Yurt Camping List: What to Pack while Glamping
Part tent, part cabin, yurts are so much fun for camping! Don’t forget anything with this helpful yurt camping list.
Our Camping Kiddo at our yurt in Mexican Hat, Utah
I had no idea what a yurt was until we visited Utah for the first time and had to find accommodations near Monument Valley.
When I found out that Mexican Hat, Utah, only had 2 types of accommodations available, a hotel or a yurt, I went with the unknown and booked several nights in a yurt.
At the time, we had a preschooler and an infant, and I just wanted somewhere quiet for us to (try to) sleep.
The experience turned out to be one of the best that we had on our Las Vegas to Denver road trip, and we have fond memories of eating avocados outside of our yurt while we watched the light play off of the incredible red rock cliffs.
So, if you get nothing else from this post, remember this: always be willing to try something new! It might surprise you.
In any case, let’s make sure that you’re more prepared than I was with this comprehensive yurt camping list.
(Scroll to the bottom of the post to grab the printable PDF version of the list!)
>> Read more about our time exploring Monument Valley with kids. <<
What is Yurt Camping Like?
It’s a bit like tent camping, but without the mess of trying to set up everything.
Yurt camping in Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
A traditional yurt is round, which makes the layout much different than the usual square footprint of a camping tent.
Yurts hail from Mongolia, where the nomadic people needed shelter that was portable yet protective from the natural elements.
Today, yurts are gaining popularity as an alternative to both tent camping and cabin stays.
They’ve got the outdoorsy feel of a tent while providing more comfort like a cabin.
The fabric on the walls of a yurt are much thicker than that of a typical camping tent for extra protection from the elements.
The walls are usually canvas or thick plastic and are reinforced with movable wooden lattice.
Some modern day yurts lean into the glamping scene and add insulation or windows, while others are more traditional with bracing and a door.
Carefully look at the description of your potential yurt rental to see what you will have access to.
Things to Consider Before Booking a Yurt
Every yurt camping experience is different, and what every yurt rental provides is different.
One of the yurts at Shenandoah River State Park in Virginia
When in doubt, call the location manager to clarify what is provided. There’s nothing worse than getting to a remote campsite and realizing you don’t have the essentials!
Here are essential questions to ask yourself (or the location manager) as you prepare to book your yurt camping trip:
Does your yurt have running, potable water?
Is there an indoor or outdoor shower attached to the yurt, or will you need to use a nearby bath house?
What sizes are the beds available in the yurt rental?
Does the yurt come with linens or will you need to bring them?
Is there a kitchen inside the yurt, or nearby, that you can use to cook?
If there’s no kitchen available, is there a grill?
Is there a fire ring or fire area for cooking/hanging out?
If so, is firewood provided? If firewood isn’t provided, where can you purchase some?
How close is the yurt to other yurts or camping areas? What are the quiet hours? (Remember, yurts aren’t soundproof!)
Does the yurt have electricity? Are there any restrictions on usage?
How well sealed is the yurt? Are bugs an issue during the time of year you’ll be visiting?
Is any outdoor seating or dining provided?
Are there restrictions on the number of people who can stay in the cabin? Are kids an extra charge?
Are there restrictions on dogs staying with you in the yurt?
What is the average temperature during the time of year you’ll be visiting? Yurts are more insulated than a tent, but you’ll still want to prepare for extreme cold or heat.
In any case, you can be assured that you’ll be as comfortable as you would be in a tent, just more so!
Want to add some adventure to your yurt camping? Check out the best national parks on the West Coast!
Yurt Camping List: A Complete Guide
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive yurt camping list that covers everything you might need for several days of glamping.
>> You can also grab a printable PDF of the list by signing up for our newsletter at the bottom of this post! <<
Always check with your accommodations manager to double check what is provided for your specific yurt.
Some may have any amenity you can think of—including a kitchen, indoor bath, running water, and electricity—while others may simply be a bed inside of the yurt structure.
In any case, I’ve provided lots of different options on what to bring. Simply check off anything on the list that is already at the yurt.
What to Bring While Yurt Camping
Linens
PIN ME!
Ensure you have essentials like bath towels and wash cloths for either an ensuite bath or the nearby bath house.
You’ll also want to bring appropriately sized bedding for the beds, bunks, and/or sofa sleepers.
If you’re weird like me (or if the facility doesn’t provide them), bring your pillows.
Also, I like to pack an extra blanket or two in case the yurt gets chilly at night.
Swimming items
If your yurt has a pool or hot tub on the property—or even attached!—be prepared with a swimsuit or two.
You also can’t forget a pool towel. I like to bring these separately from my regular bath towels, so I have an actual chance to drying off with a dry towel post-shower.
Round out your swim necessities with a pair of flip flops, which also double as required items when using the bath house.
Clothing
You’ll want to pack for the weather in your destination, of course, but I also always carry one complete outfit of the opposite weather just in case.
For example, if we’re traveling to Florida in May, I’m likely wearing shorts and t-shirts the entire time.
However, I include a sweatshirt and pants on the off chance that there's unseasonably cool weather during our visit—or the A/C in one of our destinations is turned down too low.
During spring, winter, and fall, I also pack a beanie and jacket.
Other year round must-haves are wool socks, pajamas, and hiking shoes (or other appropriate footwear for your trip).
As another rule, I pack for the number of days I’m vacationing plus one extra complete outfit. You never know what’s going to happen!
Laundry
Yurts typically don’t have laundry rooms, so you’ll need a lightweight way to carry your clothes to the local launderette or property laundry on long trips.
I have a collapsible laundry basket that I take on most trips (and store in my camper otherwise).
I love how inexpensive that one is, and the fact that it will fit easily in my suitcase in its smallest form.
In addition, I recommend taking travel sizes of laundry powder/liquid and softener/dryer balls.
Carrying these with you is much cheaper than buying onsite at the laundry.
Toiletries
Assume that you’re not going to find any complementary toiletries at your yurt, as most are fairly bare bones.
Don’t leave your toiletries to chance on a yurt camping trip as many (most?) are located in rural or remote areas with no way to pick up an item if you forgot it.
For example, when we stayed in the yurt in Mexican Hat, Utah, we were about an hour and a half from the nearest big box store—and we went miles without even seeing a gas station.
I always travel with a travel toothbrush and toothpaste for each of us as the kids are going through a phase where they only like a specific kind of toothpaste.
Don’t forget other nighttime necessities like face wash and lotion, or other items needed to get you ready for bed and then up again in the morning.
Other must-haves for us include menstrual supplies, contact solution, and extra contact cases.
And finally, always, always, always pack a tube or 2 of Chapstick. Between the smoke from campfire, changes in elevation, and extra time spent outdoors, camping is tough on lips!
Medicines
Go with the basics.
Bring along prescription medications, as well as:
After Bite,
basic pain reliever,
Band-aids,
cough syrup/lozenges, and
Neosporin.
General supplies
Bring a small bottle of multi-purpose cleaner for quick clean-ups and general disinfecting.
You’ll also need to bring everyday essentials like paper towels and toilet paper.
Round out your supply list with a dish cloth, hand soap, and dish soap.
Again, some yurt may provide some or all of these—or at least get you started with a roll of paper towels or two. Check ahead of time!
Bath items
Don’t forget everything you need for your daily bath or shower. Some yurts have an attached bathroom, while others require a short walk to a communal bathhouse.
For our communal bathhouse visits, we have this mesh portable travel caddy, which holds all of our stuff plus some.
Either way, don’t anticipate that the property will provide these amenities.
Pack small bottles of shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. Don’t forget a hair brush!
Add in hair spray/mousse if applicable. I also travel with a small hair dryer and hair curler/straightener.
Fire-related items
If your yurt property allows for open campfires, you’ll want to purchase firewood for the duration of your stay.
Remember to buy firewood onsite or nearby to avoid bringing in non-native pests.
Also bring a fire starter such as a flint, lighter, matches, or a homemade fire starter.
Outdoor items
Bug spray, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must no matter the season.
I’d include a mosquito net if you’re visiting a yurt in the summer months and the yurt doesn’t have a regular door.
A flashlight is always helpful in getting around at night or to the bathhouse.
Consider a outdoor folding table if no outdoor picnic table is provided, and camp chairs if no seating is provided. Even if you do have a picnic table, camp chairs are always a great addition for sitting by the campfire.
I’m always cold, so Hot Hands are necessary even if it’s not the dead of winter.
Keep in mind that desert environments have a huge temperature swing between day and night! Hot Hands are welcome additions in the desert at night.
Kitchen items
You’ll need to eat, so come prepared. At minimum, I recommend a small pot and pan for sauteeing and steaming.
You’ll also want cooking spray for the grill or your pans, and aluminum foil for wrapping leftovers or lining pans.
A pasta strainer can come in handy if you’re planning a lot of veggies, salads, or pastas.
Don’t forget measuring cups, plates, drinking cups, and bowls.
When we have to take kitchen supplies with us, we pack everything in a medium or large Rubbermaid container with a lid. This set up is neat and tidy for the journey, and compact while we’re in camp.
NOTE: Some yurt kitchens come fully equipped: check before packing.
Food
If your yurt is anything like where we’ve stayed, you’ll need to be pretty self sufficient.
Make a meal plan and shop before you arrive!
You’ll need snacks, meals, and drinks.
Bottled water is a necessity if no potable water is available in the yurt. Don’t forget about ice and an ice chest if refrigeration isn’t available.
Baby items
If your little ones are coming along to the yurt, you’ll need diapers, diaper cream, bottles, formula, distilled water, and pumping supplies.
I’d also recommend a packable baby cot, which we swore by we traveled with our little kids.
Of all of the things on this list, you’re least likely to encounter a yurt that’s equipped with baby/kid items, so carefully pack them for your trip.
Miscellany
Finally, I recommend a small battery powered fan, which is great for warmer months if the yurt doesn’t have electricity.
A small mirror also comes in handy for getting ready each day if there’s a minimal or no bathroom.
In short, you’re going to have a wonderful time!
Once you’ve determined what to bring with the yurt camping list, you can then start to plan the rest of your trip: what hikes to go on, what new restaurants to try, etc.
Happy camping!
