Yurts are circular, tent-like dwellings originally used by nomadic tribes in Central Asia. Campgrounds across Washington have adapted the design for overnight visitors. These canvas structures have a domed roof so you can easily stand inside. At Grayland Beach State Park (parks.wa.gov) in Southwest Washington, yurts face the Pacific Ocean and can fit up to five people. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park in the Green River Gorge has yurts on the river's shores. At Doe Bay Resort and Retreat (doebay.com) on Orcas Island, yurts sit in a quiet forest in walking distance of the resort's soaking pools and beach.
Cabins also offer rustic accommodations with more headroom -- and overall comfort -- than tents. Campgrounds with cabins include Guemes Island Resort (guemesislandresort.com), accessible via ferry from Anacortes. The quiet island of Guemes has excellent crabbing, fishing and kayaking without the crowds other islands see. Battle Ground Lake State Park is located in Southwest Washington on a spring-fed lake created by volcanic activity. Cabins here sleep five. Cama Beach State Park rents cabins on Camano island overlooking north Puget Sound's scenic Saratoga Passage.
Washington state park campgrounds have other types of accommodations: fire lookouts, once used to spot wildfires, have incredible views for the adventurous; teepees, an interesting alternative to tent camping are a favorite of families camping with children; and platform tents were historically used by miners, loggers and pioneers. The Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout at Mount Spokane State Park has expansive views at 5,129 feet and sleeps four. Fields Spring State Park in southeast Washington has two teepees that each sleep six. Dosewallips State Park, on the Olympic Peninsula, has canvas platform tents and is a great launch point for exploring the Hood Canal fjord.
If you plan to use a cabin, yurt or other camping accommodation, book it early. Accommodations are limited and popular, especially during the busy summer season when many campgrounds are fully booked. Some yurts do not have heating, so dress warmly if you're traveling in a colder season.
