Burke Mountain Campground

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For those of us living in Vermont, the allure of the Northeast Kingdom is undeniable. This region, a sprawling expanse of mountains, forests, and charming villages, embodies the very essence of our Green Mountain State. It's a place where outdoor adventure thrives, from world-class mountain biking to serene hiking trails, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. When it comes to finding the perfect base camp for these adventures, a spot that truly understands the needs of an outdoor enthusiast while offering genuine hospitality is highly sought after. Nestled within this vibrant landscape, Burke Mountain Campground in East Burke, VT, stands out as an exceptional choice.

This article is crafted to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Burke Mountain Campground. We'll explore what makes this a "Great campground!" as praised by visitors, highlighting its unbeatable location, the services it provides, its unique features, and why it's consistently recommended for those seeking an authentic Vermont outdoor experience. As one customer aptly put it, the administration's care "is what differenciate coorporate greed and small business," suggesting a truly dedicated approach to ensuring a positive experience for every camper.

Burke Mountain Campground is a dedicated outdoor camping facility located at 214 Toll Rd, East Burke, VT 05832. It is an integral part of the larger Burke Mountain Resort, seamlessly blending a rustic camping experience with convenient access to resort amenities and the vast recreational opportunities of the surrounding area. The campground is nestled "between the Sherburne Base Lodge and Mid Burke Lodge," offering a unique, elevated position on the mountain itself.

Operating seasonally from early May through the end of October, Burke Mountain Campground provides 25 sites in total, catering primarily to tent campers and those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience. Among these, there are 5 unique lean-to sites, offering a classic Vermont backcountry shelter with a touch more comfort than a tent. A key characteristic of this campground is that it does not offer power or water hookups at the campsites themselves, reinforcing its focus on a more primitive, yet well-supported, camping experience. However, guests are not without modern conveniences; all campground guests receive access to the Burke Hotel pool and hot tub, and free Wi-Fi is available in the Burke Hotel. This blend of rustic charm and resort-level amenities, coupled with its "absolutely 💯 great location!" for exploring "the mountain and nice trails," makes Burke Mountain Campground a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts. As one hopeful future visitor noted, "I have no doubt that their campground is handled with care and love," speaking to the perceived dedication of the management.

Burke Mountain Campground's address at 214 Toll Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA, places it in an enviable location within Vermont's famed Northeast Kingdom. This position directly on Burke Mountain offers unparalleled "easy access to the Burke Mountain Bike Park and Kingdom Trails," making it a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.

The campground serves as "the perfect starting and end point for hiking in the surrounding Darling and Victory State Forest," providing immediate access to a vast network of trails. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging ascent, the natural beauty of the area is literally at your doorstep. The historic Toll Road to the summit of Burke Mountain is a major attraction, offering "amazing views and access to hiking trails, paragliding launch sites and downhill mountain-biking trails." A short drive up the Toll Road allows you to reach the summit for "stunning 360° views of the surrounding mountain ranges," including the Willoughby Gap, which can be enjoyed with a picnic mid-way at the pavilion.

Beyond the immediate mountain, the vibrant village of East Burke is nearby, offering a quaint New England experience with local shops, eateries, and a strong community vibe. The broader Northeast Kingdom is a hub for outdoor activities, with numerous lakes like Lake Willoughby and Crystal Lake offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. For those who enjoy exploring further, attractions like the Great Vermont Corn Maze and various local sugarhouses (especially during maple season) are within a reasonable drive. This combination of on-site adventure and regional accessibility makes Burke Mountain Campground an exceptional launchpad for exploring the best of Vermont's outdoors.

• Tent Sites: Offers designated tent sites, providing a traditional camping experience.
• Lean-to Sites: Features 5 unique lean-to shelters, offering a rustic, three-sided structure for camping.
• No Hookups at Sites: Important to note that individual campsites do not have power or water hookups. This emphasizes a more primitive camping style.
• Access to Burke Hotel Pool & Hot Tub: All registered campground guests receive key card access to the swimming pool and hot tub located at the nearby Burke Mountain Hotel, providing a welcome amenity for relaxation and refreshment. (Guests must bring their own towels).
• Hot Showers: Access to hot showers is provided for campers, likely located at the Burke Hotel or a central bathhouse.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available in the Burke Hotel.
• Sugar Shack: A small attendant-staffed building (Sugar Shack) is open during specific hours (8 am-Dusk on weekends; 2 pm-Dusk midweek) to assist campers.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is available for purchase on site.
• Outhouses/Composting Toilets: While not explicitly stated for every site, a campground of this nature typically provides basic restroom facilities in the camping area. The availability of "showers required" for hotel pool access suggests a central facility.
• Pet-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but must remain on a leash, not be left unattended, and owners are required to clean up after their pets.
• Access to Toll Road (vehicle/hiking/summit bike trails): Fees apply for vehicles on the scenic toll road, but it provides vital access to hiking and mountain biking trails from the summit. (Passholders may have different access).

• Unbeatable Location for Mountain Biking: Directly adjacent to the Burke Mountain Bike Park and Kingdom Trails, recently voted the "BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL NETWORK in North America." This is a major draw for cyclists.
• Direct Trail Access for Hiking: Serves as the "perfect starting and end point for hiking" in the surrounding Darling and Victory State Forests, with numerous trails easily accessible.
• Scenic Toll Road to Summit: Offers a unique opportunity to drive or bike up the historic Toll Road to Burke's summit for "stunning 360° views" of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Willoughby Gap.
• Lean-to Camping Option: Provides a traditional and sought-after Adirondack-style lean-to experience, offering shelter with a more open feel than a tent.
• Access to Burke Hotel Amenities: A significant perk is complimentary access to the Burke Hotel's indoor pool and hot tub, offering a luxurious way to relax after a day on the trails.
• Dedicated and Caring Administration: Praised by visitors for their accommodating nature and "care and love" in handling the campground, reflecting a commitment to guest satisfaction. One customer specifically noted how they "accomodated us considering the circomstances" during a flood cancellation.
• Rustic Charm with Essential Comforts: While sites are primitive (no hookups), the availability of clean showers, free Wi-Fi in the hotel, and the Sugar Shack for attendant assistance balances the rustic feel with necessary comforts.
• Pet-Friendly: Allows well-behaved dogs, making it a great option for those who travel with their furry companions.
• Proximity to East Burke Village: Conveniently close to the charming village of East Burke, offering dining options and local amenities.
• Beautiful Northeast Kingdom Setting: Immersed in the natural beauty of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, providing a picturesque backdrop for an outdoor getaway.

Burke Mountain Campground, being part of the larger Burke Mountain Resort, integrates into some of the resort's broader offerings, particularly regarding access to amenities and special rates for passholders.

While specific campground-only "promotions" beyond their standard pricing structure are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the key "special offer" for campground guests is the included use of the Burke Hotel Pool and Hot Tub. This is a significant amenity that adds substantial value to a basic camping experience.

For those who are also active at Burke Mountain, there are broader resort-level deals that might indirectly benefit campers or encourage them to visit:

• Passholder Discounts: Burke Mountain, Berkshire East, and INDY Passholders may receive discounts on lodging at the Burke Mountain Hotel, which could be appealing for those who combine camping with other resort activities. VMBA (Vermont Mountain Bike Association) members also receive 20% off lodging at the Burke Mountain Hotel.
• Kingdom Trails Package: The resort offers a "Kingdom Trails Package" that includes one Kingdom Trails day pass per person per night of stay, although this is generally tied to hotel lodging, it highlights the close relationship with the trails.

It is important to note that specific camping rates are $52.00 per night for a lean-to and $42.00 per night for a tent site (with holiday/weekend rates slightly higher at $55.00 and $45.00 respectively), for up to 4 people. Additional campers are $5.00 per extra person per night. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any potential offers, it is always best to contact Burke Mountain Campground directly.

For inquiries, reservations, or to get the most up-to-date information regarding Burke Mountain Campground, please use the following contact details:

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

Phone: (802) 626-7400

Mobile Phone: +1 802-626-7400

Email inquiries can also be sent to fdesk@skiburke.com.

It's highly recommended to call ahead, especially for reservations, given the campground's popularity, particularly with mountain bikers and hikers during the peak season (May through October). Be sure to inquire about check-in procedures, as guests must check in at the Sugar Shack between 4 pm and 8 pm.

For us Vermonters, Burke Mountain Campground in East Burke offers an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable camping experience, perfectly aligning with our love for the outdoors and the unique charm of the Northeast Kingdom. Its appeal to locals stems from its strategic location, a commitment to outdoor recreation, and a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.

Firstly, the campground's "absolutely 💯 great location!" is its strongest suit for local outdoor enthusiasts. Being directly on Burke Mountain, with "close to the mountain and nice trails," means unparalleled and immediate access to the world-renowned Kingdom Trails and the Burke Mountain Bike Park. For those of us who live to hike, bike, or simply explore the vast natural beauty of our state, this direct access saves precious travel time and maximizes our time on the trails. It's the ultimate base camp for adventures in the Darling and Victory State Forests.

Secondly, the campground's dedication to providing a more traditional, rustic camping experience (without site-specific hookups) resonates with many Vermonters who appreciate getting back to basics while still having access to essential comforts. The inclusion of the Burke Hotel pool and hot tub access is a brilliant touch, allowing for a refreshing contrast to a day spent on rugged trails. This blend of primitive camping with convenient amenities offers the best of both worlds – genuine outdoor immersion balanced with comfort.

Finally, the "care and love" demonstrated by the administration, as highlighted by a local reviewer who experienced their accommodating nature during a cancellation due to flooding, speaks volumes. This level of personalized service and understanding is what differentiates a truly local, community-minded business. It fosters trust and encourages repeat visits, knowing that the campground is "handled with care and love." For Vermonters seeking a convenient, authentic, and well-managed hub for their outdoor pursuits in the stunning Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain Campground stands out as an ideal choice.

Burke Mountain Campground

214 Toll Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, USA