About Van Vleck Bunkhouse
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Equestrian-Friendly
Bedrooms
Kitchen
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Pets and Policies
- Equestrian-Friendly
Cabin Interior
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
Views and Setting
- View
001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
- 6 guests
Site Details
Reviews (8)
What Guests Are Saying
The Van Vleck Bunkhouse is praised for its beautiful wildflower scenery and peaceful setting, making it a lovely retreat for nature lovers. Guests enjoyed their stay, noting comfortable facilities and good hiking opportunities, despite some challenges like a broken hot water heater and occasional mice. However, there were significant concerns regarding cancellations and lack of communication about amenities, with one group expressing frustration over a refund issue after canceling their trip.
What Guests Are Saying
The Van Vleck Bunkhouse is praised for its beautiful wildflower scenery and peaceful setting, making it a lovely retreat for nature lovers. Guests enjoyed their stay, noting comfortable facilities and good hiking opportunities, despite some challenges like a broken hot water heater and occasional mice. However, there were significant concerns regarding cancellations and lack of communication about amenities, with one group expressing frustration over a refund issue after canceling their trip.
Review Summary
Sherri K
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
Peaceful solitude engulfed in the beauty of the mountains.
Andrea S
VerifiedMay 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
Wasn’t able to access cabin. Road wasn’t plowed. Would require 5 mi of snowshoeing to get there.
Michael A
VerifiedSeptember 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
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!!!!!
John K
VerifiedOctober 1, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
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.
mary e
VerifiedNovember 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
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!
Monique S
VerifiedApril 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
Wondeful
Susan S
VerifiedJuly 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
Gorgeous wildflowers and night skies. Love this place.
Crystal N
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
We love this place. The solar for lights is nice toxic, its been 8 years s8nce I was there as t is usually booked up.
The locks on the gate and the lockbox door were vey hard to open i hope this is addressd soon
Also, had a difficult time getting gate code.
But this is a wonderful getaway.
Be sure to bring your own bedding and towel
Location & Directions for Van Vleck Bunkhouse
Eldorado National Forest Placerville Ranger District, Camino, CA 95709 United States
Elevation: 1,987 ft
Getting There
From Placerville, drive 21 mi on Highway 50, then turn left on Ice House Riverton Road. Go 23 mi north and turn right on Tells Creek Road. Then drive 5 mi east and turn left on the gated, dirt/gravel road to the bunkhouse, which is 0.5-miles ahead...
From Placerville, drive 21 mi on Highway 50, then turn left on Ice House Riverton Road. Go 23 mi north and turn right on Tells Creek Road. Then drive 5 mi 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 mi north on Icehouse Road and take the right fork to Loon Lake. Go 5 mi 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 20, 2026
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Explore Camino, CA
Population: 2,079
Elevation: 3,133 ft
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