Credit: Chris Teso

Yurt Camping Near Portland

Enjoy Oregon’s great outdoors in any weather with a stay in a modern yurt.

Updated Sept. 30, 2019 3 min read

Emma Mannheimer

Emma Mannheimer is a Seattle-born, Portland-based writer and editor. Read More

Midway between primitive camping and “glamping” stands the yurt, a circular tent dating back to ancient nomads in Central Asia. Today, you can find yurts at dozens of Oregon State Parks, including several within 100 miles (161 km) of Portland. These modern yurts come complete with locking doors, electrical outlets, heating, wooden floors and skylights and windows.

Seasonal storm watching, wildlife spotting and tranquil relaxation are all on the menu when you rent a rustic yurt. They’re available year-round for a small fee and can be reserved online. All yurts come with an outdoor fire pit for s’more-filled evenings (and some are even pet-friendly).

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Yurts Near Portland

Champoeg State Heritage Area

History, nature and recreation merge seamlessly at Champoeg State Heritage Area. Located 40 minutes south of Portland, the park marks the location where Oregon’s first provisional government formed in 1843. It’s not all facts and dates around here, however; the site is set on the picturesque banks of the Willamette River and offers acres of forests, fields and wetlands. Champoeg’s location also means easy access to nearby wineries, where you can stock up on prime bottles to enjoy fireside. Choose from 6 rustic yurts, furnished with a bunk bed and futon couch (three are pet-friendly).

Yurt Camping on the Oregon Coast

Fort Stevens State Park

For 84 years, from the Civil War through World War II, Fort Stevens State Park was an active military base. Now it’s a 4,300-acre (1,740 hectare) park, situated two hours northwest of Portland at the mouth of the Columbia River. Its diverse natural habitats and spectacles include forests, wetlands, dunes, a military museum and the haunting Peter Iredale shipwreck. In the summer, you can also swim in freshwater Coffenbury Lake and tour the WWII gun battery. Explore these sites by foot or bicycle along the park’s 6 miles (10 km) of hiking trails and 9 winding miles (14 km) of paved paths. A total of 15 rustic yurts, each sleeping up to five people, are available (including one animal-friendly dwelling).

Nehalem Bay State Park

This lovely campground is located on a 4-mile (6.5 km) sand spit between Cannon Beach and Tillamook. From wildlife and frosted pines to undulating beach dunes, there’s plenty to see and do at Nehalem Bay State Park. When not snuggling up in the yurt, pass the time crabbing, clam digging and admiring driftwood on sandy strolls. And don’t miss the 1.8 mile-long (3 km) bike path with great views of the bay. Choose from 18 yurts, including two pet-friendly options.

Cape Lookout State Park

Less than two hours from Portland, Cape Lookout State Park offers a prime place for cozy storm watching. Leave the comfortable cocoon of your yurt to wander 8 miles (13 km) of trails weaving through old-growth forest. Embark on the shorter nature trail for a manageable stroll that highlights the area’s fauna. The park has 13 yurts, including one pet-friendly option.

Beverly Beach State Park

Located 2.5 hours southwest of Portland, the forested campground at Beverly Beach State Park is set back from the coastline and sandwiched between Yaquina Head and Otter Rock. Lighthouse viewing, beach combing, whale watching and tide pool exploring are easily accessible from the doorway of your yurt. Head 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north to marvel at Devil’s Punchbowl, a naturally carved bowl in the headland that fills with crashing Pacific Ocean waves. A total of 21 yurts are up for grabs, including two pet-friendly dwellings.

Campgrounds

• Champoeg State Heritage Area

  Champoeg features a unique combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated on the south bank of the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg's acres of forest, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.

• Cape Lookout State Park

  Cape Lookout State Park, an hour and a half west of Portland through the scenic Wilson River pass, is a popular campground and day-use area located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean, giving you a terrific view of the ocean.

• Milo McIver State Park

  Within this little-known gem, you can spend a day or a week exploring the river, forest and fields.

• Mayer State Park

• Oxbow Regional Park

  Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region's natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities.

• Trillium Lake

  The lake offers fishing and non-motorized boating, plus stunning views of the mountain. A drive-in summer campground and gentle year-round loop trail for hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing offer many ways to enjoy the site.

• Lost Lake Resort & Campground

  Secluded in the Mt. Hood National Forest away from the noise, traffic and city lights. Open early May to late October. The Resort is situated on the shores of Lost Lake, 3,140 feet up the slopes of Mt. Hood.

• Beacon Rock State Park

  About an hour east of Portland, this camping area has a mile-long trail to a summit providing outstanding panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. The park has over 20 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use.

• Rooster Rock State Park

  Providing three miles of river access, two 9-hole disc golf courses, picnic areas, swimmin along the banks of the Columbia, and enjoyable paths through a lush native riverine landscape, this park is paradise to those who love life on the edge.