You typically stay in a tent or in an RV when you go camping, right? Think again! What if I told you that there is a more unique way to experience the outdoors? You may be thinking you've tried it all, but there is an outdoor obsession sweeping the Northwest that combines the ideas of comfort and convenience with rugged backcountry experiences. These hidden getaways are known as yurts, and they're scattered throughout Idaho just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

What is a yurt?

A yurt is a contemporary adaption of the ancient shelter used by nomads and is typically round, waterproof, and semi-permanent. Most yurts are roughly 20-feet in diameter and have a wooden floor, hardwood walls, a skylight, and a canvas for weather protection. Yurts combine relaxation, convenience, and top-of-the-line materials. They bring the coziness of home to your outdoor experience. Within nearly every yurt, you will find a cooking area, pantry, tables, chairs, bunks, and plenty of space for you to hang your gear.

What's inside, should I bring anything?

In the winter, it's very common for people to pack food into the yurt location on a sled. In the summer, many people split the load between several backpacks.

While you should check on included amenities for your specific yurt, yurts often include futon beds, sets of single bunk beds, wooden benches, mattresses with sheets, a dining table and chairs, a propane stove, propane lanterns, led solar lights, newspapers and matches, plates, bowls, cooking pots and pans, a coffee pot and paper filters, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, garbage bags, towels, firewood and a fire extinguisher.

Why do people like staying in yurts?

Picture this; you wake up to the sound of crackling embers in the wood stove and roll over to see the sun breaching the crest of the mountains. You wrap your blanket around yourself and stand up to get a pot of coffee going. You then walk over to the window to watch the sunlight stretch across the valley, you take a deep breath, and the rich smell of freshly brewed coffee fills your nose. You've found your paradise.

Yes, yurting is as relaxing as it sounds. Most yurts are decked out with gas stoves or wood-burning stoves, making sleeping and meal preparation simple and convenient.

And if you are concerned about accessibility, don't worry, a majority of the yurts in Idaho are reachable by well-groomed trails.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you must be wondering about activities and adventures that you can do while staying in a yurt. Not to worry, staying in a yurt isn't just about sipping coffee and peering through frosted windows at beautiful landscapes, you can get your adventure-fix, too. There are many opportunities for you and the kids to have a good time outside all year long. If you want to get out and stretch your legs you can go mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and bird watching.

The surroundings are different in every yurt location, so you will always have somewhere new to explore. In the winter, grab some snowshoes and go trekking through the hills, or try some backcountry skiing. In the summer, explore miles of pristine trails that wind through the phenomenal scenery. No matter what activity you choose, they are all easily accessible and not too far from the comfort of your cozy yurt.

Where can I find a yurt to rent in Idaho?

Fortunately for you, there are countless options to choose from when looking for a yurt in Idaho, each having their own unique qualities. You can opt to stay on top of a ridge and overlook a valley as the sun rises, or you can be tucked away safely with the kids on your own little unique grassy knoll.

You can stay in yurts ranging from the top of Idaho's panhandle like the Twin Rivers Canyon Resort down to the Castle Rock State Park location. Yet, some of the most popular yurts are situated between Idaho City and Lowman. Yurts in Idaho State Parks are administered by Idaho State Parks & Recreation. You can easily view all available options and make reservations on their website. If you are looking to rent a yurt, you will want to keep a close eye on availability because many weekends are booked six months in advance.

Suggested Idaho City yurts: Stargaze Backcountry Yurt

Location: Off of Beaver Creek Summit

Trail: Not groomed, this trail can be difficult in the winter.

Elevation: The elevation gain is a steady 680-feet to your destination.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed. Woof!

Why it's so awesome: The Stargaze yurt is the newest yurt in the Idaho City system and it boasts spectacular views of the Sawtooth Mountains and of the South Fork of the Payette River Canyon. Hike just a half-mile to Stargaze Point to have a 360-degree view of the Boise National Forest.

Elkhorn Yurt

Location: Off of Elkhorn Loop Trail

Trails: Groomed within 200 yards

Elevation: The elevation gain is roughly 750-feet. You will pass the turnoff for the Banner Ridge Yurt and continue on a groomed trail until you reach your destination.

Dogs: Allowed in summer, not in winter.

Why it's so awesome: The Elkhorn Yurt has a massive deck that provides the perfect setting for an outdoor picnic. This yurt is also the most remote yurt out of the Idaho City system and offers views of the Trinity Mountains, Wolf Mountain, Jackson Peak, Steele Mountain, Pilot Peak, and Sunset Peak, just to name a few.

Whispering Pines

Location: Gold Fork Park N' Ski Trail System

Trail: Groomed

Elevation: The elevation gain is a long, easy 300-foot climb.

Dogs: Allowed. Woof!

Why it's so awesome: Whispering Pines is nestled beneath, you guessed it, tall Ponderosa Pines. This ski-friendly yurt provides access to an 8-mile groomed Nordic ski loop and has many backcountry trails that zigzag their way through the forest.

If you're looking for a unique camping experience, or some quality family time, book your yurt vacation now! A retreat from the buzz of the big city to a yurt in Idaho's beautiful backcountry may be just what you need.

For more exploration ideas and things to do in Idaho, check out VisitIdaho.org and start planning your next adventure. To view this Trip Guide and others like it, click here.