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With more Americans looking to vacation close to home, it seems like camping has never been more popular. Not only is it easy to heed social distancing guidelines in the great outdoors, but some of America's best tourism assets are found within its stunning state and national parks. However, that doesn't mean everyone is down for "real" camping and sleeping on the ground (if you are though, be sure to pack these essentials).
For those seeking a bit more comfort, glamping resorts are similarly ensconced in nature, while offering luxuries like air-conditioning and electricity. Many feature tents that are known as yurts, which are defined by their canvas walls and circular shape, due to the wooden latticework that creates the structure.
This type of dwelling hails from the nomadic tribes of Central Asia and is traditionally built to be deconstructed and reassembled. However, in the US, yurts tend to be more permanent with fixtures like running water, dry wall, or a kitchen. Some yurts are so tricked out, they're almost like standalone cabins.
Such versatility also means they're no longer limited to the confines of glamping resorts. Many yurt rentals are listed on vacation rental sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo, where they boast large private plots of land, whimsical design, and desirable amenities.
To narrow the field, we rounded up highly-rated yurt rentals in remote areas across the US from off-the-grid tents to lavish two-bedroom abodes.
Bear in mind that a yurt is still an enclosed space and you should take care to only travel with guests in your social bubble during the pandemic. Although the walls are typically made of waterproof canvas, ideal for falling asleep to the sounds of nature, the material isn't as "breathable" as one might imagine, says Dr. Thomas A. Russo, a professor of infectious disease at the University of Buffalo.
"You would like one that has optimal ventilation, but if you're within your social bubble, the ventilation probably isn't an issue. Where it becomes an issue is if you're interacting with people outside of your social bubble and if it's poorly ventilated. That's problematic. I would still wear a mask in that situation," he told us.
As such, it's important to remember that without a vaccine, there is no guarantee of safety and it's pertinent to follow guidelines from the CDC and WHO such as wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing. You'll also want to check state and local guidelines and quarantine mandates, especially if you are traveling to or from a hotspot state.
We selected the best yurt rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo based on the following criteria: