9 Stunning Yurt Rentals in California

We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience and expertise, user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.

Was this article helpful?

YesNo

California’s deserts, towering redwoods, and stunning mountain ranges mean everyone will find some place amazing to go. And staying in a yurt can add an extra element to your getaway: the chance to better connect with nature.

Glamping in yurts is becoming more and more popular, both for travelers and for hosts. Yurts — somewhat of a split between tents, houses, and huts — provide the perfect blend of basic comforts and the feeling of sleeping in the outdoors. Of course, some are far more glam.

With California’s vast and varied landscape, you’ll be able to find the perfect yurt whether you want to explore a national park, chill at the beach, sightseeing in a town, or get lost in the great outdoors. You can sip regional wines, hike on new trails, and get wild in the desert without having to give up your creature comforts when you stay in one of these great yurt rentals in California.

From high-desert escapes with stunning night sky views to mountaintop retreats surrounded by towering trees, the Golden State has offers a wide variety options for any yurt enthusiast.

With prices ranging from under $100 to high-end luxury options that’ll set you back a wee bit more, one of these yurt rentals in California is bound to be perfect or your next vacay.

1. The Rising Moon Yurt

Why you should stay: A modern yurt with views of Sonoma County’s pinot noir and chardonnay vineyards.

Location: Sebastopol
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $195/night

Meander the backroads through Sonoma County wine country to a small family homestead and farm. There, perched on a hill is The Rising Moon Yurt. Yurt only in name, this airbnb comes with all the modern comforts and amenities you’d expect from a boutique hotel. You’ll enjoy a full kitchen (complete with multiple ways to make your morning coffee), a smart TV, a comfortable Tuft & Needle mattress, and much more in this charming yurt.

The yurt is surrounded by wildlife and gives you a feeling of true solitude though you’re only a short distance away from downtown Sebastopol and a plethora of local activities. Whether you spend your days on a wine tour, at the beach, or picking whatever fruit happens to be in season at the homestead, you’ll enjoy coming back for an evening soak in the cute bath house’s outdoor tub.

Check Availability

2. Be Well Yurt

luxury yurt rental california — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A four-season nature escape with plenty of cushy comforts.

Location: Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $135/night

An escape into nature doesn’t mean you have to rough it in the dirt. The Be Well Yurt is the perfect place to be immersed in the woods next to a seasonal creek, but it has all the cushy creature comforts you could want. The airy and bright space keeps you close to nature by offering natural amenities like a down-alternative eco-friendly duvet, repurposed furnishings, and organic towels and soaps that make this yurt an eco-conscious sanctuary in the woods.

To simplify your mornings, the yurt has a minimalist kitchenette with the essentials and a vintage Victorian wash basin for rinsing your coffee mugs or brushing your teeth. This is one of the best yurt rentals in California if you’re into hiking, since Idyllwild is a hiking paradise. In fact, many of the area’s trails are within walking distance of your front door.

Check Availability

3. Mountaintop Yurt in the Redwoods

california yurt rental redwoods — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Glamp next to a meditation and yoga retreat in the mountains.

Location: Watsonville
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $87/night

This mountaintop yurt gets you away from it all. It’s your escape from civilization for a retreat in the mountains surrounded by towering redwoods with chirping birds, including wild peacocks. The yurt itself is bathed in natural light and has a thoughtfully designed interior to help you feel welcomed right away. Be sure to help yourself to the complimentary coffee and tea, snacks, and seasonal fruit.

The property is on Mount Madonna, giving you great access to hikes, horseback trails, and spectacular views. It’s also walking distance from a Buddhist monastery and the Mount Madonna Center, where you can take a yoga class, meditate, and visit the bookshop and cafe.

However you choose to spend your day, a lux outdoor bathhouse complete with organic and biodegradable bath products awaits your return.

Check Availability

4. Stargazer Yurt

california yurt rental joshua tree — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Escape to the high desert and see a phenomenal night sky by Joshua Tree National Park.

Location: Yucca Valley
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $106/night

The Stargazer Yurt gives you that off-grid, unplugged experience. Accessible only by remote dirt road, you’ll have 40 acres all to yourself. The views are great during the day, but you’ll want to spend nights under the dark night sky admiring some of the best views of the Milky Way you can find anywhere in the country.

The yurt itself has no electricity, though the hosts do provide solar lights and headlamps for convenience. Instead of screen time, guests are encouraged to spend time outdoors, soaking in the magic of the desert. Get weird with costumes provided in a steampunk trunk, swing while watching the sun go down, or grill up a good meal. This is one of the most affordable yurt rentals in California if you plan on visiting Joshua Tree.

Check Availability

5. 28 Palms Ranch Stargazing Yurt

mongolian yurt airbnb california — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: An authentic Mongolian Yurt in a glamping village just outside the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.

Location: Twentynine Palms
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $150/night

The 28 Palms Ranch Stargazing Yurt is an unplugged desert escape with the benefits of a small community. There are five yurts on the property, and each yurt accommodates four people.

That makes this one of the best yurt rentals in California if you’re traveling with a group but all want your own space. But if you’re traveling alone, it’ll be easy to meet new people. The lovely yurt is the perfect spot for a sheltered sleep under the stars you’ll always remember.

The only authentic Mongolian yurt on this list, the Stargazing Yurt features unique detailing on the canvas, a beautifully designed door, and a Mongolian sink. Outside, there’s a fire pit, a food prep sink, and picnic table so you can enjoy your meals under the stars with new friends.

Check Availability

6. Ponderosa Yurt

Why you should stay: A picturesque escape to recharge away from the city.

Location: Garden Valley
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $150/night

The Ponderosa Yurt offers an escape from the heat of summer or a place find some solitude and recharge in the winter. It’s located at Reverie Retreat, a secluded property surrounded by towering trees with a picturesque salt-water infinity pool. The yurt itself has a comfortable queen bed, coffee maker, grill, small mini-fridge, and three-burner cooktop. This particular yurt isn’t dog-friendly, but the on-property Reverie Cottage and Sunset Yurt are.

Reverie Retreat sits in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, home to hiking trails, wineries, and the American River, where guests can swim or go white water rafting. However, if you can’t part yourself from the tranquility of the yurt, the property has two ponds, a stream, stunning views, and great stargazing to keep you occupied.

Check Availability

7. Yurt on the Farm

Why you should stay: A lux yurt on a working farm near the artsy-meets-boho town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Location: Salinas
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $245/night

With this yurt’s luxurious Tempurpedic bed, strong wifi, and full kitchen, you’ll hardly feel like you’re glamping. However, the sweeping views of the Salinas Valley, fresh mountain spring water that feeds the yurt, and views of the Milky Way from the outdoor fire pit on a clear night should be enough to remind you that you’ve found the perfect blend of luxury and urban escape.

As its name suggests, this yurt is located on a working farm. Guests are encouraged to explore the property on one of the many pathways or indulge in wine tastings at neighboring vineyards. The yurt is very well furnished indoors, but has a huge outdoor deck where you’ll probably want to spend at least an evening or two.

Check Availability

8. Purty Yurty & Mini Me

Why you should stay: Feeling lucky? Try to book this highly sought-after yurt for a true high-desert escape.

Location: Joshua Tree
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $183/night

No internet, no running water, no kitchen: Purty Yurty & Mini Me is the perfect desert glamping escape for when you want to get back to nature. You can expect killer stargazing from the comfort of an outdoor clawfoot tub, a wide-open sky for stunning sunrises and sunsets, and a comfortable and thoughtfully decorated interior.

Though the yurt is secluded and can feel worlds away, you’re less than 20 minutes by car from Joshua Tree town center. You’re surrounding by opportunities for hiking, climbing, and cave exploring in the high desert, making it easy to see why Purty Yurty & Me was one of Airbnb’s most wishlisted yurts for 2020.

Check Availability

9. Secluded Yurt on an Organic Farm

Why you should stay: Get easy access to the outdoors from the comfort of a working organic farm.

Location: Colfax
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $78/night

The Sierra Nevada foothills offer so many outdoor recreation opportunities, and this secluded yurt on an organic farm is a great basecamp for your explorations. Rivers, hiking, and ski resorts are all within a short drive. However, the yurt is located on a 50-acre working organic farm, so you can cozy up and stay on property and still have plenty to do and see. It’s one of the most affordable yurt rentals in California, especially since it’s close to the ski resorts in Truckee, where “affordable” rooms can easily be $300 or more a night.

Inside the yurt, you’ll have a full-sized bed with comfortable bedding, two large windows that look out into the forest, and a wood stove to keep warm on chilly nights. Firewood, kindling, and lighting paper are provided to make each stay more enjoyable.

Check Availability