Cowpens National Battlefield

Cowpens National Battlefield is a national battlefield run by the National Park Service in South Carolina.

In the park service’s words

A pasturing area at the time of the battle, this Revolutionary War site commemorates the place where Daniel Morgan and his army turned the flanks of Banastre Tarleton's British army. This classic military tactic, known as a double envelopment, secured a patriot victory.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Become a Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Junior Ranger (1 to 5 Days): The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Junior Ranger Program features five units of the National Park Service! Complete the activities and earn a Junior Ranger badge!
• OVVI Junior Ranger: Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Junior Ranger booklet and directions.
• Green River Road on the OVNHT (45 to 60 Minutes): Exploring the Green River Road (Hiking, Equestrian)
• Cowpens Bicycling: Cowpens Bicycling Information
• Cowpens Junior Ranger Program (45 to 120 Minutes): Cowpens Junior Ranger program.
• Horseback Riding at Cowpens National Battlefield: Horse Riding Regulations at Cowpens
• Cowpens Nature Trail (25 to 90 Minutes): Cowpens Nature Trail

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The visitor center parking lot is open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. The front gate closes at 5:00 pm. Loop Road closes at 4:30 pm. After hours parking is located 1 mile east at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hayes Road and is open dawn to dusk. Visitor Center is open Wed - Sunday 9 - 5.

Getting there

From I-85 S, take exit 83. Turn left on Hwy 110, approx. 8 miles. Turn right on Hwy 11. The park is about a half mile on the right. From I-85 N, take exit 92, turn right toward Chesnee on Hwy 11, approx.10 miles on the left. From I-26 E, take exit 5, turn left toward Chesnee on Hwy 11, approx. 20 miles on the right. From I-26 W, take I-85 North, take exit 83. Turn left on Hwy 110, approx. 8 miles. Turn right on Hwy 11. The park is about a half mile on the right.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• [Cowpens National Battlefield](): Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The visitor center and visitor center parking lot are open 9:00 - 5:00, with the exception of certain federal holidays. Loop Road and picnic area close at 4:30. Front gate closes at 5:00. After hours parking is located 1 mile east at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hayes Road.

Weather

Temperatures for the area range from very hot and humid in the summer to cool and moderate in the winter. http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.1346&lon=-81.7036#.VhkrZ-xVhBc

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Great Smoky Mountains, about 104 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Cowpens National Battlefield (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.