What Is Yurt Camping

If you’re looking for a camping trip that blends comfort with adventure, you might be wondering what is yurt camping. It’s a unique way to experience the outdoors without sacrificing all the amenities of home.

Yurt camping offers a sheltered, often cozy space in the middle of nature. It’s a fantastic middle ground between traditional tent camping and renting a cabin. You get to enjoy the sounds of the forest and the view of the stars, but you also get a solid door, a real bed, and protection from the weather. This guide will explain everything you need to know to plan your first yurt adventure.

At its core, yurt camping means staying overnight in a yurt. A yurt is a circular, portable dwelling with a wooden lattice frame and a felt or canvas cover. They have been used for centuries by nomadic cultures in Central Asia. Modern camping yurts are sturdy, semi-permanent structures you’ll find in many state parks, private campgrounds, and on glamping sites.

They are much more spacious than a tent and often come furnished. You can expect to find basics like beds, a table, and a wood stove or electric heater. This makes them perfect for campers who want to try something new or for families who need a simpler setup.

The Main Parts of a Camping Yurt

Understanding the yurt’s structure helps you appreciate why they are so unique and comfortable.

The Lattice Wall: This is the collapsible wooden frame that forms the circular wall. It’s incredibly strong and flexible.
The Crown Wheel or Compression Ring: This is the beautiful circular piece at the very top of the yurt. All the roof rafters connect to it.
The Canvas Cover: This heavy-duty fabric is waterproof and stretches over the entire frame, providing shelter.
The Door Frame: A solid wooden door is standard, offering security and keeping drafts out much better than a tent zipper.
The Dome Skylight: Many yurts have a clear center in the crown wheel, letting in natural light and allowing you to see the sky from inside.

How Yurt Camping Differs From Tent Camping

Yurt camping is a distinct experience. Here’s how it usually compares to sleeping in a tent.

Setup: The yurt is already standing when you arrive. No pitching required!
Space & Height: You can stand up easily, walk around, and often fit multiple beds. The circular feel is very open.
Weather Protection: Yurts handle wind and rain superbly. The rounded shape sheds wind, and the thick canvas insulates better than thin tent nylon.
Amenities: You are more likely to have real furniture, lighting, and a heat source. Some even have small kitchens or electricity.
Cost: Yurt camping typically costs more per night than a standard campsite but is usually cheaper than a hotel or full cabin rental.

Where to Find Yurts for Camping

Yurts have become very popular. You can find them in a variety of locations.

State Parks & National Forests: Many park systems have installed yurts to offer year-round camping options. These book up fast, especially in winter.
Private Campgrounds: Lots of private campgrounds now feature yurts as a premium lodging option alongside RV sites and tent areas.
Glamping Resorts: For a more luxurious experience, glamping sites offer yurts with plush beds, private decks, and sometimes even en-suite bathrooms.
Backcountry or Hike-In Sites: A few remote locations have yurts you must hike, ski, or paddle to, offering a truly adventurous shelter.

What to Bring on Your Yurt Camping Trip

Even though a yurt provides shelter, you are still camping. Packing the right gear is essential for a good trip. Always check with the specific yurt rental listing for what they provide.

Typically Provided by the Yurt

Beds (often bunk beds or futons – may or may not have mattresses)
A table and chairs
A wood-burning or propane stove for heat
Basic lighting (battery, solar, or electric)
A broom for sweeping out dirt

Essential Items You Must Bring

Bedding: Sleeping bags or sheets/blankets and pillows. Assume the mattresses are bare.
Lighting: Headlamps and lanterns are crucial, even if the yurt has a light.
Cooking Gear: Camp stove, fuel, pots, pans, utensils, plates, and a cooler. Most yurts do not have kitchens.
Water & Food: Bring all your own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, unless the site specifies a potable water source.
Fire Supplies: Matches, lighter, firestarter, and your own firewood if a fire pit is available. Never cut wood on site.
Warm Clothing: It can get very cold at night, even with a heater.
Personal Items: Toiletries, camp towel, and any games or books.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Yurt Stay

Follow these steps to ensure your trip goes smoothly from booking to departure.

Step 1: Research and Book Early

Yurts are popular. Start looking for reservations months in advance, especially for weekends or holiday periods. Read the description carefully to know exaclty what is included.

Step 2: Plan Your Meals

Simplify cooking by planning one-pot meals. Pre-chop veggies and pre-mix spices at home. Remember you’ll need to store all food securely from wildlife, just like regular camping.

Step 3: Pack Strategically

Use bins or duffel bags to keep your gear organized inside the yurt. A doormat just outside the door helps keep the interior clean.

Step 4: Set Up Your Yurt Home

When you arrive, air out the yurt if it feels stuffy. Make the beds first, then organize your kitchen area. Learn how to safely operate the heating stove immediately.

Step 5: Follow Leave No Trace Principles

Even though you’re in a structure, you’re in a natural environment. Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and leave the yurt cleaner than you found it for the next guests.

The Pros and Cons of Yurt Camping

Like any style of camping, yurt life has its high points and a few drawbacks.

Advantages

Comfort & Space: A huge upgrade from a tent, especially in bad weather.
Unique Experience: The circular architecture and skylight create a magical atmosphere.
Easier Logistics: No tent to set up in the rain or dark.
Year-Round Use: With a good stove, yurts are perfect for cozy winter getaways.
Great for Groups: A social space where everyone can hang out together comfortably.

Disadvantages

Less “Traditional”: Some campers feel it’s not “real” camping.
Potential for Noise: Canvas walls don’t block sound as well as log walls, so you might hear neighbors.
Limited Availability: They can be hard to book due to high demand.
May Lack Privacy: Some yurts are clustered close together in a campground setting.
Still Requires Camping Gear: You’re not in a hotel; you need to bring most of your own supplies.

Yurt Camping With Kids or Pets

A yurt can be a fantastic choice for family trips. The enclosed space feels safe for children, and there’s room for them to play on a rainy day. The stable environment is also less stressful for pets who might be anxious in a flapping tent. Always verify the pet policy before booking, as rules vary widely. The sturdy door helps keep curious dogs from wandering off in the night, which is a common concern for pet owners.

Winter Yurt Camping: A Special Adventure

Winter is one of the best times for yurt camping. The wood stove creates a wonderfully cozy heat, and the skylight is perfect for watching snow fall. It’s crucial to be prepared, though.

Insulation: Bring extra sleeping pads to put under your sleeping bag for insulation from the cold bed frame.
Water Management: Keep your water from freezing by storing bottles inside, near the stove, or in your sleeping bag at night.
Ventilation: Always keep a small vent or window cracked to prevent condensation and ensure proper airflow for the stove.
Footwear: Have dedicated warm, dry boots for outside and cozy camp shoes or socks for inside the yurt.

Yurt Etiquette: Being a Good Guest

Respecting the yurt and the next campers is key. Here are some unwritten rules.

Sweep the floor before you leave.
Return any moved furniture to its original place.
Dispose of ashes from the stove if the rules ask you to.
Don’t burn trash or food in the wood stove.
Report any damage or issues to the campground host promptly.
Keep noise down, especially in the evening, as sound travels easily.

FAQ About Yurt Camping

Are yurts warm in the winter?

Yes, when properly heated with their wood or propane stove, yurts can be very warm and cozy in winter. The canvas and insulation, combined with the efficient radiant heat from a stove, work surprisingly well. Just remember to bring plenty of warm bedding.

Do yurts have bathrooms?

It’s rare for a camping yurt to have a private, attached bathroom. Most often, you will use a nearby shared campground restroom or vault toilet. Some upscale glamping yurts may have private facilities, but always check the listing description to be sure.

Can I cook inside a yurt?

You should never use a open-flame camp stove or grill inside a yurt due to the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Cooking is done outside, either on a provided picnic table, a camp stove stand, or over the external fire pit. The yurt’s interior wood stove is only for heating.

Is yurt camping safe in a storm?

Yurts are generally very safe in storms. Their round shape and flexible structure allows them to withstand high winds better than many rigid buildings. However, it’s always wise to follow severe weather safety protocols, like staying away from the canvas walls if there is lightning.

What if I’ve never started a wood stove before?

Many yurt rentals provide basic instructions. The general process is: open the air vent, place firestarter and kindling inside, light it, and gradually add larger logs once a good coal base is established. Always ensure the chimney flue is open before lighting. If your unsure, ask the camp host for a quick lesson when you arrive.

Are yurts bug-proof?

Yurts are generally quite bug-proof when the door is kept closed. The canvas walls and solid door provide a good barrier. However, small gaps can exist, and bugs may come in when people enter and exit. It’s a good idea to bring a small container of natural bug spray just in case, but it’s rarely a major issue compared to tent camping.

Yurt camping opens up a world of possibilites for enjoying the outdoors with a touch of comfort. It’s an accessible way to extend your camping season into the cooler months, try something new with your family, or simply enjoy a weekend in nature without the hassle of setting up a tent. By knowing what to expect and preparing properly, you can ensure your yurt adventure is relaxing, memorable, and just the right amount of rustic. Start looking for a yurt near you—your next favorite camping trip is waiting under that round canvas roof.