Camp Kiki

- 201 E Darling Hill Rd, East Burke, VT 05832

Introduction / Overview: Your Trail-Side Sanctuary in East Burke

For Vermont locals who consider the Kingdom Trails a second home, Camp Kiki is more than just a place to sleep—it’s the hyper-local, purpose-built basecamp that maximizes every minute of your outdoor adventure. Tucked away on East Darling Hill Road in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom, this small, family-owned campground offers a unique and highly sought-after camping experience perfectly tailored for mountain biking and non-motorized recreation enthusiasts.

Camp Kiki operates with just two private, well-appointed campsites, known as “Sunrise” and “Birch Run.” This low-density approach ensures a quiet, private, and exceptionally spacious experience, a stark contrast to larger, crowded campgrounds. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends who want an authentic, primitive camping feel without sacrificing key comforts and, most importantly, unparalleled access to the trails. The owners, Lisa and Jim, are known for their incredibly helpful and responsive nature, often going out of their way to provide local insights and ensure a fantastic stay. It’s this hands-on, community-focused approach that earns the campground five-star reviews and leaves guests wishing they could stay "a few more nights."

While the camping is primitive—meaning no water or electric hook-ups at the sites—the strategic location and included amenities make for a simple, yet elevated, stay. Whether you are an experienced mountain biker or are just trying the mellow green trails, Camp Kiki’s location at the bottom of the famous Kitchel trail provides a logistical advantage that simply can't be beat.

Location and Accessibility: Footsteps to Trails and Town

Camp Kiki boasts one of the most envied locations in the entire East Burke area, solidifying its place as the ultimate hub for recreational visitors. The physical address is 201 E Darling Hill Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA.

Its positioning is a dual-threat of convenience:

The Trails: It is located directly on the Kingdom Trails network, offering true “ride-in, ride-out” access. The sites are positioned right at the bottom of the Kitchel trail, placing riders immediately onto a critical artery of the network. This eliminates the need to drive, park, or shuttle to the trailhead, allowing campers to hop on their bikes and immediately hit the renowned trails. This is a massive advantage for both hardcore mountain bikers and those looking to explore the beginner-friendly Wildflower trails.

The Town: Despite being trail-side, Camp Kiki is also conveniently "walkable to town." East Burke’s charming village center—home to restaurants, bars, a grocery store, and a bike outfitter—is just a short, easy stroll away. This allows guests to truly settle in, park their car (up to two vehicles are allowed per site), and not touch it again until they check out. Access to supplies, a cold beverage, or a sit-down meal is refreshingly simple.

The campsites can accommodate various set-ups, from multiple tents to small camper vans or travel trailers up to 20 feet in length, making it accessible even for those with a small RV who don’t require full hookups.

Services Offered

Camp Kiki’s services focus on enhancing the comfort of a primitive camping experience, with thoughtful touches specifically for the mountain biking community.

• Campsites: Only two separate, large, and private primitive campsites are offered (Sunrise and Birch Run), each accommodating up to six campers.
• Tent Platform: Every site includes a large 12’ x 12’ cedar tenting platform, ensuring a dry, level, and clean space for tent pitching.
• Vehicle Accommodation: Sites can accommodate up to two vehicles and one small camper or camper-van/small travel trailer up to 20 feet long.
• Water & Electricity: Please note that these are primitive sites—there are no water, electric, or sewer hook-ups. Fresh water (typically 5 gallons) is often provided by the owners.
• Sanitation: Each campsite is equipped with its own private, well-maintained port-a-potty.
• Fire Amenities: Every site features a stone-ringed fire pit for cozy campfires, and firewood is available for purchase on site.
• Food Prep Area: A wood prep table and a picnic table are provided for convenient outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Gear Storage: A dedicated bike rack is included at each site, a necessary and appreciated amenity for mountain biking guests.
• Waste Management: Trash and recycling bins are provided on-site, and owners manage the removal.
• Showers: Coin-operated outdoor showers ($1.00 fee) are available 24/7 at the nearby Mike's Tiki Bar, just a short walk or ride from the campground.

Features / Highlights

Camp Kiki’s reputation as a "hidden gem" is built upon a few key features that are invaluable to the local outdoor adventurer.

• Unrivaled Trail Access: The number one highlight is the direct ride-in/ride-out access to the Kingdom Trails, particularly being located at the bottom of the popular Kitchel trail. This is the ultimate convenience for cyclists.
• Exceptional Privacy and Space: With only two sites, the atmosphere is quiet, spacious, and highly private, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy the forest setting.
• Walkability to East Burke Village: The short walk to town means easy access to the Orange Rind, Mike’s Tiki Bar, the general store, and the bike outfitter, greatly reducing reliance on a vehicle during your stay.
• Thoughtful Camp Setup: The inclusion of a cedar tent platform, a dedicated wood prep table, and a private port-a-potty provides comfort and organization often missing from primitive sites.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The spacious, private nature of the sites makes Camp Kiki a great option for pet owners, with plenty of room for dogs to run within the camp area.
• Responsive, Local Owners: Guests consistently praise the owners, Lisa and Jim, for being incredibly informative, helpful, and attentive, offering a personalized experience that enhances the trip.

Contact Information

For booking inquiries, reservation details (sites are often booked well in advance), or to coordinate an extended stay, please contact the owners directly.

Address: 201 E Darling Hill Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA

Phone: (802) 227-2543

Mobile Phone: +1 802-227-2543

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Vermont Locals

Camp Kiki is an absolute treasure for Vermont locals looking for the perfect Northeast Kingdom getaway. It understands the local priorities: maximizing time on the trail and minimizing hassle. The primitive, yet well-equipped, nature of the sites is a perfect fit for the independent Vermonter who cherishes quiet, outdoor living but appreciates a clean, reliable base.

The key factor is the location. To have true ride-in/ride-out access to the Kingdom Trails while also being able to walk into East Burke village for a beer or a meal is a unique proposition that large, mass-market campgrounds simply cannot offer. It allows locals to experience the heart of the Northeast Kingdom’s mountain biking scene without the need for constant driving. For the family looking for a memorable, quiet, and easily accessible spot, or the rider wanting to be the first one on the trail, Camp Kiki delivers an unparalleled experience. Its small size, personal service, and exceptional location make it the intelligent, local choice for an authentic and convenient Vermont mountain adventure.

Camp Kiki

201 E Darling Hill Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA