What is a Yurt?

Written By - Myrtha Chang - 06/4/2007

Link to Original Article here

When one of our favorite family campground started offering Yurts, I was very excited. Then I looked up the rates: $1,395 a week during peak summer season. I was shocked. That's what I pay for a Cape Cod bungalow by the water. How could an outdoor camping tent cost as much to rent as a Cape Cod house?

If you've never heard of a Yurt, it's the epitome of luxury camping. Yurt stands for: Year-round Universal Recreation Tent. Each yurt has a wooden circular platform, and a lattice framework and conical roof covered with a heavy, wind- and weatherproof canvas. The roof has a plastic skylight through which you can see the trees or watch snow falling or the moon rising.

On this particular campground's website, along with that $1,395/week price tag, is a list of what comes inside your yurt

- Pots & Pans
- Toaster
- Cooking Utensils
- Eating Utensils (plates, cups, glasses, silverware, etc)
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Tissue
- Kleenex
- Bar Soap
- Sponge and scrub pad
- Dish Detergent
- Broom
- Gas Grill
- Patio Table & Chairs
- TV with DVD
- Heat and A/C
- Complimentary bundle of firewood
- Unit provides sleeping accommodations for 6

I mean, what is there left to pack?

Yurts are popping up like mushrooms not just in private campground resorts but also in State Parks. Next time you check out a campground, ask about yurts. If you have stayed in a yurt before, drop us a comment and tell us how you like it.