Free To Actively Enjoy

Building on its broad commitment towards equity, the University of South Carolina Lancaster welcomes the community to utilize many of its outdoor recreational areas when the facilities are not in use with campus-related activities. While these amenities are a great way to promote the campus to prospective students, the campus is also available for families and community groups to play and be physically active without having to drive out of town or pay a park fee.

Campus Amenities

Enjoy beautiful views on this shaded trail, located near the Gregory Family YMCA. Spend the afternoon hiking, finding hidden geocaches, and enjoying a picnic with friends. The woodland area surrounding campus was recently certified by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation as a Palmetto Wildlife Habitat.

Located behind the Gregory Family YMCA, the campus offers six tennis courts that are frequently used both recreationally by the community and the Lancaster High School’s Bruins tennis teams.

USC Lancaster has several walking routes and multiple bike rack locations throughout campus, making it easy for students and residents alike to walk or bike. Use this map to plan your next run or walk. We’re proud that USCL’s Hubbard Drive was the first road in the City of Lancaster to offer a bike lane, sidewalk, and crosswalk system in order for safe access for all users. The campus also hosts several annual 5Ks, including Laps for Lancers.

Community members can now rent outdoor recreation equipment for 90 minutes through a partnership with the Gregory Family YMCA at no cost to the user. Items include: cornhole, tennis balls, spike ball, bubbles, soccer ball, football, frisbees, and sidewalk chalk. Equipment is designed to be enjoyed while on campus. You do not have to be a member of the YMCA to enjoy the free recreation equipment rental program..

Hours: Outdoor recreation facilities can be used between 7:00 am - 5:00 pm (October to March) and 6:00 am - 8:00 pm (April to September) when campus-related or community organizations are not using such areas.
Facilities accessible to the public include: tennis courts, picnic pavilion, nature trails, sidewalks, and bike racks. The soccer/athletic field behind Carole Ray Dowling is not publicly accessible.
Use facility at your own risk.
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
No glass, alcohol, tobacco products, vaping, or other drug use.
All trash must be placed in a trash can.
Skateboard is prohibited.
Dogs must be on leashes.