Burke Mountain Campground, Burke, VT

Introduction / Overview: Your Ultimate Basecamp in the Northeast Kingdom

When it comes to outdoor adventure in Vermont, the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) is a legendary destination, and Burke Mountain is its undisputed hub. The Burke Mountain Campground serves as the single most strategically located basecamp for those looking to immerse themselves in the region’s world-class recreation. Operated by the resort, this campground is not just a place to sleep—it’s the launch pad for your mountain biking and hiking adventures.

Open seasonally from early May through late October, Burke Mountain Campground offers a rustic yet convenient stay directly on the slopes of Burke Mountain. With 26 sites, including traditional tent sites and sturdy lean-tos, it caters to outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize trail access over excessive amenities. Its primary selling point is its unmatched proximity to the Burke Mountain Bike Park and the expansive, world-renowned Kingdom Trails network. For locals who want to maximize their riding time or simply enjoy the true mountain atmosphere of the NEK, this location is simply unparalleled.

While the facilities are basic, they provide exactly what the core visitor needs: a safe, clean, and incredibly convenient spot to recover before hitting the trails again. It is highly recommended for individual adventurers, riding groups, and families whose main focus is aggressive outdoor activity and being first on the trails in the morning. Potential guests should be aware that the atmosphere, especially on busy weekends, can lean toward a lively, high-energy crowd, reflecting its status as a premier mountain biking destination.

Location and Accessibility

The location of Burke Mountain Campground is its most defining and valuable feature, placing campers right in the heart of the action.

Address: 223 Sherburne Lodge Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA

The campground is nestled mid-mountain, situated specifically between the Sherburne Base Lodge and the Mid-Burke Lodge, providing truly trailside access. This means campers are mere steps away from the lift-serviced Burke Mountain Bike Park and the extensive singletrack of the Kingdom Trails. You can literally roll your bike straight out of your site and onto the trails.

Accessibility is straightforward via Sherburne Lodge Road, which leads directly from the East Burke village. While the mountain setting provides a secluded feel, the campground is only a short drive into the charming town center, offering easy access to local shops, restaurants, and mountain biking-focused businesses. Additionally, the location serves as an excellent starting point for hiking in the picturesque Darling and Victory State Forests, with the historic Burke Mountain Toll Road providing access to summit views, hiking trails, and the iconic fire tower. Given its deep connection to the resort and its proximity to the vast trail networks, this location is tailor-made for the dedicated outdoor sport community in Vermont.

Services Offered

Burke Mountain Campground offers essential amenities focused on supporting the active camper, with the added benefit of resort-level perks:

Variety of Campsites: The campground features 26 sites in total, including both traditional tent sites and five covered Lean-tos, providing options for basic shelter with a roof.
Limited Trailer Accommodation: Self-contained trailers are accepted on select, larger sites, but there is a maximum length limit of 17 feet. Full RV parking is not allowed anywhere on the Burke Mountain campus.
No Hookups: The campground is primitive in nature, offering no power or water hookups at the individual campsites, ensuring a more rustic, unplugged experience.
Centralized Restroom and Shower Facilities: Basic facilities are available, though as noted by users, there is a singular bathhouse serving all 26 sites, which can result in occasional wait times during peak usage periods.
Campground Attendant: A campground attendant is available at the Sugar Shack (or Camp Store) during set hours (typically 8am to dusk on weekends and 2pm to dusk midweek) to assist with info and retail purchases.
Firewood Available: Firewood can be purchased directly on-site to facilitate evening campfires.
Access to Burke Mountain Hotel Amenities: Registered campers receive the unique benefit of utilizing the adjacent Burke Mountain Hotel's facilities, including the indoor pool, hot tub, and free WiFi access (showers required before pool/hot tub use).

Features / Highlights

What makes Burke Mountain Campground a standout choice for the local enthusiast are the features that directly support a high-adrenaline, trail-focused vacation:

Direct Trail Access: The single greatest feature is its immediate and unparalleled access to the Burke Mountain Bike Park and the over 100 miles of the world-famous Kingdom Trails network. Campers can ride in and out from their sites seamlessly.
Lean-to Availability: The presence of five solid, covered lean-to sites offers an excellent intermediate lodging option, providing shelter from the elements while maintaining a true camping feel.
Resort-Level Relaxation Perks: The inclusion of free access to the Burke Mountain Hotel’s pool and hot tub is a significant highlight, offering an essential and luxurious way for bikers and hikers to soothe sore muscles after a long day on the trails.
Clean Site Maintenance: Customers consistently report that the sites themselves are clean and well-maintained, providing a tidy and pleasant area for pitching a tent or setting up a small trailer.
Staff Friendliness: The camp staff is generally described as friendly and welcoming during check-in, enhancing the overall positive experience upon arrival.
Mid-Mountain Scenery: Being located mid-mountain on a ski resort provides a unique, dynamic, and beautiful setting, surrounded by the forests and slopes of the Northeast Kingdom.

Contact Information

For booking and more detailed information, the campground is managed directly by the Burke Mountain Resort.

Address: 223 Sherburne Lodge Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA

General Resort Phone: (802) 626-7333

Toll-Free Reservations/Lodging: (866) 966-4820

General Email: info@skiburke.com

The campground operates seasonally, typically from May through late October, so it is crucial to check the resort’s website for specific opening and closing dates, as well as to make reservations in advance.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For the Vermont local, especially those in the cycling or hiking community, Burke Mountain Campground is the definitive destination for an adventure-focused weekend. It removes the friction between campsite and trail, giving you immediate access to the Kingdom Trails—a resource that Vermonters rightly consider a point of state pride. Its affordability compared to hotel lodging allows locals to spend more time and money enjoying the region’s outdoor activities and vibrant local economy.

This is the campground for those who are serious about their activity—where a quick, easy exit onto the trail is more important than a fully paved site. While the atmosphere may be spirited and less than totally silent on some weekends due to its popularity among groups of adventurers, it represents the energy and vitality of the Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails community. For a true NEK enthusiast, the unparalleled proximity to world-class mountain biking, coupled with the luxury of a hotel hot tub for recovery, makes Burke Mountain Campground a truly indispensable resource for enjoying the best of Vermont’s outdoor summer season.