
Oregon's state parks offer a unique camping experience with their yurts, a modern take on the traditional Mongolian-style tent. With over 200 yurts across the state, these structures provide a comfortable and economical option for those who enjoy the outdoors but prefer not to sleep on the ground. But do these yurts have electricity?
> We weren’t sure ourselves. We were trying to reach people who had less time for vacations, who didn’t want to spend time dealing with a bunch of camping equipment. It seemed like a pretty good idea.
> Chris Havel, a spokesperson with Oregon Parks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity | Yes |
| Heating | Yes |
| Bedding | Yes |
| Furniture | Yes |
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What You'll Learn

Yurt camping is popular in Oregon
Yurt camping is a popular activity in Oregon, with the state being the first to introduce them into their state campgrounds. Yurts are a modernised version of the traditional Mongolian-style tent, offering a unique camping experience. Oregon's state parks began adopting yurts in 1994, luring people who enjoyed the outdoors but not the idea of sleeping on the ground. They proved to be an overnight sensation, with their popularity spreading to 17 other states.
Oregon's coast is particularly well-suited for yurt camping, with over half of the state parks in the region offering yurts as an accommodation option. These parks span the entire coastline, providing easy access to beaches, whale-watching spots, and hiking trails. One such location is Beverly Beach State Park, which offers beautiful beaches and kid-friendly trails, making it an excellent choice for families.
Yurts provide a comfortable and economical option for campers, costing around $42-$62 per night. They typically include amenities such as electricity, heaters, futons, tables, and chairs. Some yurts are even classified as "deluxe," offering additional features such as private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and outdoor grills. These deluxe yurts can accommodate larger groups, sleeping up to 10 people.
The appeal of yurt camping in Oregon lies in the unique experience it offers. As Craig Tutor, the driving force behind the "yurt revolution," envisioned, yurts provide a year-round camping option, especially for those who don't have much time for vacations or want to avoid dealing with camping equipment. The solid structure of yurts offers protection from the elements, while still allowing campers to connect with nature and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
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Yurts are a modernised version of a Mongolian-style tent
Yurts, a modernised version of a Mongolian-style tent, have become an overnight sensation in Oregon's state parks. The yurt, derived from the Turkic languages, is a portable, round tent covered and insulated with animal skins or felt. Yurts have been used as dwellings by nomadic groups in the steppes and mountains of Inner Asia, particularly in Mongolia, for thousands of years.
The modern yurts in Oregon's state parks are a far cry from the traditional Mongolian ger. While they retain the circular domed shape, they are no longer portable and do not use natural materials, except for wood. These modern yurts are equipped with amenities such as heaters, electricity, coffee tables, and bedding for five people. They lure outdoor enthusiasts who prefer not to sleep on the ground, offering a unique camping experience that is both cozy and solid.
The idea to introduce yurts to Oregon's state parks came from Craig Tutor, a long-time employee of Oregon Parks. He first encountered Pacific Yurts, the first company to manufacture the modern yurt design in the United States, at the Oregon State Fair in 1993. Tutor envisioned yurts as a way to attract people who had less time for vacations and wanted a hassle-free camping experience.
The yurts in Oregon's state parks have had a significant impact, especially along the Oregon Coast. They have made winter trips more feasible, and when the weather is good, visitors can explore beaches, watch whales, and hike in the coastal forest. The yurts have also received positive feedback from customers, who appreciate the warmth and coziness while still feeling connected to nature.
Oregon's state park yurts are a modern take on the traditional Mongolian-style tent, offering a unique blend of comfort and outdoor adventure. They have become a popular choice for those seeking a convenient and memorable camping experience.
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Yurts are available at several Oregon state parks
The yurts in Oregon's state parks are modernised versions of the traditional Mongolian-style tent, providing a cosy and warm space while still offering the experience of being surrounded by nature. They are particularly popular during the winter months, offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional tent camping.
Yurts can be found at various state parks along the Oregon coast, including Cape Lookout State Park, Nehalem Bay State Park, Devils Lake State Recreation Area, Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, and William M. Tugman State Park. The coast is home to more than half of the state parks that offer yurts, with a total of 16 coastal parks providing indoor camping opportunities.
In addition to the coastal parks, yurts are also available at other locations across the state, such as Champoeg State Heritage Area and Wallowa Lake State Park. The parks offer affordable lodging options and serve as gateways to natural attractions like the Cascade Mountains and the desert of eastern Oregon.
Most yurts in Oregon's state parks are equipped with basic amenities, including electricity, heating, and bedding. Some parks offer "deluxe" yurts, which include additional features such as private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and outdoor grills. These deluxe yurts are typically larger and can accommodate more people.
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Deluxe yurts include a private sink and restroom
Yurts in Oregon's state parks have become a sensation, attracting campers who love the outdoors but not sleeping on the ground. They are a modernised version of the Mongolian-style tent, best known for being Genghis Khan's dwelling of choice during his conquest of Eurasia.
While most yurts in Oregon's state parks have electricity, not all of them do. Deluxe yurts, however, include a private sink and restroom. They are more expensive and harder to book than the rustic yurts, which do not have private bathrooms. Deluxe yurts can be found at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, where they sleep up to 10 people and have a kitchenette, microwave, and gas grill outside.
Some campers prefer the deluxe option for the added comfort of having their own bathroom. At Beverly Beach State Park, for example, yurt campers must trek to the communal bathrooms, which can be unpleasant in sleet and cold weather. Deluxe yurts also tend to have cooking facilities inside, which is convenient for those who want to prepare meals during their stay.
If you're interested in booking a deluxe yurt, be sure to plan ahead, as they are in high demand and limited supply. You can find them at select state parks across Oregon, including Umpqua Lighthouse State Park and Cape Lookout State Park.
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Yurts are more comfortable than tents
Yurts are a modernised version of the Mongolian-style tent that was used by Genghis Khan. They were introduced to Oregon's state parks in 1994 to attract people who enjoyed the outdoors but not sleeping on the ground. Yurts are more comfortable than tents for several reasons. Firstly, they are more spacious and allow you to stand up and walk around inside. Secondly, they provide protection from the elements, with sturdy canvas walls and a dome-shaped structure that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Thirdly, they usually come equipped with basic furniture, including a futon, bunk beds, a table, and chairs. They also have modern conveniences like electrical outlets, lighting, and heaters, making them much more comfortable than traditional tents, especially during inclement weather.
The addition of electricity means you can use various appliances, such as a coffee maker or a microwave, enhancing your camping experience. Some yurts even have deluxe features, such as private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and gas grills, elevating the level of comfort even further. The cost of renting a yurt is typically more affordable than a resort room, making it a popular choice for families or groups seeking a unique and economical outdoor experience.
The impact of yurts has been particularly notable on the Oregon Coast, where their warm and cosy shelter has made winter trips more feasible. With yurts, campers can enjoy the beauty of the beaches, whale watching, and hiking while staying in a comfortable and protected environment. The year-round appeal of yurts was a key factor in their introduction to Oregon's state parks, aiming to attract off-season campers who prefer a more solid and weather-resistant accommodation option.
In terms of comfort, yurts offer a unique blend of the outdoors and modern conveniences. While you still get to experience the sounds of nature and the feeling of being in a tent, you also benefit from having a solid structure with amenities like electricity and heating. This combination provides a glamping-style experience that is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. Yurts are also ideal for those who have less time for vacations and don't want to deal with camping equipment. They offer a convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional tent camping, providing a cosy and memorable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most yurts in Oregon state parks have electricity. They also have space heaters, making them a comfortable option during inclement weather.
Basic yurts include a futon, bunk bed, table and chairs, electrical outlets, lights, and a heater. Deluxe yurts include a private sink and restroom, and some even have a kitchenette, microwave, and gas grill outside.
Yurts are quite economical, costing about $42-$62 per night. They are a good option for those who want a comfortable and unique camping experience without having to deal with a lot of camping equipment.

































