Sometimes the idea of camping can be daunting and a better choice might be “glamping” or rather camping with many more amenities. If you don’t want to get too fancy, you can try yurt camping. Camping in a yurt, or a large round tent, is a relatively comfortable way to experience the outdoors. Nomads in Asia used to live in these types of structures. In Mongolian, the word “yurt” means “home.” Campgrounds with yurts exist all over the country. Here are a few from ReserveAmerica where you may wish to pack your bags and get on the road to the closest one.
Trap Pond State Park, Delaware
Trap Pond State Park is known for its pond with a launch ramp for paddling and small motorized boats. Spend the day exploring and catch a glimpse of the wildlife along the shores. Get a license and try your hand at fishing: you may land a pickerel, bluegill, or catfish. Normally you don’t see bald cypress trees this far north, but a natural stand exists here. You’ll find the shaded campground on the northern shore under a forest canopy of hardwood trees and towering pines.
McIntosh Woods State Park, Iowa
At McIntosh Woods State Park, there are 60 acres of natural landscape along the shore of Clear Lake. Iowa’s second largest natural lake, Clear Lake offers water fun such as sailing, paddling, fishing, and swimming. Hiking is popular too, with a one-mile trail which winds its way through Mallard Marsh. View the wildlife living here and take photos of the many species of wildlife and birds. Plan ahead and rent one of the only two yurts available in the entire Iowa state park system.
Ridgway State Park, Colorado
Enjoy fabulous mountain scenery and a huge reservoir where you can get in a day or more of boating, windsurfing or fishing. There are extensive trails where you can explore and see the diverse wildlife. Picturesque southwest Colorado welcomes you with comfortable yurts to reserve, making for great accommodations for your stay. You won’t find a lack of things to do here and you’ll want to come back again and again.
More Information on Yurt Reservations
Recommended: 7 Awesome Campgrounds with Yurts
Eisenhower State Park, Kansas
Eisenhower State Park is a treat for some excellent outdoor fun. Wildlife viewing is at its best among the tall prairie grass and rolling hills. You may catch a view of turkeys, quail, fox, or bobcat. Wildflowers should be blooming into the fall months. Hiking and biking on the trails will get you out and about with good exercise. When the office is open, visit the interpretive room and see the live snakes, turtles, and fish. You should reserve right away as there are only two primitive sleeper yurts available at this park.
Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania
Located at the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge are the centerpiece for the park. The yurts in the Kentuck Campground are the perfect places to spend the night under the stars.
Platte River State Park, Nebraska
Sitting right between Omaha and Lincoln, the Platte River State Park gets you out of the city environment and into nature. Enjoy the spray park, great hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers where you can climb to the top for a spectacular view of the Platte River Basin. There’s even a waterfall to see. Love to bird watch? This park is great for that too. Although not officially yurts, the tepees available sleep six to eight people, and aren’t quite primitive as they have wooden floors.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.