The Campsite That Changed How I Travel

The First Impression

Nestled right along the turquoise waters of Two Jack Lake, the site felt like a hidden pocket of calm. The air was crisp, the mountains towered in the distance, and the scent of pine drifted through the breeze. I set up my Kelty Highroads Overlanding Shelter (still my favorite tent for van camping — spacious, weatherproof, and quick to pitch) in less than ten minutes.

That’s when it hit me: travel isn’t always about covering more miles — sometimes it’s about staying still long enough to truly take in a place.

The Little Things That Made a Big Difference

I spent the first afternoon just sitting at the water’s edge, watching the light shift across the lake. My Lepro Rechargeable Camping Lantern cast a warm glow when the sun dipped behind Mount Rundle, and I brewed coffee on my Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove as the stars began to scatter across the night sky.

Instead of rushing to plan the next leg of my trip, I let the stillness sink in — a slow, grounding kind of travel that made me appreciate every detail.

Life at the Campsite

Over the next few days, I took early-morning paddles, hiked nearby Lake Minnewanka trails, and watched elk graze in the misty dawn. I learned to pack lighter and more intentionally. My Collapsible Camping Kettle made morning tea without taking up precious space, and my Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair became my front-row seat to some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen.

Everything I brought had to earn its space — and I realized I didn’t need as much as I thought.

How It Changed My Travel Style

Two Jack Lakeside taught me that “adventure” doesn’t have to mean constant motion. It can mean slowing down, connecting with your surroundings, and creating a home wherever you are.

Now, I look for places that invite me to linger. I travel with gear that’s versatile and compact — pieces like my EcoFlow River Pro Power Station so I can keep my camera charged without hunting for outlets, or my MSR PocketRocket Stove for quick one-pot meals.

Travel feels richer, calmer, and somehow more mine.

If You Go to Two Jack Lakeside Campground

• Book Early: Reservations open months in advance and sell out quickly.

• Pack for Cool Nights: Even in summer, temperatures can drop.

• Stay Longer Than You Think: Give yourself time to settle in, not just stop by.

This campsite didn’t just give me a few nights of peace — it reshaped the way I approach every trip. If you’re feeling burnt out on constant movement, I can’t recommend slow, immersive travel enough.

Gear I used and loved on this trip:

• Kelty Highroads Overlanding Shelter – Spacious, quick setup, perfect for solo or couple camping.

• Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove – Reliable cooking anywhere.

• Lepro Rechargeable Camping Lantern – Long battery life and warm light.

• Collapsible Camping Kettle – Saves space without sacrificing comfort.

• EcoFlow River Pro Power Station – Keep your devices powered off-grid.

• Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair– Lightweight, comfortable, easy to carry.