VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

About VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

Overview 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. 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.Facilities The bunkhouse has a 10x10' deck, two rooms and an indoor bathroom with a flush toilet, shower and sink. Outside is a vault toilet, picnic table, and campfire ring. The parking area accommodates up to six vehicles. The main living area includes a kitchen, a table with chairs, a gas log stove, a sleeper sofa and a bunk bed. The bedroom has another bunk bed and a queen-size bed. The heater and cook stove operate on propane. During the summer season, the bunkhouse is supplied with well water. Hot and cold running water is available in the kitchen, bathroom sinks, and the shower. Please conserve water as the supply is limited and can run out during dry perio

How to Get 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 permit and gate combination is required and should be arranged prior to arrival with the Pacific Ranger Station at (530) 644-2349.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE

Heading to VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)