The last weekend of September took me back to Spednic Lake, one of my favorite spots in New Brunswick for quiet camping and lakeside sunsets. I rolled in Friday afternoon, scored the prime campsite right at the point, and to my surprise—I had the entire place to myself.
This was my third trip with the KampKeeper SUV Tent, and setup is a breeze. Within minutes I had my camp dialed in, cracked open a cold beer, and settled in to watch the clouds part for a fiery September sunset. The sky cleared just in time for stargazing—although I’d left my Canon and lenses at home, so it was a smartphone astrophotography night. Still, nothing beats falling asleep under a “five billion star hotel.”
A Perfect September Night at Spednic Lake
The evening brought a steady 12 km/h breeze rolling off the lake. Nothing too harsh—just enough to remind me fall was here. My hammock sleeping bag setup kept me warm, and I even woke at 3 a.m. to step outside and soak in the stars. The peace and silence were unreal.
By morning, I was up gathering firewood and enjoying the crisp air. A couple pulled in late and were shocked that I had the whole point to myself. Through the day, several cars drove down but, seeing the site taken, parked closer to the entrance—leaving me with my little slice of wilderness all weekend.
Overlanding Gear Check: Power Lessons Learned
Not everything went perfectly. My auxiliary battery and Bluetti power stations struggled to keep the fridge running all weekend. The fridge only draws 25–30 watts when the compressor kicks in, but the weak battery wasn’t up to the task. It’s clear that before my next trip, I’ll need to upgrade my battery setup to ensure reliable off-grid power.
Thankfully, the XC70 performed flawlessly. This wagon—my third Volvo, second wagon—hit a milestone this weekend: 333,000 km and still eating up the miles like new. For an adventure rig, I couldn’t ask for better.
Cooking Over the Fire: Lakeside Dining
Saturday evening was all about cooking over the coals. By late afternoon the wind had calmed, giving me the perfect window to cook up pork chops, potatoes, onions, and vegetables. With the leaves turning vibrant around me, the colorful dinner felt right at home. Sitting at the picnic table with a hearty meal, a cold beer, and the sun dipping behind Spednic Lake, I couldn’t help but think: hell yeah, life is good.
As the GoPro captured a timelapse of the sunset, the forecast reminded me of the realities of fall camping—40 km/h winds and heavy overnight rain. I had a choice: ride it out and pack soaked gear in the morning, or break down camp while it was still dry. With no schedule to follow and no rush to get home, I decided to pack it all up and leave on a high note.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Spednic Lake
This trip was another reminder of why I love solo camping in New Brunswick. The silence, the freedom, the space to just exist without distraction—it’s something I’ll never take for granted. Sure, my power setup needs work, but that’s part of the process. Each trip teaches me what works and what needs to evolve.
With the XC70 running strong, the KampKeeper tent holding steady, and Spednic Lake delivering unforgettable views, I’m already planning the next adventure.
