Yurts for the taking - dome tents at Oregon's state parks

Sunset, July, 1999 by Susan G. Hauser

Round out your camping experience with a stay in one of the popular dome tents at Oregon's state parks

Yurts are popping up like mushrooms in Oregon state parks. There are now 19 locations that beckon campers with these sturdy, circular tents.

In 1994, department officials wanted to make the parks more appealing to tent campers year-round. Spotted at the state fair, these Oregon-made structures were adapted from the Mongols, who first developed the comforts of yurt living. The department installed two, charged a small rental fee, then watched their popularity grow.

That year the two grew to four, then 16 yurts at eight coastal campgrounds; now there are 153 across the state. Each of the waterproof canvas tents sleeps five. Many are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps leading to the door, set behind a small deck with a railing. Measuring 16 feet across and 10 feet high, with plywood floors, they are practically palatial compared with pup tents I have known.

At Beverly Beach State Park, near Newport, my kids and I checked out a yurt city - 21 domes in all - nestled in the coastal woods. Nearly every one was occupied that weekend. Ditto .for nearby South Beach State Park, with its 16 yurts.

We loved our yurt.

The kids loved the natural wood bunk bed with its comfortable foam mattresses. It sleeps two on the bottom and one on top. There's also a futon couch that folds out to a double bed. (Bring your own sleeping bags or bedding.)

I loved the security of a locking door. I loved the convenience of an electric light switch right next to the door. I loved the clear, domed skylight that illuminated our dwelling by day.

But most of all, I loved the heater.

Not that we were completely spoiled. We still had to do our cooking outdoors - each yurt has its own tire ring and picnic table. Most of the coastal yurts are close to parking areas, though a bit of a hike from the beach. But Beachside State Park, just south of Waldport, looks out over the ocean. Comfort, security, and a terrific view - an experience that can be yurts and yurts alone.

Yurt travel planner

Rental costs $27 a night for as many as five people. For more information on Oregon parks and yurt locations, call Oregon State Parks: Information Center; (800) 551-6949. To make reservations (you can lock in dates as early as 11 months in advance), call Reservations Northwest, 8-5 Mon-Fri; (800) 452-5687.