9 Coolest Spots on the West Coast to Rent a Yurt

July 12, 2020

Tent camping isn’t for everyone. We get it. Why sleep on the ground outside when you have a perfectly warm bed inside? But there’s something about waking up surrounded by nothing but the peace and quiet of nature that really can’t be experienced any other way than camping. Thankfully, there’s good news for you anti-campers out there – you can stay in a yurt instead!

Many people might call it ‘glamping’ but staying in a yurt is the perfect way to experience the glory of setting up camp in the middle of nowhere without having to forego some modern amenities. So, what is a yurt? Yurts are a circular structure with wooden lattice frames and covered in a thick, durable canvas. Inside, you’ll usually find beds or a futon, a heat source, lighting, and often times a sink and vanity (but rarely toilets, you’ll still have to get close to nature for that one). People often think the word ‘yurt’ is an acronym for something but it actually comes from the Turkish word for ‘home’. The cool part is that you still will usually have a fire pit outside to roast marshmallows, cook food, and do all the fun camping stuff that people do.

Luckily for those on the west coast, there are so many amazing options for yurt rentals. And we rounded up 9 of the best ones.

California

Stargaze in Joshua Tree

If complete silence and peace are what you’re going for, you found your spot. Visitors will enjoy looking up at the billions of stars on a clear night while cozying up in the warm yurt for bedtime. These authentic Mongolian yurts are located in 29 Palms, just a short drive from Joshua Tree National Park. A group of four people can sleep comfortably on the queen-size bed and foam mattress. Don’t worry about giving up your favorite amenities, the yurt has a sink, heated shower, and a composting toilet inside. Feel like cooking? There’s an outdoor grill and fire pit. Book your stay starting around $94/night.

Photo credit: Glamping Hub

Yurt Amongst the Vineyards in Sonoma County

For a romantic getaway with your partner, the Rising Moon Yurt is hard to beat. Located just a short drive from Sebastopol, this quaint but gorgeous yurt is perched on a hill at the end of a quiet residential road. Inside the yurt, you’ll find all the modern amenities you could possibly need all while feeling you’re completely surrounded by nature. Practice morning yoga on the deck and end your day with a soak in the outdoor cast iron tub while gazing at the stars. Rooms begin around $175 night.

Photo credit: Airbnb

Explore Yosemite Then Go Glamping at the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada

Yosemite National Park is most definitely a place you want to explore for more than a day. These comfortable yurts near the town of Coarsegold are located near Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, Inyo National Forest, Sierra National Forest, and King's Canyon National Park, so you’ll have plenty to do. And when you’re exhausted from all those outdoor activities, you can crash on the double bed, bunk beds, or sofa bed. If you need a shower, there’s a shared bathhouse just a short walk away. Rates start around $123/night.

Photo credit: Glamping Hub

Oregon

Take a Deep Breath of Fresh Forest Air near Florence

The Oregon coast is known for its lush forests, breathtaking cliffs, and stunning coastline. These yurts, located in the Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park near Florence, are perfectly situated right where the forest meets the sea. Hiking trails all around the park will lead visitors to the popular Hobbit Trail, the Heceta Head Lighthouse, and Devil’s Elbow. Rates start around $46/night.

Photo credit: Rick Obst / Flickr

The Beach Is Just a Quarter-mile Away at Harris Beach State Recreation Area

There are six rustic yurts available at this state park near Brookings. The amenities are slim with just beds and a table with chairs inside, but there are bathrooms with showers just a short walk away. Trails from the state park will lead you to the gorgeous beach in a quarter-mile hike where you’ll see some of Oregon’s most famous stretches of shoreline. Up to 8 people can fit in these yurts, so round up your friends and book a stay starting around $45/night.

Yurt at Harris Beach State Recreation Area

Photo credit: Rick Obst / Flickr

Stuff Yourself with Dungeness Crab Before Retreating to Your Yurt in Nehalem

If you don’t make it a point to eat Dungeness crab while on the Oregon Coast, you’re completely missing the point. Luckily, the 18 yurts available at Nehalem Bay State Park are close to some of the best places to gorge yourself. Not only that, but visitors go crabbing themselves, go horseback riding, look for sand dollars, and go hiking—all within just a few miles away. The yurts are rustic with minimal amenities inside, but you won’t have to worry about sleeping outside if it starts to rain. Sleep up to 8 people with rates around $47/night.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Washington

Be More than Pleasantly Surprised at Cape Disappointment

Don’t let the name fool you, Cape Disappointment in southwest Washington is far from disappointing—in fact, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. Located about 3 hours from Seattle and a little over two hours from Portland, the 14 yurts at Cape Disappointment include bunk beds, a full-size futon, lighting, and a heater. Spend your day hiking around the state park then relax by your campfire before calling it a night. These yurts can sleep up to 6 people and start around $80/night.

Photo credit: Adbar / Wikimedia Commons

Experience All Things ‘outdoors’ at Kayak Point County Park

Just an hour north of Seattle, Kayak Point County Park is located on a gorgeous bluff about Port Susan. Each of their 10 yurts sleeps up to five people and includes electricity, heat, and beds. Visitors of the area will enjoy the 3,300-foot shoreline where the forest extends right to the sea. Activities at Kayak Point include fishing, windsurfing, hiking, and more. Reservations start around $50/night.

Photo credit: SounderBruce / Wikimedia Commons

Get Away from the City at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

Since Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is just a short hour’s drive from Seattle, it makes the perfect spot to just get away for a night or two. Although the yurts really only provide the basics, like beds, a light, and a table, outside, you’ll find a picnic table, fire grill, utility hookup, and a large deck. Bring your fishing pole and catch your dinner to cook on the campfire. Reservations start around $40/night.