Destination Daycation: Upstate SC
Lakeside hangs, Swamp Rabbit spins, campfire nights
If you’re craving a quick escape that blends mountain water, city trail riding and cozy camp vibes, Upstate SC delivers. This Destination Daycation packs in a full day (and night) of fresh air and freedom, all within easy reach of downtown Greenville.
We loaded up a Highland Rigs van, packed the cooler and hit the road — everything we needed, zero overthinking.
Stop 1: Pedal Easy with Reedy Rides
We rolled in, parked the rig with ease and stopped by Reedy Rides (2 South Richardson Street), one of our favorite Destination Daycation partners and an easy recommendation if you’re looking to explore Greenville on two wheels. This locally and family-owned shop has been doing it right since 2010, with a huge lineup of rental options including e-bikes and regular bikes for all kinds of riders.
Why we love it:
- Easy parking and a super convenient location
- They supply EVERYTHING: helmets, locks and maps
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff who actually care about your ride
They set us up on e-bikes and pointed us toward the best stops along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, including where to grab bites and cold beers. Zero stress, all adventure.
Beyond rentals, Reedy Rides is also a full-service bike repair and sales shop, which makes them an even better partner for a Greenville getaway. Whether you’re renting for the day, tuning up your own ride or shopping for your next bike, we’d highly recommend their crew.
Stop 2: Cruise the Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is Greenville’s crown jewel — a 22-mile greenway connecting downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest, winding along the Reedy River through parks, green space and local hotspots.
Trail highlights:
- Local trail cafe for incredible sandwiches and Highland beers
- Unity Park — expansive green space, splash pad, natural playground and local art installations
- Honor Tower — climbed 10 stories for 360° views of downtown Greenville and the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Swamp Rabbit sculpture — 10 feet of iconic public art by Dale Rogers Studio
- The Commons — quick recharge with exceptional coffee from Methodical Coffee
We didn’t make it all the way to Travelers Rest this time, but honestly, that just means we’ve got a reason to come back. The vibe here is laid-back, welcoming and perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Stop 3: Lakeside Hangs at Lake Jocassee
Next up: we cooled off just about an hour outside downtown Greenville at one of the clearest lakes in the Southeast — Lake Jocassee. Trust us, this one sets the tone.
With the Highland Rigs van packed out with tubes and a SUP, getting set up was easy. We found our own little stretch of shoreline and built out a lakeside basecamp with our trusty Daycation cooler, loaded with Daycation IPA and Highland Gold.
From there, it was all about slowing down.
- Inflated tubes and a SUP
- Turtlebox speaker bringing the soundtrack
- Crystal-clear water for hours of floating and soaking it all in
We inflated the tubes and paddleboard while bumping tunes on our good-ole Turtlebox speaker – a Great Outdoor Provision Co. pick-up. We even had a first timer on the paddle board — and honestly, it’s the perfect place to give it a go. Motor boats are limited on the lake, so it stays calm, quiet and ideal for trying out a new water sport without the chaos.
Fun fact: there’s actually a sunken town beneath Lake Jocassee, which makes it a popular scuba diving destination. Yep — a whole underwater world sitting just outside Greenville, SC.
Lake Jocassee hits different. Quiet, refreshing and just remote enough to feel like you’ve really gotten away without the long trek.
Stop 4: Settle In at Cold Spring Base Camp
When the sun starts to drop, we packed up and headed about 45 minutes north to Cold Spring Base Camp — where your Daycation turns into an overnight reset.
Tucked into 38 acres of pure Upstate beauty, this spot has a camping option for every type of outdoor lover:
- Rustic tent sites near a stream
- Rustic cabins, somewhat open to the elements but complete with outdoor cooking essentials
- Cute AF A-frame cabin with… a REAL bed
- Private tree house nestled in the woods with whimsical lights, swinging bridge access and a bathroom
What stood out:
- Private sauna and cold plunge tucked into the woods
- Creek-fed plunge tub with crisp mountain water
- Fire pit hangouts perfect for winding down
The cold plunge? We weren’t sure at first, but after that first round, we were hooked and went back for more. Having a hot sauna just a few steps away makes it way easier to take the plunge again and again.
The whole setup feels fully immersed in the landscape — surrounded by rhododendrons and mountain laurel. It’s one of those places where you actually slow down without trying.
For those who prefer to… not go to the bathroom in the woods… the brand-new bathhouse is a game changer — clean showers, toilets, modern amenities and everything you need to stay comfortable.
We posted up with friends, climbed up top on the rig for sunset views and let the pace of the day finally slow all the way down.
Campfire hangs, upgraded
As the night settled in, we circled up around the fire. S’mores were non-negotiable, stories started flowing and the cooler came back into play.
There’s just something about a cold Daycation IPA or Highland Gold by the fire. Daycation IPA, with its bright citrus notes, pairs surprisingly well with gooey, chocolatey s’mores — seriously, don’t overthink it. Gold keeps things crisp, clean and easy between bites.
It’s that perfect mix of smoky, sweet and refreshing that turns a good night into a great one.
We posted up, made s’mores, cracked a few more and let the night stretch out the way it should.
The Takeaway
Upstate SC makes it easy to pack a lot into a little time — mountain water, scenic rides, campfire nights and cold beers all in one loop.
Your Daycation game plan:
- Morning float at Lake Jocassee
- Midday ride with Reedy Rides
- Cruise and explore the Swamp Rabbit Trail
- Camp and unwind at Cold Spring Base Camp
No rush. No pressure. Just good people, fresh air and a cooler full of Highland Daycation.
Plan Your Greenville Daycation
If you’re based in WNC or anywhere across NC, SC, GA or TN, this one belongs on your list. It’s close, it’s easy and it delivers.
Pack the cooler. Grab the bikes. Hit the road. We’ll see you out there.