How hard is it to get a campsite at Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Van Vleck Bunkhouse. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Van Vleck Bunkhouse, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Van Vleck Bunkhouse?

There are 1 campsites at Van Vleck Bunkhouse and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Established Camping

Van Vleck Bunkhouse

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Van Vleck Bunkhouse is located in the Eldorado National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of pine and fir trees. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Desolation Wilderness and Lake Tahoe, offering opportunities for hiking and water activities.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Eldorado National Forest

Overview

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. Summer guests can access the bunkhouse by road and enjoy the simple pleasure of the cabin and nearby hiking and horseback riding. Winter guests take on a more challenging adventure and must traverse a 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.

Recreation

Popular summer activities include mountain biking, hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, stream fishing in Cheese Camp Creek, horseback riding, and bird watching. The Tells Creek Primitive Equestrian Trail leads into Desolation Wilderness. In winter, cross country skiing or snowshoeing is required to reach the bunkhouse, so these are the featured activities of the trip.

Natural Features

Van Vleck sits halfway up a small peak of the Sierra Nevada, about a half-mile from Cheese Camp Creek, at an elevation of 6,000 feet. The front deck overlooks a meadow and offers a view of the Crystal Range. If skiing or snowshoeing to the bunkhouse, guests will pass over a bridge on the South Fork of the Rubicon River, and past a small aspen grove and Milkhouse Meadow.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest general store is at Ice House Reservoir, a 30-minute drive away. In winter this is closed, so the nearest store is in Pollock Pines, a 1.5-hour drive away. Tells Creek Primitive Equestrian Campground is located near the bunkhouse.

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Location

Van Vleck Bunkhouse is located in California

Directions

From 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.