The Lake Minnewanka area is one of the most scenic camping locations in Banff National Park. Two campgrounds — Two Jack Lakeside and Two Jack Main — sit on the shores of Two Jack Lake with views of Mount Rundle, while the nearby Lake Minnewanka itself offers boat tours, hiking, and mountain biking. It's the perfect base for exploring the quieter eastern side of the park.
Two Jack Lakeside Campground
This is the premium campground in the area and one of the most coveted in all of Banff National Park.
- Sites: 74 sites, including walk-in tent sites directly on the lakeshore
- Setting: Stunning. Many sites overlook Two Jack Lake with Mount Rundle rising behind. The lakeshore sites are among the most beautiful in the Canadian Rockies
- Facilities: Flush toilets, tap water, fire pits, picnic tables, and food storage lockers (bear-proof)
- No hookups: This is a tent and small-vehicle campground. No power or water hookups
- Season: Late June to early September (dates vary annually)
- Cost: Approximately $28–38 CAD per night
Why Campers Love It
The lakeshore sites at Two Jack Lakeside are legendary. Imagine waking up, unzipping your tent, and seeing turquoise water and a mountain reflected in morning calm — all from your sleeping bag. At night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky (minimal light pollution), and in autumn, the larch trees in the surrounding forest turn gold.
Two Jack Main Campground
The larger, more accessible option just a short drive from Two Jack Lakeside.
- Sites: 381 sites, including oTENTik (equipped camping tents) rentals
- Setting: Forested sites near (but not directly on) Two Jack Lake. Some sites have partial lake views
- Facilities: Flush toilets, tap water, fire pits, picnic tables, food storage. Some sites accommodate RVs
- oTENTiks: Pre-set canvas tents on raised platforms with beds, furniture, and a covered porch. A great option for those who want the camping experience without the gear
- Season: Mid-May to mid-October
- Cost: Approximately $28–33 CAD per night (oTENTiks are $120+ per night)
Reservations
Both campgrounds are reservable through the Parks Canada reservation system:
- When to book: Reservations open in January for the following summer. Popular dates (July weekends, August long weekend) sell out within hours
- How to book: reservation.pc.gc.ca — book online or by phone
- Cancellation policy: Cancellations accepted with a fee. Check Parks Canada for current terms
- Walk-in availability: Very unlikely for Two Jack Lakeside in summer. Two Jack Main occasionally has midweek availability
Things to Do Nearby
Lake Minnewanka
Banff's largest lake is just minutes from the campgrounds. Activities include:
- Boat cruise: A one-hour boat tour explores the lake's glacial waters and mountain-framed shoreline
- Hiking: The Lake Minnewanka trail follows the north shore for over 20 km — one of the best long day hikes in the park
- Mountain biking: The Stewart Canyon trail from the Minnewanka trailhead is a popular moderate ride
- Fishing: Lake Minnewanka is one of the few lakes in Banff where fishing is permitted (with a national park fishing licence)
Johnson Lake
A small, warm lake with a 3 km loop trail. The warmest swimming lake in the park — perfect for a midday dip. Short enough for families with children.
Bankhead Ghost Town
A short interpretive trail through the remains of a coal mining town that operated from 1903 to 1922. Historic foundations, machinery, and interpretive signs tell the story of this once-thriving community.
Camping Tips for the Minnewanka Area
- Firewood: Buy firewood at the campground or in Banff. Collecting firewood in the park is prohibited
- Bears: This is bear country. Store all food in the bear-proof lockers provided. Never leave food in your tent
- Water: Tap water is available at both campgrounds. Bring water bottles for hikes
- Night sky: Bring a star chart or an astronomy app. The dark skies here are extraordinary
- Morning calm: For photographers, the hour after sunrise at Two Jack Lakeside produces mirror reflections of Mount Rundle in the lake. Set your alarm
If camping isn't available, book nearby Banff accommodation on Expedia. Add guided lake tours and hiking excursions for the full Minnewanka experience.