To save their marriage, Rita and Dana Lund set off on a family camping trip through California. At a campsite they meet a hitch-hiker, Eric, who befriends their son. Against Rita's wishes, Dana takes asks him to tag along with them, not knowing that he's a brutal psychopath.

The story of Kevin Arnold facing the trials and tribulations of youth while growing up during the 1960s and 70s. Told through narration from an adult Kevin, Kevin faces the difficulties of maintaining relationships and friendships on his enthralling journey into adulthood.