Retreat to These Glamping Yurts Around the West

Yurts have been used as portable housing for thousands of years, but they’ve only recently popped up all over the West as camping alternatives. In most cases, they’re rather basic—you might get bunks with serviceable mattresses and a light; everything else is up to you to provide.

But with glamping on the rise, more resorts are adding yurts to their accommodation menu. They range from basic beds with linens to luxury setups with private hot tubs—making camping both comfortable and easy. Reluctant campers may find overnighting in a yurt easier than pitching a tent, and even experienced outdoors people will enjoy a break from a right-angle world.

Treebones Resort, Big Sur, CA

Perched on a bluff above the Pacific Coast Highway, the charming Treebones Resort has 15 yurts nestled along Big Sur's rugged coast. They’re furnishing with king or queen-sized beds, have running water, and some even have partial ocean views from their private patios. Bathrooms and showers are in the main lodge, a short walk away. Even better, guests have access to all of the resort's amenities including a garden-to-table restaurant and sushi bar, pool, hot tub, and massage services. Stretch your legs at a yoga class or on one of the hiking trails nearby. From $320/night, includes breakfast.

Vernonia Springs, Vernonia, OR

About halfway between Cannon Beach and Portland, this 28-acre former trout farm has five yurts furnished with comfortable queen beds. Each has heat, light, power, and wifi in addition to cozy bedding. There’s a food cart on-site with wood fired pizza, though you may want to bring your own camp kitchen and groceries. Bringing the kids? Extra beds are available for a fee. The immaculately maintained private bath house is ADA accessible, and just a short distance from the yurts. While the accommodations are comfortable, the real draw is the resort's easy access to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail that runs along an old train route. Rent a bike at the front desk to explore the 21-mile, tree-lined paved trail. From $79/night.

Lakedale Resort, San Juan Island, WA

Full kitchen, indoor bathrooms, private balconies—the seven newly-added yurts at Lakedale Resort are peak glamping. Located on scenic San Juan Island, the resort has everything you need right there. With a general store, gear rentals (think bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards), three freshwater lakes, and water-side lawn games, it's easy to never leave the 82-acre-grounds. Activities onsite include live music and interactive dinners with well-respected local chefs. Yurt guests can take part in resort activities, but you might decide you just want to hang out in your private hot tub and look at the stars. From $325/night.

Arizona Nordic Village, Flagstaff, AZ

Nordic Village is admittedly more rustic—the location is the luxury here—but the yurts are equipped with amenities to make camping easy, no matter the season. There’s a wood burning stove to keep your round house cozy, a gas grill for cooking, and a shuttle to take you to the backcountry accommodations. Onsite you’ll find gear rentals (snowshoes, bikes, and ski equipment), sport lessons, movie nights, and more. You’re only an hour away from the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and other outdoor attractions that make the high desert such an appealing destination for outdoors lovers, but with hiking and cross-cross ski trails right out your door, there’s no reason to leave. From $40/night.

Spa Eco Retreat Hawaii, Kapaau, HI

The saltwater pool and full-service spa make this island getaway a real retreat. Seven large yurts—each with private half-baths—make up the property's Hawaiian Yurt Village. Guests have access to all the resort’s amenities including outdoor showers at the spa; meals at the restaurant where many of the ingredients are grown onsite; and classes on yoga, meditation, and Hawaiian cultural history. On the north end of the Kohala Coast, the retreat sits on 50 acres of trails, and it's close to Hawi, a small town with restaurants, galleries, and local historic sites. From $195/night.