By Sharon Oliver
Contributing Writer
REGION – Planning getaways to commune with nature can be stressful particularly when a large group of family members or friends are involved. Long gone are the days of pitching a simple tent. While RVs may remain popular among some, not everyone has space to store one. Cabin renting is an option, but nothing beats the ruggedness of a heavy, durable yurt (a cross between a tent and a cabin) which is an acronym for Year-round Universal Recreation Tent.
Features can include bunk beds, table and chairs, screened windows and skylights with some having woodstoves and electricity. Now that glamping is a thing for outdoor enthusiasts, yurts are no longer just a source of housing for nomadic people, and Massachusetts is right on track with meeting camper needs.
The state has several parks and campsites with yurts to choose from, including Myles Standish State Forest, Nickerson State Park and Willard Brook State Forest. However, there are several things to look into before stuffing a backpack and traveling to that ideal spot. Are reservations required? Are there nearby restrooms? Below are just a few campgrounds to check into when planning your next trip.
October Mountain State Forest – Washington
Located in the picturesque region of the Berkshires is the October Mountain State Forest, complete with a charming yurt mini-village. Here, you will find a cluster of yurts featuring wood floors, beds with real mattresses plus a table and chairs. Camping season is open from mid-May through mid-October, allowing campers plenty of time to enjoy a little fishing, hunting, and kayaking.
Otter River State Forest – Baldwinville
This spot is popular for summertime camping with four yurts on the premise. At Otter River, visitors can indulge in a little swimming, hiking and mountain hiking. Although walk-in campsite reservations are accepted, calling ahead to check availability is advised.
Pinewood Lodge Campground – Plymouth
Pinewood Lodge Campground rests upon 200 acres with a 50-acre lake and a six-acre island. After spending the day boating, swimming or fishing, campers have to option of staying in a cabin, cottage, tent site and of course, a yurt.
Wells State Forest – Sturbridge
This 1,400-acre public recreation area with stunning landscape offers all activities as the others plus horseback riding. Besides having tent sites and four yurts, Wells State Forest also offers RV sites.
Shawnee-Crowell State Forest – Sandwich
The town of Sandwich on Cape Cod is a great place for yurt camping where renters can relax on a patio. Shawnee-Crowell’s 15 miles of trails are perfect for hiking and horseback riding and has six yurts available for rent.
Normandy Farms Campground – Foxboro
Rentals are available for most of the year, but primarily from Sunday to Sunday during the summer. Yurts come fully equipped with heat/AC, two TVs, a fireplace, bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet, kitchenette that includes a refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee/tea maker, two burner induction stove top, and toaster oven. There is a private bedroom with a queen bed and a queen-size pullout couch in the living room along with two single pullout couches.
Year-round sites
It is possible to find a yurt with features like two queen-size beds, a sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a shower like the one located on an organic farm in Hawley. Such structures with the comforts of home are probably more scarce than plentiful but they do exist. Not wanting to wait until the warm days of summer or cold winters to spend cozy evenings in yurt? Not all sites are seasonal.
There are a few campground sites throughout the state which offer year-round camping. However, it is best to contact individual parks to learn more about availability and activities.
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