What is a Yurt? If you’re looking for ways to elevate your camping experience, then yurt camping is something you should look into. Think of it as a way to camp in luxury, even without a motorhome.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of yurt camping. Continue reading if you want to learn more.
What is a Yurt?
Perhaps the first question we should address is, what is a yurt? Yurts have been around since the time of Ghenghis Khan. Traditionally, yurts were used as shelter by nomadic groups in Central Asia. They are characterized by their portable and circular structure that uses minimal materials without sacrificing its durability.
Nowadays, the ancient dwelling has found modern uses. To be specific, many people have decided to adopt the yurt and use it for camping purposes. Below, we’ll present the benefits of yurt camping and give a few examples of campgrounds that offer yurt camping.
Camping in a Yurt
Camping in a yurt is a unique experience, one we’d definitely recommend you try out. It’s a step up from your regular tent camping. To illustrate, think of camping in the wilderness without having to sleep on the ground. Today’s yurts are made of strong but lightweight materials such as rubber vinyl. They are designed in such as way that they are easy to construct and at the same time, dismantle.
Moreover, they are capable of housing all the basic comforts of a home. For example, yurts can be as roomy as you want. Some yurts are big enough to house as much as 15 people. In addition, some modern iterations of the yurt have incorporated heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves in to their design.
Yurt Camping Sites
Due to the rising popularity of yurts, many campgrounds offer yurt camping. The yurt facilities offered range from the most basic and bare structures to luxurious and glamorous. To be more specific, basic yurts have the basic amenities of beds, linens, heat sources, and grills, with showers and restrooms situated in a separate area. Meanwhile, yurts used for glamping may include an entertainment system, full kitchen, and an indoor bathroom.
Now, after learning what is a yurt, you might find yourself looking for campgrounds that offer it as an option. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a few campground recommendations. Specifically, we’ll talk about the following:
- Lake Raystown Resort
- Sky Ridge Yurts
- Yosemite RV Resort
- Golden Gate Canyon
Lake Raystown Resort
Firstly, you need to know about Lake Raystown Resort. Based on TripAdvisor, this campground is a 3.5-star destination. Able to accommodate 4 to 6 people, its yurt rentals also have climate control features on top of WiFi, TV, and comfortable beds.
Other amenities included in their yurt rentals are picnic tables, decks, and fire rings. Although Lake Raystown Resort does not have indoor bathrooms in their yurts, the yurt area is situated near a bathhouse.
During peak season, the fee for occupying yurts range from $99 to $125. That is to say, from Sundays to Thursdays, nightly costs are $99. From Fridays to Saturdays, the rate would go up to $109. Lastly, for holidays, it would cost $125 per night. Alternatively, value season rates are $75 from Sundays to Thursdays, and $99 from Fridays to Saturdays.
Sky Ridge Yurts
Secondly, we suggest you check out Sky Ridge Yurts, a glamping hotspot in the east coast. In this location, you can choose from a variety of yurts, which range from 3 people capacity to 6 people capacity. So far, it has a 5-star rating on Trip Advisor.
Among the amenities included in their yurts are central heating, spacious living quarters, full kitchens, baths with walk-in showers, satellite TVs, grills, picnic tables, private decks, and a washer and dryer. What’s more, this campground is pet friendly, so long as you pay the $50 pet fee. This fee allows you to bring a maximum of 2 pets with you.
For yurts that sleep 3 people, the nightly rate is $104 for weekdays, $124 for weekends, and $664 weekly. Alternatively, if you want 4-people yurts, you’ll have to pay $124 on weekdays, $144 on weekends, and $784 a week. Lastly, for yurts that can accommodate a maximum of 6 people, the nightly rental fee is $174 on weekdays and $194 on weekends while the weekly fee is $1084.
Yosemite RV Resort
Another suggestion we have for you is the Yosemite RV Resort. A great getaway, this RV resort also offers yurt camping. On Yelp, it has an average rating of 3.5 stars.
If you were to rent their yurts, amenities would include climate controls, grills and picnic tables, patios, and a fire ring. Although there wouldn’t be a bathroom, the yurts are pretty close to a bathhouse.
Their rates are dependent on the length of your stay, number of people in your party, and whether or not you’ll bring a pet with you. For a more details breakdown of their rental fees, you’d have to go on their website.
High Falls State Park
Lastly, we recommend High Falls State Park, which is open all year round. Even if this state park only has 6 yurts for rent, they have an overall rating of 4.5 on TripAdvisor. That tells you something about the quality of campers’ experience regardless of their accommodation.
All of their yurts can accommodate up to 6 people. They are furnished and the sites can accommodate up to two vehicles. Other amenities included in their yurts are porches, fans, comfort stations, electricity, fire rings, and water. Note that you have to bring your own linens, blankets, and utensils as High Falls State Park does not provide them for you.
If you want to relax, you’ll enjoy this site because it’s right beside the lake and has a lot of shaded areas. In terms of their rental rates, the average is $75 nightly and $525 weekly. This fee is subject to change, depending on peak seasons and holidays. Make sure to check out their site to be sure.
Also, you should know that this site is non-smoking and you can only stay for a maximum of 14 nights at a time.
Final Word
If you’ve ever wondered what is a yurt, we hope this article cleared things up for you. With any luck, you found the suggested camping sites above, appealing and worth visiting. Avoid extreme temperature, unfortunate weather, bugs, and dirt. Go camping in a yurt now.