Yurt Camping at Glendalough State Park

One of the heaviest things you carry into the backcountry is your tent. The thought of unloading that burden while on the trail in exchange for a reliable and weatherproof structure is appealing. Enter yurt camping. Yurts are circular, canvas-covered structures that provide the convenience of a sturdy shelter but still allow for a “roughing it” backcountry experience. Our family recently spent two-nights yurt camping at Minnesota’s Glendalough State Park.

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We had previously stayed in camper cabins at Jay Cooke State Park and in a yurt at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, so we had some idea of what to expect at Glendalough. Glendalough State Park has two yurts. We opted for the larger one that can accommodate up to seven people. Inside each yurt are three sets of bunk beds, one with a futon plus a table with four dining chairs.

The yurts can be accessed from the water or via one of two hiking paths. We opted for the paved path, though it was about a two-mile trek, so we could utilize the wheeled carts provided by the park. Taking the cart option also allowed us to carry more creature features. We brought a grill, a gas lantern and as pictured above a giant stuffed animal. None of these amenities would have come along if we didn’t have the cart. We arrived at the park in the late afternoon and made it to our accommodations as the sun was setting over Annie Battle Lake.

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When we first arrived, it took about two hours for the temperature inside the yurt to reach about 70 degrees. The state park provides the wood for the stove, but of course, it’s the guest’s responsibility to keep it stoked. Overnight, that can mean waking once or twice to ensure the yurt remains warm. During the day, we spent our time at the yurt relaxing, reading, hiking, exploring in the woods and playing LEGOS..

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We were fortunate to have very mild temperatures while staying at Glendalough. Highs in the 30s in December meant we were comfortable outdoors. Given that all cooking needs to happen outside of the yurt, the unseasonable temperatures were welcomed.

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Hopefully our adventure will inspire you and your family to go yurt camping at Glendalough State Park or any one Minnesota’s other park that offer this unique camping experience.

Happy Adventuring, Rochelle