Use fridge in Eastern Sierras, CA or not?

[Sierra86]

My DW and I will be making our maiden voyage next weekend to the Eastern Sierras in our new E3.  I know there are bears up there.  I have never had a problem with bears in the past getting into food and such.  Should I keep all food out of the fridge and keep everything in coolers outside? We are camping at Four Jeffrey Campground near South Lake outside Bishop.  I don't think this campground has bear lockers.  Any thought would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Diplomat]

We camped quite a bit in our PU in bear country and just followed the rules that we did when tent camping.  Our thinking was that we were still camping in a tent, it just has more room and a nicer floor than out backpacking tents!  Better safe than sorry.

[mike4947]

The best advice is call the rangers at the camp site before hand or ask when you get there what their recommendations/requirements are. They live with the animals all the time and are the best source of needed local bear precautions.

[beacher]

Just returned from a week in the Bridgeport area!  There are "officially" bears, and mountain lions where we were camping at Willow Springs.  However, they are seen so regularly that the locals can mention Jimmy Carter in the same sentence when talking about close sightings.

If there are no bear lockers, it generally means that any local bears are considered more of an occasional visitor, than a contant threat.  Call the campground and see what they recommend, and they will also provide any recent bear activity history.

BTW, last Friday evening I almost ran into a nice sized black bear as I was driving out of the parking lot at Mono Village at Twin Lakes.  Surprised the heck out of my family and I!  Not to worry though, Twin Lakes is at least two hours away from South Lake! :p

Oh, and Bring us back some more Chile Cheese Bread from Schat's, we are almost all out!!;)

[Sierra86]

Just returned from a week in the Bridgeport area!  There are "officially" bears, and mountain lions where we were camping at Willow Springs.  However, they are seen so regularly that the locals can mention Jimmy Carter in the same sentence when talking about close sightings.

If there are no bear lockers, it generally means that any local bears are considered more of an occasional visitor, than a contant threat.  Call the campground and see what they recommend, and they will also provide any recent bear activity history.

BTW, last Friday evening I almost ran into a nice sized black bear as I was driving out of the parking lot at Mono Village at Twin Lakes.  Surprised the heck out of my family and I!  Not to worry though, Twin Lakes is at least two hours away from South Lake! :p

Oh, and Bring us back some more Chile Cheese Bread from Schat's, we are almost all out!!;)

I called the Forest Service up there and they said that they don't see too many bears up in the Bishop Creek Canyon, hence the reason for not having bear lockers at the campground.  But they covered there butt by stating that there is always the possibility of having a bear in the area and to be cautious when camping and storing food anywhere.  So, I will play it safe and use an ice chest for the meat and other food and maybe only use the camper fridge for waters and drinks.  

This is our first trip in our new PUP and I really just want to use everything.  I will most likely be stopping at Schat's and Meadow farms to stock up on goodies before we head up the hill.  I can't wait!!!

Thanks for the advice!

[OC Campers]

I camp up in Bridgeport, we sometimes have bears come in to camp maybe one night per trip. I hate to admit it but I use the interior fridge on my Pop Up. I put my food boxes and cooler in my truck at night, being sure to cover them with something so a bear can't see the shape of the cooler.
 
 I also have some totes with non consumables like paper plates and such in them. I always leave those open so a bear can poke his nose in without trashing the tote.I saw this theory in action once when a very large bear walked in to camp and nosed around in each tote. Finding nothing of value, he went on his merry way without causing any trouble.
 
Putting food in the Pop Up is probably not reccomended but it seems the bears always find a food box or cooler some fool left out rather than tear in to my pop up.This usually brings some late night enntertainment for us.
 
I also know people who dribble bleach around their camp. they say it keeps them out of your stuff. I doubt it works but it probably helps them sleep better.
 
Randy

[wavery]

Just returned from a week in the Bridgeport area!  There are "officially" bears, and mountain lions where we were camping at Willow Springs.  However, they are seen so regularly that the locals can mention Jimmy Carter in the same sentence when talking about close sightings.

If there are no bear lockers, it generally means that any local bears are considered more of an occasional visitor, than a contant threat.  Call the campground and see what they recommend, and they will also provide any recent bear activity history.

BTW, last Friday evening I almost ran into a nice sized black bear as I was driving out of the parking lot at Mono Village at Twin Lakes.  Surprised the heck out of my family and I!  Not to worry though, Twin Lakes is at least two hours away from South Lake! :p

Oh, and Bring us back some more Chile Cheese Bread from Schat's, we are almost all out!!;)

I sure hope that you patronized the High Sierra Bakery while you were there :sombraro: . I hear that they have the best pastries and bread that side of the Rockies.