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Clear Lake Yurts: A Unique Experience In Iowa

This summer, I stayed in a yurt. A yurt! This particular yurt was in Iowa.

What’s a yurt?

A yurt is more tent than cabin. The yurts in Clear Lake, Iowa come with beds and a table.
A yurt is more tent than cabin. The yurts in Clear Lake, Iowa come with beds and a table.

A yurt is essentially a glorified tent. It bridges the gap between a tent and a cabin, actually. It has a door that locks, windows that you can open and close using flaps, and a little patio. They’re unique in that they’re round. The closest yurt to Omaha is in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Clear Lake, Iowa
Clear Lake, Iowa

McIntosh Woods State Park in Iowa has two yurts that are mere steps from the lake. The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce invited us to stay in one for a night so I could tell you all about it. The yurts in Clear Lake have a bunk bed and futon, plus a table and chairs. Outside, each yurt had a couple picnic tables, charcoal grill and a wood fire pit.

All you
All you “Big” fans out there now have the legit chance to tell your spouse “I get to be on top.” This yurt has a bunk bed, plus a futon.

Pretty much, you get to feel like you’re camping without having to sleep on the ground or struggle with a tent.

Tips for staying in a yurt

Yurt Clear Lake title
  • Bring your own bedding – and don’t forget pillows.
  • Bring your usual camping supplies. If you’re making any meals during your stay, you’ll need to bring all of your cooking supplies in addition to the ingredients. Don’t forget to bring paper towels or wet naps, especially if you have kids.
  • Bring towels, both for showering and if you’re visiting the lake.
  • Clean up after yourself. There is a broom in the yurt, which was a good reminder to tidy up before leaving.

More about Clear Lake Yurts

A glamorous morning in our yurt
A glamorous morning in our yurt

The bathrooms are a short walk – there is a shower. You share it with whoever is staying in the other yurt. We were the only ones staying there that night, so it felt private.

Like a tent, though, there is no air conditioning, just a fan and windows for a breeze. We stayed at the end of June and with unseasonably cool nights, it was incredibly comfortable. But I’m no fool, I know what Midwestern summers can be like, so I can imagine how it’d be hot if the weather is.

What to do at McIntosh Woods

The quiet beach at McKintosh Woods State Park in Clear Lake, Iowa.
The quiet beach at McIntosh Woods State Park in Clear Lake, Iowa.

The state park is fairly small, but it does have a beach – one of three beaches easily accessible for families visiting Clear Lake. It wasn’t our favorite one, but it’s a nice place to cool off if you’re staying in the park. There’s also a playground.

Younger kids will enjoy the playground at McKintosh Woods State Park.
Younger kids will enjoy the playground at McIntosh Woods State Park.

Most people go to Clear Lake to boat, and there is a boat ramp to access the lake within the park. There were quite a few people fishing, as well. It’s not a park for serious hikers.

Clear Lake is the main draw to McKintosh Woods State Park.
Clear Lake is the main draw to McIntosh Woods State Park.

What’s near the Clear Lake yurts

Clear Lake is a short drive from McIntosh Woods State Park, where you’ll find great restaurants, more beach access and cute local shops in the downtown area. I wrote about Clear Lake places to visit if you want some recommendations.

If you’re looking for dining with a view, I recommend PM Park – it’s not the closest restaurant, but it is the only one with a tiki bar. So it’s got that going for it. The breakfast there is pretty good, too – try their French pancake.

If you go

Clear Lake Yurts at McIntosh Woods State Park

Where: 1200 E. Lake St., Ventura, Iowa

Website

Yurts are one step above camping and one step below a cabin. Here's what it was like to stay in one near a lake in Iowa. #outdoors #camping #familytravel #familyvacation

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Plan your own Great Iowa Road Trip

Here’s an itinerary to plan your own Great Iowa Road Trip! To learn more about some of the destinations on this trip, check out these posts:

Rustic charm in suburban Iowa at Wildwood Lodge in Des Moines, Iowa

Fun on the rails with Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

Get even more inspiration from my bucket lists for Des Moines and Clear Lake!

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Kylie N

Monday 27th of November 2017

I'm thinking about staying in one of the yurts during the conference next year...quick (maybe silly) question...do they have any power outlets? Thanks!

Kim

Tuesday 28th of November 2017

I'm pretty sure they did have at least one double outlet. I recall being able to charge my phone and laptop.

Jen Ciha

Monday 22nd of August 2016

What a fun way to camp! We might have to give it a try some cool fall weekend! Thanks for the packing list. Very helpful. I wouldn't have known to bring everything just like you do with a tent. Does the yurt have power?

Kim

Monday 22nd of August 2016

Thanks, Jen! It was definitely memorable - the fun of camping without the hassle of a tent or sleeping on the ground. It does have power - great question! We used the outlet to charge our phones and camera battery.

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