Burke Mountain Campground

- 214 Toll Rd, East Burke, VT 05832

Introduction / Overview: Camping at the Heart of Northeast Kingdom Adventure

For Vermonters seeking an affordable, convenient, and truly trail-side experience in the legendary Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain Campground stands out as the ultimate basecamp. Situated directly on the slopes of Burke Mountain, this unique location is much more than just a place to pitch a tent or park a small camper; it is a gateway to the region’s most exhilarating outdoor activities, particularly for the avid mountain biker.

Operated by the Burke Mountain Resort, the campground offers 25 sites, including five rustic lean-tos, providing a mix of options for campers from early May through the end of October. Its greatest appeal lies in its seamless integration with the mountain experience. Guests consistently rave about the ability to easily bike or drive over to the nearby Lodge, a benefit that significantly elevates the camping experience. One long-time local visitor describes their frequent spot here as their "vacation home," a testament to the comfortable, community-focused atmosphere. The tone is generally peaceful, with a crowd of outdoor enthusiasts who tend to wrap up their day early, ensuring quiet nights under the stars after a long day on the trails.

While the setting is rustic, the inclusion of modern amenities—especially access to the nearby hotel facilities—makes this campground a truly exceptional value for locals looking to maximize their Vermont mountain experience. It perfectly captures the essence of the Northeast Kingdom: incredible natural beauty paired with world-class recreation.

Location and Accessibility: Toll Road Access to Trails and Views

Burke Mountain Campground is uniquely positioned at 214 Toll Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, nestled on the mountainside between the Sherburne Base Lodge and the Mid Burke Lodge. This placement is key to its functionality as a recreational hub.

The site offers unparalleled accessibility to the area’s premier trail systems. Campers have direct, easy access to both the Burke Mountain Bike Park—renowned for its lift-accessed downhill trails—and the expansive, world-famous Kingdom Trails network. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the ability to roll out of your site and onto the trails is the pinnacle of convenience. The location is also an excellent starting point for hiking adventures in the surrounding Darling and Victory State Forests.

The famous Toll Road, which the campground is on, provides a scenic drive or hike to the summit of Burke Mountain, offering spectacular 360-degree views that are "for SURE worth it," as one reviewer noted. This historic road, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), is a destination in itself. While the location is excellent, potential visitors should be aware that the campground is best suited for tents, vans, small trailers, or those sleeping in their vehicles. The sites are rustic and are generally unpaved, which has led to some concerns from tent campers about compacted ground due to vehicle parking. While small trailers are welcome on select sites, this is not a large-RV park, preserving its mountain-side, trail-focused character.

Services Offered (The Essential and the Luxurious)

The services at Burke Mountain Campground are split between essential camping facilities and the unexpectedly luxurious access to resort amenities.

• Rustic Campsites: 25 individual sites are available, suitable for tents, vans, trucks, and small trailers (up to approximately 17 feet in length).
• Lean-to Sites: Five cozy, covered lean-to structures offer a slightly more sheltered, traditional camping experience.
• Water and Power: Generally, sites do not offer power or water hookups, providing a more rustic, classic camping experience.
• Bathhouse Facilities: A central bathhouse is provided, which includes flush toilets and hot showers. Many guests praise its cleanliness, describing it as "sparkling clean and fully stocked" and on par with a clean state park facility.
• Dishwashing Area: A dedicated outdoor sink with warm water is available at the back of the bathhouse for cleaning dishes.
• Fire Amenities: Picnic tables and fire pits are available at the campsites, making evening cookouts and s’mores a standard feature.
• Included Resort Access: Campers receive complimentary access to the Burke Mountain Hotel’s outdoor pool and hot tub, a significant value-add for relaxing tired muscles after a day of riding or hiking.
• Information and Essentials: The nearby Campground Store provides information, firewood, snacks, and soda.

Features / Highlights (Kingdom Trails and Resort Perks)

The greatest highlights of a stay at Burke Mountain Campground are directly tied to its proximity to world-class recreation and its unique access to resort comforts.

• Direct Kingdom Trails Connection: The campground offers direct, bike-in/bike-out access to the extensive Kingdom Trails system and the Burke Mountain Bike Park, making it the premier spot for cycling enthusiasts.
• Resort Relaxation Benefits: The inclusion of access to the Burke Mountain Hotel’s outdoor pool and hot tub is a major perk, transforming a rustic camping trip into a comfortable mountain retreat.
• Summit Views via Toll Road: Easy access to the historic Toll Road allows for stunning drives, hikes, or bike rides to the summit for panoramic views of the Willoughby Gap and surrounding mountains.
• Friendly, Helpful Staff: Reviewers consistently note the staff are very friendly and helpful, adding a positive, welcoming layer to the stay.
• Quiet, Outdoor-Focused Community: The campground is generally quiet, catering to a community of like-minded outdoor lovers who prioritize early starts and peaceful evenings.
• Affordable Mountain Stay: It provides a budget-friendly option for staying directly on the mountain, offering the location benefits of a resort without the hotel price point.

Contact Information

For reservations, seasonal operating dates (typically May through October), or to confirm current resort amenity access, please contact Burke Mountain Resort directly.

Address: 214 Toll Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA

Phone: (802) 626-7400

Mobile Phone: +1 802-626-7400

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Vermont Locals

For Vermonters, Burke Mountain Campground represents the perfect intersection of the state's rugged beauty and its renowned recreational infrastructure. This campground is ideally suited for local mountain bikers, hikers, and families who already appreciate the unparalleled assets of the Northeast Kingdom.

Firstly, it offers a prime, affordable location that minimizes travel time to the most exciting outdoor destinations—the Kingdom Trails and the Burke Mountain Bike Park. Locals can spend less time driving and more time enjoying the trails they love. Secondly, the complementary access to the Burke Mountain Hotel's pool and hot tub is a huge draw, offering a high-value amenity that transforms a simple camping trip into a more luxurious, comfortable stay. This is especially appealing for those seeking to soothe sore muscles after a challenging day of biking. Finally, the atmosphere is authentically Northeast Kingdom—a community of friendly, respectful people focused on outdoor adventure. While tent campers should note the preference for site management (and may need to improvise for softer ground), the overall experience is a high-quality, high-value opportunity for Vermonters to fully immerse themselves in the world-class recreation happening right in their own backyard. It’s the smart, local choice for a true mountain getaway.

Burke Mountain Campground

214 Toll Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA