Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Star0
5 reviews
4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, USA, 95709
Peace & QuietGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

July 1 - October 1 (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Van Vleck Bunkhouse
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate is $75 during non-peak seasons from July 1 to October 1. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-644-2324
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefullocation

"User reviews highlight Van Vleck Bunkhouse as a unique destination offering peaceful solitude and breathtaking mountain views. Positive sentiments often note the serene surroundings and rustic charm of the bunkhouse. Winter visitors frequently commend the challenge and adventure of the backcountry trek."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, USA, 95709

Van Vleck Bunkhouse

4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, USA, 95709

Driving directionsFrom Placerville, drive 21 miles on Highway 50, then turn left on Ice House Riverton Road. Go 23 miles north and turn right on Tells Creek Road. Then drive 5 miles east and turn left on the gated, dirt/gravel road to the bunkhouse, which is 0.5-miles ahead on the left side. Winter access is from the Loon Lake parking area. From Highway 50, go 28 miles north on Icehouse Road and take the right fork to Loon Lake. Go 5 miles to the plowed parking area at the entrance to the campground road. A permit and gate combination is required and should be arranged prior to arrival with the Pacific Ranger Station at (530) 644-2349.
Accessible via paved roads in summer; winter access requires skiing or snowshoeing on a 6-mile unmaintained trail with 1,300-foot elevation gain. Vehicle access is restricted in winter due to snow.
Nearby places
Placerville: 21 miles
Pollock Pines: 1.5-hour drive
Ice House Reservoir: 30-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Ice House Reservoir general store (30-minute drive during summer). Pollock Pines store (1.5-hour drive in winter).

Best Time to Camp at Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Summer unfolds with gentle mountain breezes and warm sunshine, making the bunkhouse easily accessible via scenic mountain roads perfect for family adventures. When winter cloaks the Sierra in its dramatic white mantle, Van Vleck transforms into a backcountry paradise where only those with intermediate to advanced winter skills dare venture. The 6-mile journey through snow-laden forests and crystalline meadows rewards the intrepid with an exclusive alpine experience few will ever witness.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

July–Oct road access, warm breezes, hiking, biking and fishing peak in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Quaking aspen create a golden spectacle in fall; scenic views emphasized.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring likely has snowmelt/limited access; fewer activity notes for this season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Accessible only by ~6-mile ski/snowshoe approach — rewarding but logistically challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 - October 1. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: July 1 - October 1 (reservable period)
  • Current Alerts: Winter access restricted to ski or snowshoe; water system shut down during freezing temperatures.

About Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Perched high in the Sierra Nevada, Van Vleck Bunkhouse beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. This year-round sanctuary transforms with the seasons: summer visitors wind their way up mountain roads to discover this rustic gem, while winter transforms the journey into an exhilarating 6-mile backcountry expedition on skis or snowshoes. From its weathered wooden walls, gaze across 40 acres of pristine meadow that once echoed with the lowing of cattle. As the sole survivor of the historic Van Vleck Ranch, this bunkhouse stands as a testament to Sierra Nevada's ranching heritage, offering modern explorers a chance to sleep where cowboys once rested after long days on the range.
Van Vleck Bunkhouse provides a cabin-style lodging experience. Unlike traditional campgrounds with tent or RV sites, this facility focuses on rustic cabin accommodations.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit and 6 nights within each year

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Van Vleck Bunkhouse provides a diverse range of recreational activities tailored to both summer and winter seasons. Summer options include mountain biking, hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, stream fishing in Cheese Camp Creek, horseback riding, and bird watching. Winter activities focus on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with access requiring an intermediate to advanced backcountry trek.
HikingHiking trails such as the Tells Creek Primitive Equestrian Trail lead into Desolation Wilderness, offering opportunities for both casual and experienced hikers. Trails vary in difficulty and are popular during the summer season.
FishingStream fishing is available in nearby Cheese Camp Creek, providing an outdoor activity for anglers during the summer months.
BikingMountain biking is a popular summer activity, with trails that traverse scenic landscapes around the bunkhouse.
Wildlife viewingBird watching is noted as a popular activity, and the surrounding meadow and wilderness area provide ample opportunities for wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area. Winter conditions can create challenging access and restrict amenities.
Active Alertsaccess is restricted to the Bunkhouse parking area. | Winter access restricted to ski or snowshoe; water system shut down during freezing temperatures.

Weather at Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Van Vleck Bunkhouse has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Van Vleck Bunkhouse as a unique destination offering peaceful solitude and breathtaking mountain views. Positive sentiments often note the serene surroundings and rustic charm of the bunkhouse. Winter visitors frequently commend the challenge and adventure of the backcountry trek.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews emphasize the tranquil environment, the scenic views of the Crystal Range, and the rustic yet functional amenities. The bunkhouse's remote location adds to the peaceful experience.
Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

No explicit complaints are documented in the source material.
Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing all essential supplies, including food, utensils, bedding, flashlights, and water during winter months due to the lack of electricity and seasonal water shutdown.
Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visitors appreciate the accessibility by road and variety of recreational activities like hiking and fishing. Winter visitors highlight the challenging trek and rewarding experience of...
Show more
Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Peaceful solitude engulfed in the beauty of the mountains." (Review by SHERRI K, rating: 5)
Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews related to individual campsites or areas within the bunkhouse.
Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressing accessibility features for campers with disabilities are provided.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information available concerning pet policies or pet-related experiences from users.
Based on 5 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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