VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE
Eldorado National Forest, CAVan Vleck Bunkhouse delivers two wildly different experiences depending on season — a summer ranch retreat accessible by car or a winter backcountry hut that demands a 6-mile ski tour with 1,300 feet of climbing. Either way, you're staying in the last building from a working cattle ranch that operated here for a century, perched at 6,000 feet with views across a 40-acre meadow to the Crystal Range.
Campground Details
- 💵Fee per Night
- $75
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 📍GPS
- 38.92917, -120.32500
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-644-2324
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
This isn't camping in any traditional sense. The 1957 bunkhouse sleeps up to six people across bunk beds, a queen bed, and a sleeper sofa, with a full kitchen, gas log stove, and indoor bathroom complete with shower. The 10x10 deck faces that meadow and the Tells Peak portion of the Crystal Range — a solid place to drink coffee and watch weather move through the mountains.
The building sits halfway up a small Sierra peak, about a half-mile from Cheese Camp Creek. You get six vehicle parking spots when the road is open, plus the usual outdoor setup of picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilet.
Winter Access
From January 1 through May 15, forget the car. Winter access means skiing or snowshoeing 6 miles from the Loon Lake Campground pullout, following blue reflective diamonds through intermediate to advanced terrain. The route crosses the South Fork Rubicon River bridge, passes an aspen grove, and cuts through Milkhouse Meadow before the final push to the bunkhouse.
The water system shuts down for winter, so you're melting snow or packing in water. The propane heater and cook stove still function, but count on headlamps and matches for light.
What to Know
Summer brings well water to the kitchen and bathroom, though the supply can fail during dry spells. You're still packing in food, cookware, bedding, and standard camping gear — this is a shelter, not a resort.
The Tells Creek Primitive Equestrian Trail launches into Desolation Wilderness from here, and Cheese Camp Creek offers stream fishing. Summer also opens mountain biking and standard Sierra hiking. Ice House Reservoir, with the nearest general store, sits 30 minutes away by car. In winter, that becomes Pollock Pines at 1.5 hours — plan accordingly.