Yurts

Round, canvas-walled, wood-framed — yurts have been the gateway drug to glamping for two decades. The original Mongolian design has been adapted for North American weather with insulated walls, wood stoves, and fully framed wooden floors. Most modern yurt rentals include a queen or king bed, electricity for outlets and lights, and a small kitchenette. Some have private bathrooms; many use a shared bathhouse a short walk away. What makes a yurt the right pick: the geometry. The 360-degree wall and conical roof feel substantially more spacious than a tent or even a small cabin of similar square footage, and the central skylight (most yurts have one) gives you a stargazing window without leaving bed. They also handle rain remarkably well — the steep roof angle sheds water fast, and the canvas + insulation combo is quieter under heavy rain than most cabins. What to watch for: temperature regulation. A wood stove will keep a yurt cozy at 20°F; in 90°F summer heat, you'll want one with mini-split AC, not just a fan. Check the listing's amenities before booking a summer trip in the South. Also ask about the bathroom situation — "private bath" can mean an attached unit, a separate cabin a few yards away, or a portable composting toilet. All three are fine, but they're very different experiences. Browse every yurt rental we've indexed below, sorted by rating and review count.