Traditional houses and apartments are all good and well, but why would you rent something banal when you can make your vacations more exciting by booking a treehouse, a mountain cabin, or even a haunted Airbnb? According to a trend report by Airbnb this fall, travelers are so keen to experience new types of accommodations that unique stays like tiny homes, barns, and even caves are “overtaking traditional options in trip searches” on the platform. To make sure you get on the action and get a much-needed dose of escapism in the process, opt for an out-of-the-ordinary Airbnb by choosing a yurt rental.
A circular piece of architecture, yurts originate from Asia, but have become extremely popular in the West as homes and rentals. Yurts traditionally consist of a wooden structure covered by material and are movable, a little like a large tent would, but they are sturdier and offer great weather protection.
We’ve selected the best yurt rentals available on Airbnb this winter throughout the United States, from California to Vermont. While the yurts we have handpicked for your next vacation don’t necessarily match the criteria that makes them genuine, classic yurts, they will all transport you somewhere magical and keep you cozy for an unforgettable winter getaway.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
1. “Yur-Treat” near Grand Teton National Park, Idaho
Photo: Airbnb
This small yurt can accommodate three guests in its one queen bed and one twin bed, but it’s better suited for a couple or a single person needing some serious peace and quiet. Built in a grove of aspen trees in Teton County, Idaho, the yurt has gorgeous views of the Teton Mountain Range and is close to Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson Hole.
Photo: Airbnb
The yurt is secluded and off the grid, so there’s no running water or electricity, but there’s a wood stove (wood is supplied) to keep you toasty, two outhouses for a rustic bathroom experience, and an outdoor picnic table and a fire pit for a night of stargazing (if they are not buried in snow). In winter, make sure to bring warm clothing and bedding, as well as all the other essentials to stay fed, hydrated, and with light. There’s a creek running just outside the yurt for your use, but it will be frozen in winter so don’t expect a pleasant and refreshing dip in lieu of a shower.
2. Forest yurt for a nature retreat on Whidbey Island, Washington
Photo: Airbnb
Vacationing on Whidbey Island is a surefire way to get away from it all. Add to this beautiful destination a stay in this yurt located in a forest of conifer, and you’re in for a serene escape in nature. Although it may look rustic at first sight, the yurt has a king-size bed and a fold-out couch that can sleep four people, as well as a small kitchen with running and hot water, an outhouse with a composting toilet, and an outdoor heated shower. The wood stove keeps the place warm and comfortable, and the yurt is well insulated and heated for year-round bookings.
Photo: Airbnb
The site is very private and built on a 24-acre organic farmstead, so you won’t hear any traffic noise, but you’ll hear bird songs, farm animals, and the sound of wind and rain on the trees and the roof of the yurt.
3. Wonder Valley Yurts in Yucca Valley, California
Photo: Airbnb
These small yurts on open desert land will provide all the tranquility one seeks. Free of light pollution, the site is the perfect spot to observe the night sky. There’s an outdoor fire pit and deck chairs to relax outside at night, catch the sunset, or look at the celestial bodies around you, but you can also see the stars through the yurt dome for a very cozy and romantic experience. During the day, hiking and easy access to Joshua Tree National Park are on offer. (By the way, if you’re looking for a place to stay nearer the park, check out these cool Joshua Tree Airbnb stays.)
Photo: Airbnb
There’s an outdoor shower with running, potable water, and an outdoor BBQ grill for all your cooking needs.
4. Off-grid Mongolian yurt in Kansas
Photo: Airbnb
Sun & Moon is a beautiful authentic yurt rental made in Mongolia out of wood, wool, and canvas. Far from Asia, today it is located in a forest setting in Lawrence, Kansas. Completely off the grid, the yurt has no electricity, no Wi-Fi, no running water, and no shower. You’ll be provided with candles and lanterns. There is an outhouse close to the yurt with a water basin and a composting toilet.
Photo: Airbnb
You’ll quickly forget the lack of modern conveniences upon seeing the beautiful front door and the stunning wooden interior decor. Inside, you’ll find a wood stove in the center of the yurt rental, as well as a double bed to accommodate two guests.
5. Four-season country yurt in Vermont
Photo: Airbnb
Only 10 minutes from Montpelier and close to several state parks (Little River, Groton, Camel’s Hump, and Mount Mansfield), this beautiful yurt can accommodate four guests on its queen-size bed and fold-out double futon. Located in a forest setting, the yurt is very private and peaceful — the only sounds you’ll hear are from the inhabitants of the forest.
Photo: Airbnb
Inside, there is a soapstone wood-fired stove that the owners will light up before your arrival if you book the yurt in winter. Although the accommodation is very cozy, you’ll want to go out and explore the hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails and swimming holes just outside your door. There is electricity in the yurt but there is no outdoor plumbing so guests use a portalet. Water is provided by the hosts for washing and drinking.
6. Hillside yurt rental in Utah
Photo: Airbnb
This large yurt is not a luxury accommodation, but the amazing setting is worth the primitive comfort. Because it can fit 10 guests on its two queen-size beds and six bunk beds, this no-frills, backcountry yurt is a great place for a weekend of outdoor adventures with a group of friends and family members. The wood-fire stove will make things very warm and comfy after a day spent on the many miles of trails nearby, whether that’s hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoes, or cross-country skiing.
Photo: Airbnb
The yurt is surrounded by nature and wildlife, so, from the deck, you’re able to catch the sunset and look for the bull moose who live on the hill. There is no running water in the yurt so you need to bring your own for washing and drinking, but there is a kitchen with a stove for your cooking needs.
7. Luxury, romantic yurt in Texas
Photo: Airbnb
The best words to describe this yurt in Texas Hill Country are luxurious relaxation. Although it is an authentic Mongolian yurt, made of wood, sheep’s wool insulation, and horsehair ropes holding the structure together, it also has all the comfort of a fancy hotel. It is extremely private with views on the nearby woods, it has a hot tub, AC, heat, a gas fire pit, high-speed internet, an outdoor kitchen, private rooftop deck with a hammock and deck chairs, cable TV, and more.
Photo: Airbnb
The private outdoor bathroom is as fancy as the stylish furnishings of the yurt rental, but it’s the traditional features of the structure that will please travelers the most. With its genuine Mongolian exterior canvas, highly decorated door, and wooden poles inside, you’ll be transported to Asia instantly. 