Glamping is a worldwide trend that allows outdoor enthusiasts the outside scenery and recreation factor of camping in nature, but there is no tent to pitch, nor sleeping on the ground to endure.

It's a luxurious or glamorous sort of camping, so combine those words and you now understand the term "glamping." So if you're looking for a glamping getaway, we may have a little something up our sleeves Virginia State Parks' style.

Experience the park from a new perspective when you stay in a Virginia State Park Yurt.

GLAMPING GETAWAYS 

Yurts provide comfortable accommodations with ample privacy (Image credit: The Drew)

Interior view of a new yurt at Pocahontas State Park (byo linens)

ENTER THE YURT

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter that combines a beautiful wood frame with durable, electronically bonded architectural fabric. It's a cross between a tent and a cabin. Until 2017 we only had one yurt available at a Virginia State Park, but due to popular demand, we have been yurt building like crazy at our parks.

WE'VE GOT YOUR YURT

GLAMPING VIRGINIA STATE PARKS' STYLE

GLAMPING YURTS

Kiptopeke State Park offers the only "deluxe" yurt. While it may not be super luxurious, it beats sleeping on the hard ground in a tent. It has electricity and air conditioning. So for that purpose, I'd like to call it glamping Virginia State Parks' style.

Our first yurt has been happily hosting guests for two decades (since 1998) and offers a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay. It has a large wooden deck, picnic table, fire ring with cooking grate, exterior floodlight, food preparation table and water spigot. Smoking, cooking and pets are not allowed in the yurt. It sleeps six and guests must bring sheets, blankets, towels and pillows.

The Kiptopeke State Park yurt is a private glamping destination with water views.

Enjoy your morning coffee here while looking out over the concrete ships and the Chesapeake Bay.

ABOUT THE FIRST KIPTOPEKE YURT

The first yurt in Virginia State Parks was built on a bluff overlooking the Chesapeake Bay at Kiptopeke State Park and opened for reservations in 1998 and has been very popular ever since. The yurt's private and very scenic location made it our first "glamping" offering. While not extravagant as some expect from glamping as the term has been stretched to the max, it offers a comfortable setting for a getaway, with no tent stakes required. 

Sleeps six: Bunk bed (double bed on bottom, single on top), bunk bed (single bottom and top) and futon sofa (double bed). Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens for the beds.

• Electricity (this is the only yurt with electricity)
• Uses a heat pump for heat and air-conditioning
• Dining table seats four
• Coffee table and side table with lamps
• Laminate flooring
• Guests use the tent campground bathhouse, which is about 125 yards away (no restroom in the yurt)
• This yurt features a ramp.
• Large wooden deck, a picnic table and a fire ring with cooking grate (no cooking is allowed inside the yurt) on the ground outside the yurt
• Views of the water with access to the southern beach via an extensive boardwalk
• Parking for two cars
• No pets are allowed in the yurt

Check-in is at 4:00 p.m., and checkout is 10:00 a.m. A week-long stay is required from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and a two-night minimum stay is required otherwise. As with other park cabins, the week-long stay requirement is reduced to a two-night minimum within a month before arrival.

MORE YURTS NOW OPEN AT KIPTOPEKE

New yurts at Kiptopeke are very private, with views of the Chesapeake Bay

Sunsets are epic at Kiptopeke and can be seen right off your massive yurt deck

The newer yurts are similar in style to the original one at Kiptopeke State Park except for lacking electricity and climate control. Although guests may prefer them as they are brand new and have new furnishings. Only a one-night stay is required Sunday through Thursday, but you have to reserve both Friday and Saturday nights if you want the weekend.

Each yurt has a large wooden deck, a picnic table, a charcoal grill and a fire ring with a cooking grate. - Sleeps 3 - One queen-sized and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens. - No electricity - No smoking, cooking or pets allowed in the yurt. - Water spigot, picnic table, grill, and fire ring at the site. - Deck with four rocking chairs - Dining table seats four. - No heat or air-conditioning. Guests use the campground bathhouse.

Each of these parks will have at least one yurt that is ADA compliant. Update: The Pet Policy is in the works currently. No pets are allowed in the yurts, but we will consider allowing them in at least one yurt at each park after reinforcing the interior structure. 

TAKE TIME TO DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT

WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE

Check out this new glamping destination at Fairy Stone State Park

YURTS NOW AVAILABLE:

• Chippokes 
• Claytor Lake 
• Fairy Stone 
• First Landing
• Grayson Highlands
• Hungry Mother 
• Kiptopeke 
• Lake Anna 
• Machicomoco
• Natural Tunnel
• Occoneechee 
• Pocahontas 
• Powhatan
• Shenandoah River 

Ohio State University ASB volunteers build steps for the yurts at Natural Tunnel.

This yurt is available now for glamping at Pocahontas State Park in Virginia.

A glamping oasis of privacy with no tent stakes to trip over in your campsite

NEW YURT EXPERIENCE

Pocahontas State Park has four yurts in the main campground and are tucked neatly into wooded areas for privacy and extra shade.

Maximum occupancy 4. Sleeps 3 - One queen-sized bed with a twin-sized trundle pull-out. Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens.

• No smoking, cooking or pets allowed in the yurt
• Dining table seats four
• Coffee table and end tables
• Wood flooring
• No heat or air-conditioning
• A window that opens
• Guests use campground bathhouse 4, about 500 feet away (no restroom inside the yurt)
• Large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table and a fire ring with cooking grate
• Parking for two cars
• Yurt 3 is ADA-accessible

AN OASIS OF PRIVACY

NO TENT STAKES TO TRIP OVER

GET YOUR YURT 

So, if you want to go glamping this spring, summer or fall, we've got your yurt. You can reserve your yurt up to 11 months in advance. Call 800-933-7275 or check availability online.

PARK AMENITIES

You can search our park amenities grid if you want to glamp in a park with nature trails, waterways, boat rentals, swimming beaches, etc.

Yurts are an upgrade for those who want the camping experience in the great outdoors at Virginia State Parks but think a cabin is not really camping. If you prefer your own restroom and shower, we have more than 300 cabins to choose from and family/group lodges.

If you have any questions about Virginia State Park yurts, give us a call at 800-933-7275. See a map of all Virginia State Parks.