OutReserve

Van Vleck Bunkhouse

The Van Vleck Bunkhouse
VanVleck
VAN VLECK MEADOW
Bedroom picture
Bedroom

About Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Winter guests take on a more challenging adventure and must traverse an approx. 6-mile trek with a 1,300-foot elevation gain to reach the bunkhouse. The route is marked by blue reflective diamonds and this journey is for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers only. Winter vehicle access from Jan. 1 through May 15 is restricted by snow. Winter user access is from the Loon Lake Campground vehicle pull out. Summer guests can access the bunkhouse by road and enjoy the simple pleasure of the cabin and nearby hiking and horseback riding. Vehicle access is restricted to the Bunkhouse parking area. Van Vleck Bunkhouse overlooks a 40-acre meadow and the Tells Peak portion of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada, providing a rustic camping experience year-round. Built in 1957, the bunkhouse is the last remaining building at the Van Vleck Ranch site. The area was operated as a cattle ranch from the 1860s to the 1960s. 

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Jul 1

001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (6)

What Guests Are Saying

Guests generally enjoyed their time at Van Vleck Bunkhouse, appreciating the comfortable facilities and beautiful, restful setting. While there were issues such as a broken hot water heater and an abundance of mice, these did not significantly detract from the overall experience. However, some visitors faced significant challenges with cancellations, lack of communication regarding amenities, and access difficulties due to unplowed roads.

Review Summary

3.3
6 reviews
5
33.3%
2
4
33.3%
2
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
33.3%
2

Monique S

Verified

April 29, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

5

Wondeful

mary e

Verified

November 21, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

4

We had a very nice time at the bunkhouse. The hot water heater was broken, but we knew about that beforehand and it didn't inconvenience us that much. We hiked the trail from the cabin. Trail signs were scarce and we had a little difficulty finding the trail we wanted but it was a nice hike anyway.
There were many mice in the cabin that came out at night (and sometimes in the day). Recommend keeping all your food in sealed containers!

John K

Verified

October 1, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

4

Was as advertised. The facility is comfortable and everything worked. Was a little too warm inside during the day (this is during September) Beautiful, restful setting on a meadow. Hiking opportunities are mostly along dirt roads in the forest, surrounded by trees.

Michael A

Verified

September 2, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

1

We did not go…Cancelled 2 days prior to going…. 2 wks before, we received notice of no fires in ring, how do you bbq?….next one week before no hot water heater; no hot showers, no water for dishes, 3 days before…well out, no potable water, bring your own and no way to flush toilets..family on way from LA and SF and all women over 70…What are we to do???? CANCEL!!!….Now they still haven’t refunded any of our fees like the 2 employees at the ranger office who told us they would 2 days before we were to go because some higher employee said since we cancelled within 2 weeks of the event, we are not to be paid the full amount….We paid and reserved back in February a cabin with no showers, no potable water, no toilet, no water heater…..WTF?? Wherz our money????…..and we never went to Van Vleck Bunkhouse EVER!!!!!

Andrea S

Verified

May 21, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

1

Wasn’t able to access cabin. Road wasn’t plowed. Would require 5 miles of snowshoeing to get there.

Sherri K

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

5

Peaceful solitude engulfed in the beauty of the mountains.

Location Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Address:
Eldorado National Forest Placerville Ranger District
Camino, CA, 95709
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 38.9292 / -120.325

Elevation: 1987 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by USDA Forest Service