Yurts are dwellings that originated in Central Asia centuries ago. In recent decades, state parks around the country have adopted yurts as fun alternatives to tent and RV camping that offer a great balance between rugged and comfortable. Traditionally made of poles and skins, today’s yurts use modern materials for sturdy, comfortable structures. Find out for yourself why yurts are quickly becoming a popular way to camp by booking one of these campgrounds with yurts!
1. Nehalem Bay State Park, Oregon
Why We Love it:
- Located between the ocean and bay, lending itself to spectacular scenery and many beach activities
- Large number of yurts available to rent (18)
- Half of the yurts allow pets
Nestled between the bay and ocean, Nehalem Bay State Park comprises a 4-mile-long sand spit that juts out into the water. This campground with yurts is set amidst shore pines surrounded by rolling dunes. A short walk over the dunes is the beach, a favorite spot for sea lovers in search of relaxation and shore-time activities like flying kites, building sand castles, or fishing. Take a walk along a forest trail for breathtaking views of the bay, and possibly spot grazing deer or elk. In addition to the 265 electrical sites with water, there are also 18 yurts – 9 of which are pet friendly – and feature a large, covered porch to enjoy the sounds of the ocean.
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2. Golden Hill State Park, New York
Why We Love it:
- Located on the shores of Lake Ontario
- A historic lighthouse is located within the park
- Both summer and winter hiking/snowshoeing opportunities
This 500-acre park is located on the sweeping south shore of Lake Ontario and is among the memorable campgrounds with yurts. Within the park is the Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse, built in 1875 from hand-carved stone. The striking structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is open to the public. Besides enjoying the lake and lighthouse, the park has pavilions and tables for picnicking, a playground and playing fields, and trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Golden Hill State Park has 6 yurts for rent, as well as one cottage.
3. Sweetwater Creek State Park, Georgia
Why We Love it:
- Yurts are on the water with great views
- Explore Civil-War era textile mill ruins
- These yurts include hardwood floors and decks
Just minutes from Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park is 2,549 acres of peaceful wilderness intersected by Sweetwater Creek. The park features the 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir and the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill that burned down during the Civil War. There are miles of trails that wind through woods and fields, and climb up bluffs for dramatic views of the rapids below. There are 10 yurts available that provide the adventure of tent camping, but with the added comfort of furniture, beds, hardwood floors, and decks.
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4. Hyde Memorial, New Mexico
Why We Love it:
- Beautiful terrain set in Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- Fun winter activities like sledding and tubing
- 3 yurts with beds, furniture, hardwood floors, and a heater
Set amidst the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in a forest of pine beside Little Tesuque Creek is Hyde Memorial. In fact, this park was New Mexico’s first state park. A quick drive from Santa Fe, the park is a great camping spot any time of year. There are miles of hiking trails that offer sweeping views of the rugged terrain. Winter is a special time in the park with plenty of snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, and cross-country skiing to be had along the snow-blanketed hillsides. The park features 3 yurts with beds, furniture, hardwood floors, and a heater.
5. Pearl Lake State Park, Colorado
Why We Love it:
- Serene, remote location in the mountains
- Year-round fishing opportunities (ice fishing, and fly and lure fishing)
- Two yurts with electricity, heat, picnic tables, and wraparound decks with great views
This serene, remote location is a gem in the state park system and one of the best campgrounds with yurts. Located in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, Pearl Lake provides the ideal backdrop to many wilderness activities. The 166-acre lake is beloved for ice fishing in winter, canoeing, and fly, and lure fishing in warmer months. A trail system bisects the park, with fantastic opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling, as well as access to an additional expanse of national forest. Campers have outstanding views of the lake and surrounding peaks from the 36 campsites and two yurts. The yurts have electricity and electric heat, with water hydrants nearby. A wrap-around deck provides amazing views, and there is also a picnic table and a fire ring.
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6. Eisenhower State Park, Kansas
Why We Love it:
- Multiuse trails
- Plenty of wildlife spotting
- Two primitive yurts
Eisenhower State Park is a stunning backdrop for some excellent outdoor fun. Hiking and biking on the multi-use trails are a favorite pastime. You may spot some wildlife viewing among the tall prairie grass and rolling hills. Turkeys, quail, fox, and bobcats are at home here. There are two primitive sleeper yurts available.
7. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Why We Love it:
- Set amongst picturesque, sandstone rock formations
- Ample on and off-trail hiking opportunities within the park
- 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City – A more remote location that helps you unplug and get away
Goblin Valley State Park is named for the sandstone rock formations called “hoodoos” or “goblins.” These unique, must-see formations are the result of layered sand and silt followed by millions of years of erosion. Campers can meander down trails and even wander off trail to explore these formations or drive to the San Rafael Swell to check out the many slot canyons and ATV trails just outside of the park. There are two furnished yurts, making this one of the most memorable campgrounds with yurts.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!