture depicts the young Andrew Jackson.
• Two different walks: choose the woodland Crawford Trail or the more demanding loop around the lake.

Check separate park and exhibit schedules

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Allow for roots, slopes and road crossings

The lakeside Garden of the Waxhaws Trail has rooted ground, steep sections and wet areas. Take care after rain. Crawford Trail crosses a road twice; on the second crossing, the route follows the road to the left for about 150 feet before reconnecting. Use insect repellent in warm weather.

Follow the pet and lake rules

Keep pets under physical restraint or on a leash no longer than 6 feet in permitted outdoor areas. Remove a pet that disturbs wildlife or other visitors. Gasoline motors are not allowed on the lake. Private boats must be small enough to carry from the parking lot to the water.

Book camping and arrange exhibit access separately

The park's camping instructions require a minimum two-night reservation. For a booking less than one day before check-in, contact the park directly. Organized groups must arrange the primitive group camping area with staff; it is separate from the regular campground.

Call about weekday museum access before arriving. School groups should arrange the Discover History program at least four weeks in advance. Program availability depends on staff, volunteers, weather and the event calendar.

Find the park north of Lancaster

Use 196 Andrew Jackson Park Road, Lancaster, South Carolina 29720. The park is about 9 miles north of Lancaster off US-521. From the SC-5 junction, follow US-521 north for about half a mile to the park on the right. Use the official park map to orient yourself, then follow current signs for the museum, lake and campground.

Other state parks for a regional drive

• Landsford Canal State Park: a Catawba River stop reached from US-21 and Park Drive near Catawba.
• Chester State Park: another road-trip option, about 2 miles west of Chester on SC-72. Check each park's own access and hours before adding a stop.

Choose history, a trail or time on the lake

The museum interprets Jackson's childhood and the Revolutionary War's effect on the backcountry community. The schoolhouse is a replica, and access follows its own seasonal schedule. Look for the historic orchard and herb garden, which interprets plants used for food, dyes, flavoring and medicines.

Crawford Trail is a 1.1-mile woodland loop rated easy. Garden of the Waxhaws is a 1-mile loop rated moderate, with a route around the 18-acre lake. Read the official trail descriptions before choosing between them.

Bank fishing, an accessible fishing pier and rental fishing boats provide different ways to use the lake. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required. Bream must be released; check the current rules before fishing for other species. Confirm rental availability rather than assuming a boat will be ready on arrival.

A small campground and day-use facilities

The campground has 25 sites: 22 with water and electricity, and three with full hookups. Five paved sites accommodate RVs up to 36 feet; 20 gravel sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. Choose by the individual site's details. Restrooms with hot showers and a dump station serve the campground.

Day-use facilities include picnic shelters, a playground and restrooms. The park lists an accessible fishing pier; call about the approach and other access needs. There is no park Wi-Fi, so save directions and booking details before departure.

About Andrew Jackson State Park

The Waxhaws and the Revolutionary War

The park interprets Andrew Jackson's boyhood in the Carolina backcountry and the effects of the American Revolution on the community. Its museum uses artifacts and exhibits to tell that story. Lancaster County donated the property to the state in 1953.

Woodland and lakeside habitats

Crawford Trail passes oak, cedar and pine woodland, where deer, rabbits and birds may be seen. The lakeside trail adds opportunities to observe waterfowl. Observe from the trail without approaching animals.

Andrew Jackson park information

Call 803-285-3344 for museum appointments, camping questions and access needs. Check the official park profile for current visitor notices.