Yurts in Alaska: A Guide to Unique Accommodations in the Last Frontier
Alaska is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, home to stunning lakes, remote outposts, and glacier treks. It’s no surprise that the state is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and unique accommodations. Whether you’re looking to camp in the backcountry or glamp in a luxurious space, Alaska has it all.
This ultimate guide brings you some of the coziest, warmest, and most unique yurt rentals in the state of Alaska. From northern lights viewing to trail hiking, these yurt rentals are sure to cover just what you’re looking for. So, if you’re up for an unforgettable wilderness experience, keep reading to discover the best yurt rentals in Alaska.
The Borealis Yurt – Deluxe Mountain Getaway Above Fairbanks With Great Views
The Borealis Yurt is a three-bedroom, one-bathroom rental located in Fairbanks, Alaska, that accommodates up to five guests. This yurt is perfect for a small family getaway and is equipped with cutlery, dishes, cooking utensils, a coffee maker, microwave, stovetop, and refrigerator. Additionally, the rental has WiFi and a large screen TV for entertainment.
The yurt is situated on top of the hills, providing a sunny south-facing view of the surrounding mountains. At night, guests can enjoy the great northern lights view while staying in a cozy and warm yurt. Outdoor activities such as skiing, ice or river fishing, and hiking are also available.
The Borealis Yurt also has an outdoor fire pit and a private deck with a grill, perfect for a bonfire or grilling. Guests can visit nearby arctic cultural events, natural hot springs, golf courses, and other historic sites.
The rental is available for $242+ for two nights, taxes included, and is listed on VRBO. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in the Borealis Yurt while taking in the beautiful views of Fairbanks.
Luxurious Yurt – 3 Bedrooms with Stunning Views and Whirlpool
This luxurious yurt in Haines, Alaska is the perfect place for a relaxing vacation. With stunning views of the Lynn Canal and Chilkat River, guests can enjoy the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness right from their deck. The yurt accommodates up to six guests and has three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with a queen-size bed and two rooms with twin-size beds. The loft can sleep two persons comfortably.
Guests can prepare meals in the full-service kitchen, equipped with a refrigerator, stove, and other necessary appliances. The bathroom has a shower and a hot tub, providing guests with a luxurious experience in the wilderness. The yurt also has free WiFi, making it easy to stay connected.
The property is conveniently located near the Southeast Alaska State Fair, Mount Ripinski, and Haines Borough Public Library, making it easy for guests to explore the area. Overall, this luxurious yurt provides guests with a comfortable and memorable Alaskan experience.
Nomad Yurt
This yurt, located in Talkeetna, Alaska, is available for rent on VRBO for $232+ per night, accommodating up to 4 guests. It is situated just four blocks from downtown and less than a mile away from the Aurora Dora, Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, and Talkeetna Riverfront Park. The yurt is equipped with a refrigerator, water dispenser, sink, smart TV, microwave, and fold-out couch. It also provides shampoo, soap, linens, and towels.
The Nomad Yurt is a clean, cozy, and comfortable accommodation option, with guests praising its lovely and serene location. Although it is situated in a wooded neighborhood, it provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The yurt is heated with a propane heater, and electricity is available for guests to use.
Overall, the Nomad Yurt is a great option for those seeking a couple’s getaway in Alaska.
Denali Circle
Denali Circle is a popular yurt rental located in Homer, Alaska. The yurts are situated in Kachemak Bay State Park, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Each yurt can accommodate up to two guests and is equipped with amenities such as a cookpot, bucket, water container, teapot, two-burner cookstove, and a wood stove. The yurts are insulated to ensure a comfortable temperature for guests.
One of the unique features of Denali Circle is that guests are allowed to bring and set up an additional tent beside their yurt if needed. The yurts do not have running water, but guests can easily access the spring below the campsite. This touch adds to the traditional camping experience and is perfect for those seeking an adventure and a break from city life.
The yurts are located above the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds and on the edge of a grassy meadow, making it perfect for camping and glamping. Guests can enjoy shared picnic tables and a fire pit with other guests. The price for a night’s stay starts at $184, which includes taxes.
Overall, Denali Circle is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and adventurous camping experience. Its beautiful location, comfortable amenities, and traditional touches make it an unforgettable experience.
Eagle River Nature Center Yurt Rental
The Eagle River Nature Center offers three yurts for rent, each accommodating up to four people. The yurts are named Yukla Yurt, River Trail Yurt, and Rapids Camp Yurt. Each yurt is equipped with basic amenities, including a deck, bear-proof food locker, two chairs, a table, firewood, wood stove, and plywood bunk-bed.
Guests can experience a true backcountry and rustic experience, using firewood and wood stoves when cooking. However, they must access the nearby water source and the latrine outside the yurts. The yurts do not have running water, shower, sink, or restroom facilities.
Guests are allowed to have outdoor campfires, but they must not cut trees. They can pick up the deadwood found lying in the forest. However, guests must be wary since the location is in bear country. They should take this as a challenge to learn how to become more cautious when roaming the property and storing and cooking their foods.
The price for renting a yurt starts at $85 per night, including taxes. The location is perfect for those who want to explore the Eagle River corridor, known for its wildlife and stunning views of some of the craggiest peaks in the Chugach Range.
Credit: ERNC | Yurt Rental Alaska
Nauti Otter – The Yurt Village
The Nauti Otter offers a unique glamping experience with its cozy yurts. Each yurt is equipped with basic facilities such as a heater, fan, electricity, skylight looking up to the tree canopy, and comfortable beds. Guests can choose from at least ten yurts to accommodate their needs.
The shared facilities at the property include a restroom, a covered pavilion, fire pit, BBQ grill, and picnic tables. Guests who prefer to have breakfast served can book a yurt that includes this option.
The yurts are priced at $154+ per night (taxes included) and can accommodate up to two guests. The Nauti Otter also offers different excursions suitable for every budget and preference. These experiences include Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Whale Cruises, which allow guests to encounter wildlife like seabirds, otters, and whales. Guests can also enjoy a kayak tour, fishing boat tour, or a personal helicopter tour to see the panoramic views of the Kenai Peninsula.
Overall, the Nauti Otter’s Yurt Village is a great option for those seeking a unique and comfortable glamping experience.
Manitoba Cabin – Spirit Walker Yurt
The Manitoba Cabin and Spirit Walker Yurt are two cozy and warm accommodations offered by Alaska Huts Association in Anchorage, Alaska. The Spirit Walker Yurt is a 16-ft yurt that can accommodate up to eight guests, with two double bunks and four single bunks. The yurt is insulated and has a propane heater, making it an ideal place to stay during cold winter nights.
Guests can share cabin amenities such as the outhouse and cabin kitchen. Canyon Creek, where guests can get water, is located nearby, but it should be treated before drinking. The Manitoba Cabin is perfect for those who want to unplug and immerse themselves in nature, as yurts do not have electrical outlets.
Both the Manitoba Cabin and Spirit Walker Yurt offer a wood stove for heating and cooking, providing a rustic and authentic Alaskan experience. The rental price starts from $140 per night, taxes included, making it an affordable option for those who want to explore the Alaskan wilderness.
Alaska Base Camp Yurt
If you’re looking for a unique and comfortable accommodation near the beach, Alaska Base Camp Yurt is a great option. Located in Seward, this yurt overlooks Resurrection Bay and is situated on the beachfront, providing easy access to the water.
The yurt can accommodate up to two guests and has a kitchenette equipped with an eating area, bar area, microwave, full refrigerator, coffee maker, and toaster oven. It also features WiFi and a flat-screen TV for entertainment. Unlike many other yurts, this one has a full bath with a shower and heater.
In addition to grilling BBQ on the front porch, guests can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing, as the yurt is only a couple of blocks away from nearby fishing charters. For those seeking more adventure, hiking at Cains Head or Tosina Point is an option.
At a price of $259+ per night (taxes excluded), Alaska Base Camp Yurt is a great option for those looking to experience the beauty of Alaska in a unique and comfortable setting.
Orca Island Cabins – Ocean View Yurt Cabin
The Orca Island Cabins in Seward, Alaska offers a unique and eco-friendly glamping experience on a private island. The Ocean View Yurt Cabin is perfect for couples and accommodates up to 2 guests. The cabin features a queen-size bed, a futon, comforters, blankets, and pillows. The kitchen comes equipped with basic dining area, cookware, dishes, and propane range. The private bathroom has a shower and compost toilet.
The Ocean View Yurt Cabin also has a large private deck with a BBQ grill, perfect for outdoor activities. Guests can also enjoy the hot tub and beachfront views. The cabin is powered by solar energy and potable water is provided. Firewood is also available for guests.
At a price of $882+ per night (taxes included), the Ocean View Yurt Cabin at Orca Island Cabins is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Alaska in comfort and style.
River Front Yurt with a View
Located in Palmer, Alaska, this river front yurt offers a glamping experience with stunning views of Pioneer Peak. The property is situated on 26 acres of land on the Knik River, providing guests with the opportunity to spot wildlife such as goats, sheep, moose, and bears through binoculars.
Aside from the breathtaking view, guests can enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as ATV, fishing, biking, and hiking. The yurt comes equipped with potable water, a sink, and a burner for cooking. A dome skylight allows for stargazing at night. WiFi is also available near the main house for those who need to stay connected.
The outhouse is conveniently located just a few steps away from the yurt, while a bathhouse is only five minutes down the road. With a price of $197+ for two nights (taxes included) and accommodating up to two guests, this river front yurt with a view is a great option for those seeking a unique and memorable glamping experience in Alaska.
Alaska Kenai River Fishing – Sleep in an Alaskan Yurt
For those looking to experience the Alaskan wilderness while still enjoying the comforts of home, renting a yurt in Soldotna is an excellent option. This 16 ft yurt rental, available on Airbnb, accommodates up to three guests and includes a single sofa bed, a queen-size bed, and a small dorm fridge.
Guests can enjoy the outdoors by staying on the hammock or having meals at the picnic table outside the deck. A fire pit is also available for toasting marshmallows or grilling BBQs at night. The guest bathroom has a shower only a short walk from the yurt to the Laundry Cabin.
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the yurt’s proximity to the Kenai River, which is just a short walk away. The 13-acre property also offers plenty of opportunities to observe Alaskan wildlife.
At a starting price of $139 per night, this yurt rental is an affordable and unique way to experience the Kenai Peninsula.
Chena Hot Springs – Yurts
For those who want to experience traditional camping, Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Alaska offers Mongolian-style yurt tents. These yurts are priced at $65+ per night (taxes excluded) and can accommodate up to two guests. While the yurts do not have bedding, plumbing, or electricity, they allow guests to fully immerse themselves in nature. Guests are advised to bring their own sleeping bags or linens since the yurts come with cots.
Chena Hot Springs is known for its geothermal power facilities, excellent aurora viewing, and an ice museum. The property also boasts the most developed and accessible natural hot springs in Alaska. Fairbanks residents even consider the hot springs to have healing power for pains and aches.
Guests staying in the yurts have access to the resort’s amenities, including indoor and outdoor hot tubs, heated indoor pools, and a sauna. The sauna is a perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of outdoor winter activities.
Overall, staying in a yurt at Chena Hot Springs is a unique and memorable way to experience the Alaskan wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for living in a yurt in Alaska?
Living in a yurt in Alaska requires a permit from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The permit is required for yurts located on state land and on private land. The regulations for living in a yurt in Alaska are similar to those for other types of dwellings. The yurt must meet all building codes and must be equipped with a heating system and a waste management system. The regulations also require that the yurt be located at least 50 feet away from any water source.
How do yurts perform in Alaskan winters in terms of insulation and heating?
Yurts are designed to withstand harsh winter conditions, and they provide excellent insulation. The walls of a yurt are made of a thick layer of insulation, which helps to retain heat. The roof of a yurt is also insulated, and it is designed to shed snow and ice. Yurts are typically heated with a wood stove, which provides ample heat to keep the interior warm and cozy.
What is the typical capacity of a yurt for accommodating guests?
The capacity of a yurt varies depending on its size. A typical yurt has a diameter of 16 to 20 feet and can accommodate up to 6 people comfortably. Larger yurts can accommodate up to 12 people. It is important to note that the capacity of a yurt also depends on the amount of furniture and other items inside.
Is it a profitable venture to rent out yurts in Alaska?
Renting out yurts in Alaska can be a profitable venture, especially during the summer months when tourism is high. Yurts are a popular option for travelers who want to experience the Alaskan wilderness while still enjoying the comforts of home. It is important to note that running a successful yurt rental business requires careful planning, marketing, and management.
Where can one find yurts for sale in Alaska?
There are several companies in Alaska that sell yurts, including Pacific Yurts and Alaska Tent & Tarp. Yurts can also be purchased online from various retailers. It is important to do research and compare prices before making a purchase.
What are the unique considerations when setting up a yurt in Anchorage, Alaska?
When setting up a yurt in Anchorage, Alaska, it is important to consider the wind and snow load requirements. Anchorage experiences heavy snowfall and high winds, so the yurt must be designed to withstand these conditions. It is also important to ensure that the yurt is properly insulated and heated to provide a comfortable living space during the cold winter months. Additionally, obtaining the necessary permits from the city and state is crucial before setting up a yurt in Anchorage.
