5 Tips for Camping with Kids: Our First Trip to the Eastern Sierras
We recently took a spontaneous camping trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, and it was full of "firsts" for our family. Normally, we plan things far in advance, but this time we decided just over a week before our long weekend to pack up and go. We’d never been to the Eastern Sierras before, despite living just a few hours away, and we’d heard the fall colors were something special—almost surreal for California. So, we rolled the dice and managed to snag the last available campsite near a lakeside view, which felt like a sign the trip was meant to be.
The trip turned out to be exactly what we needed—a few days disconnected from tech and the hustle of daily life, and reconnecting with each other and nature. We’re already dreaming of our next visit! Here are a few things we learned along the way that may help if you're planning a trip with kids to the Eastern Sierras (or anywhere, really!):
1. Be Bear Aware
Bears are a common sight in the area, so making sure your food is stored safely is crucial. Many campsites provide bear boxes—metal lockers with special latches that bears can’t open. You may also see bear-proof trash cans. We made sure to utilize these resources, keep food out of our vehicle and cleaned up anything that might attract curious bears. Follow campsite food and trash procedures to avoid any unwanted nighttime visitors!
2. Check for Hookups (Or Be Ready Without Them)
Many campsites in the area don’t offer electrical or water hookups. We brought a generator to power essentials like our refrigerator and water heater. Since we didn’t want to haul extra weight while navigating steep roads, we left our water tank empty and filled up at the campground’s potable water stations when we arrived. We were also lucky to be close to bathroom facilities, which meant we didn’t have to use the trailer’s water tanks as much. It’s a good idea to research what amenities your campsite offers before you go!
3. Don’t Panic if You Forget Something
One of the surprises of our trip was how well-stocked the small town mini-marts and general stores were. After realizing we’d forgotten a bag of refrigerated staples (bread, eggs, bacon… you know, essentials for a camping breakfast!), we were relieved to find everything we needed nearby. While prices were higher than usual, it wasn’t outrageous. So, if you forget something, chances are you’ll be able to find what you need, or at least a reasonable substitute.
4. Check Local Fishing Regulations
Here’s a tip that saved us from accidentally breaking the law! Not all areas along the lakes and rivers are legal fishing spots during certain seasons. We didn’t know this until chatting with someone at this Lee Vining Sporting Goods store, but we were glad we found out before heading out. Always check local fishing regulations (like those from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife) before casting a line.
5. Embrace the Simplicity
We didn’t pack a lot of toys or entertainment for the kids, and I worried they’d get bored with only a few things. But to our surprise, the simplicity was a huge win! Our 3-year-old and 8-year-old spent hours riding their bikes, playing charades, making s’mores, and exploring the campground with glow sticks after dark. It was a great reminder that kids don’t need much to have fun—just some open space, a little imagination, and maybe a good campfire.
This spontaneous trip turned out to be one of our favorite family adventures. The Eastern Sierras, with their stunning fall colors and peaceful lakes, were the perfect backdrop for us to slow down and just be together. If you’re considering a camping trip with kids, don’t hesitate to jump in and try something new. Whether it's a spontaneous trip or a well-planned outing, the memories you create will be well worth it.
By sharing these lessons learned, I hope it helps your next camping trip run a little smoother and be just as enjoyable.