Van Vleck Bunkhouse
Eldorado National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: CAMINO, CA, CA
Price: From $75 per night
Rating: 3.3 out of 5 (6 reviews)
Season: Year-round
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.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Showers, Electric Hookups, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/van-vleck-bunkhouse to be notified when sites open up.
Van Vleck Bunkhouse offers a unique backcountry experience in Tahoe National Forest with hiking, fishing, and horseback riding opportunities. Summer access by road and winter access via marked backcountry ski route appeal to different adventure levels.
Wildlife alert: Gray-headed Pika, Douglas' Squirrel, White-headed Woodpecker, Western Tanager, Nashville Warbler, Common Nighthawk, Northern Rubber Boa, and western rattlesnake present in the area.
Insider tips for Van Vleck Bunkhouse: Book early — this is a federal campground with limited availability. Summer access is via paved road; winter access starts from Loon Lake Campground vehicle pullout for backcountry skiers. Directions: From Placerville, 21 miles on Highway 50, left on Ice House Riverton Road (23 miles), right on Tells Creek Road (5 miles), left on gated road.
Skip Van Vleck Bunkhouse if: You need hookups — no hookups available at this site.. You require winter vehicle access — snow closes road Jan 1-May 15; winter entry requires backcountry skiing skills.. You seek developed campground amenities — this is a rustic bunkhouse with basic facilities..
Best time to visit Van Vleck Bunkhouse: June-December — Summer and fall allow road access; winter access (Jan 1-May 15) requires backcountry skiing with 6-mile trek and 1,300-foot elevation gain for intermediate to advanced skiers only..
Nearby campgrounds: Loon Lake Chalet (CAMINO, CA), Loon Lake (Twin Bridges, CA), Wench Creek (Pollock Pines, CA), Big Silver Group (POLLOCK PINES, CA).
Cell Phone Coverage at Van Vleck Bunkhouse
Cell signal at Van Vleck Bunkhouse (CAMINO, CA): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with limited availability.
Summer access is via paved road; winter access starts from Loon Lake Campground vehicle pullout for backcountry skiers.
Directions: From Placerville, 21 miles on Highway 50, left on Ice House Riverton Road (23 miles), right on Tells Creek Road (5 miles), left on gated road.
Summer and fall allow road access; winter access (Jan 1-May 15) requires backcountry skiing with 6-mile trek and 1,300-foot elevation gain for intermediate to advanced skiers only.
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
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 permi
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Eldorado National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Eldorado National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Van Vleck Bunkhouse cost per night?+
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