How much does camping cost at Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

Camping fees at Van Vleck Bunkhouse are $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Van Vleck Bunkhouse first-come first-served or reservation?

Van Vleck Bunkhouse accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Van Vleck Bunkhouse before I book?

Yes! Van Vleck Bunkhouse has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

Van Vleck Bunkhouse is open January 01 to October 01. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

Yes, Van Vleck Bunkhouse has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Van Vleck Bunkhouse have?

Van Vleck Bunkhouse has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

Pets are not allowed at Van Vleck Bunkhouse. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

Van Vleck Bunkhouse offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

Popular activities at Van Vleck Bunkhouse include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Van Vleck Bunkhouse

5 reviews

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

Top 10% in CAFall

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

July 1 - October 1 (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

July 1 - October 1 (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Van Vleck Bunkhouse

$75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

530-644-2324

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Van Vleck Bunkhouse

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

Nearby places

Placerville: 21 miles

Pollock Pines: 1.5-hour drive

Ice House Reservoir: 30-minute drive.

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.

Weather at Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Current alert: access is restricted to the Bunkhouse parking area.

Best Time to Camp at Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable weather, dramatic mountain colors, and lighter crowds — days are typically crisp and sunny (around 45–70°F) with cold nights (20s–40s), and the aspen/black oak color change in late September is spectacular. Trails are firm, bugs are gone, and fishing in Cheese Camp Creek remains excellent as trout forage actively before winter. Expect fewer visitors than mid-summer, making it the quietest, most scenic time for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Peak months: September, August, July, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Described as best season: crisp sunny days, aspen turn gold in late September, lighter crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to October 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: July 1 - October 1 (reservable period)

About Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Van Vleck Bunkhouse sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest near Camino, operated by the Placerville Ranger District. This small cabin retreat offers rustic lodging with flush toilets, showers, and potable water, serving as a base for hiking and fishing along Cheese Camp Creek. Reviewers praise the tranquil setting and scenic Crystal Range views from this remote location.

Van Vleck Bunkhouse provides a cabin-style lodging experience. Unlike traditional campgrounds with tent or RV sites, this facility focuses on rustic cabin accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable weather, dramatic mountain colors, and lighter crowds — days are typically crisp and sunny (around 45–70°F) with cold nights (20s–40s), and the aspen/black oak color change in late September is spectacular. Trails are firm, bugs are gone, and fishing in Cheese Camp Creek remains excellent as trout forage actively before winter. Expect fewer visitors than mid-summer, making it the quietest, most scenic time for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Peak months: September, August, July, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCheese Camp Creek runs through the property, bordered by aspen stands that turn gold in late September. Milkhouse Meadow spreads out across 40 acres below the bunkhouse, framed by granite peaks of the Crystal Range. At 6,000 feet, the terrain is classic Sierra: weathered granite, mixed conifers, and open meadow. The aspen and black oak color change in fall draws photographers.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe bunkhouse provides rustic lodging with amenities such as bunk beds, a queen-size bed, a sleeper sofa, a kitchen, and indoor bathroom facilities. The propane-powered heating and cooking equipment ensure comfort despite the lack of electricity. The facility is accessible by road during summer and requires backcountry skiing or snowshoeing during winter.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit and 6 nights within each year

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available at Recreation.gov.

Site SizeNot applicable as the campground focuses on the bunkhouse lodging.

PrivacyPrivacy is ensured due to the isolated nature of the bunkhouse and its surrounding environment.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring climbing skins for skiing; plan for water supply and lighting during winter.

Need help booking Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Due to freezing temperatures, the water system is shut down during the winter. If available, melt and boil snow for water during winter months, or bring water with you. There is no electricity.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Van Vleck Bunkhouse

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails (Tells Creek) lead into Desolation Wilderness; bunkhouse used as a hiking base.

Fishing4.0/5

Stream fishing available in on-site Cheese Camp Creek during summer.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Mountain biking is described as a popular summer activity on local trails.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Bird watching noted; meadow and wilderness habitat support wildlife viewing.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Isolated bunkhouse at 6,000 ft in national forest implies dark skies and good stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Crystal Range vistas, Milkhouse Meadow and fall aspen displays offer photogenic scenes.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Van Vleck Bunkhouse

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From Booking Sources

0.0

5 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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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...

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Van Vleck Bunkhouse

$75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-644-2324

Go if

You want a quiet cabin retreat with full facilities in a forested setting near hiking and fishing.

Skip if

You prefer tent or RV camping, need multiple lodging options, or want summer season access.

Nearby Campgrounds

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST/PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, 95709, USA

Loon Lake Chalet sits in Eldorado National Forest's mid-elevation terrain near Camino, California, operated by the Placerville Ranger District. This very small facility offers cabin rentals and a handful of RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus vault toilets and potable water. Summer brings the most reliable access for hiking, fishing, and biking, while winter conditions often require tire chains and the area has no cell coverage.