Written by Jeanetta Shepherd, Owner of Elk Hollow Resort | Luxury Mountain Retreat, Bryson City, NC | Updated July 2026
This guide is based on my experience as the owner of Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City. Over the years, we’ve welcomed countless guests looking for unique places to stay in North Carolina and shared recommendations on the best yurt experiences across the state. The information here combines my local knowledge with thorough research into each property’s amenities, pricing, location, and guest experience.
Disclosure: Elk Hollow Resort is our own property, so it appears first because it’s the destination we know best. We also encourage you to compare it with the other yurts featured here to find the stay that best matches your travel plans. Rates reflect the latest information available as of July 2026 but may vary depending on season, availability, and demand. Estimated drive times are intended for general planning and are based on typical traffic conditions. We review and update this guide regularly to keep it accurate and current.
We get asked about yurts in North Carolina almost every week, usually from guests who found us while comparing five other tabs open on their phone.
So we put together the guide we wish existed when we were building our own yurts here in Bryson City: honest details on ten real properties, what each one actually costs, and who each one is genuinely built for.
We’re not a travel blog. We manage a glamping resort ourselves, which means we’ve toured competitors, swapped notes with other owners at industry meetups, and fielded thousands of guest questions about what makes a yurt stay worth the money.
This guide reflects that. If a property has a real weakness, we’ll say so.
What Makes a Yurt Different From a Cabin (And Why It Matters for Your NC Trip)
A yurt is a round structure built on a wooden lattice frame, originally developed by nomadic herders in Mongolia and Central Asia thousands of years ago.
The design was meant to go up fast, hold up in wind, and pack down for the next move.
North Carolina yurts keep the shape but drop the nomadic part. Most are permanent, insulated structures with HVAC, real plumbing, and enough electrical capacity to run a full kitchen.
The lattice walls and the central roof ring, called a toono in the traditional design, are still visible in most builds, which is part of why the interiors feel so different from a standard cabin.
Hard-Wall vs Soft-Wall Yurts in North Carolina: Which One Do You Actually Want?
This is the first fork in the road when you’re comparing yurt rentals in North Carolina, and it matters more than most listings let on.
Choose a hard-wall yurt if:
- You’re traveling between November and March and want real winter comfort
- You care about soundproofing, since hard walls block outside noise far better than canvas
- You want a stay that feels closer to a small cabin than a tent
Choose a soft-wall (canvas) yurt if:
- You’re visiting in warm weather and want that canvas-tent, glamping-specific feel
- Budget matters more than climate control, since soft-wall units are usually the cheaper option
- You like hearing rain and wind, which soft-wall structures transmit more than hard-wall ones
Our own yurts at Elk Hollow, along with most of the units at DuPont Yurts and Sky Ridge, use hard-wall construction with full HVAC.
Falling Waters Resort keeps the traditional canvas style, which is part of why their nightly rate sits so much lower than everyone else on this list.
If you’re still weighing destinations for your trip, check out our detailed guide on Bryson City vs Asheville for vacation to see which vibe fits your travel style best.
Quick Comparison: 10 Yurts in North Carolina at a Glance
We built this table the way we’d want it if we were the ones comparing options at midnight with six browser tabs open.
| Property | Location | Price Range/Night | Private Hot Tub | Best For |
| Elk Hollow Resort | Bryson City | $151 to $262 | Yes, every unit | Couples and small families wanting full privacy |
| Sky Ridge Yurts | Bryson City | From $107 | No | Ridge views on a tighter budget |
| DuPont Yurts | Hendersonville | $180 to $260 | No | Waterfall access, families |
| Brown Mountain Beach Resort | Lenoir | Roughly $135 to $175 | Yes, riverfront units | Groups, weddings, river adventure |
| Asheville Glamping | Asheville | $140 to $350 | Some units | Travelers wanting a city-adjacent basecamp |
| stayNantahala | Topton | Varies by season | No | Lakefront couples’ escape |
| Falling Waters Resort | Bryson City | $49.95 to $69.95 | No | Budget travelers, rafters |
| Campfire Lodgings | Asheville | Contact for rates | No | RV and yurt mix, Blue Ridge Parkway access |
| Healing Acres Yurt | Brevard | Roughly $240 to $355 | No | Farm-stay lovers, waterfall hikers |
| Serenity Ridge Glamping Yurt | Mill Spring (Lake Lure area) | Roughly $270 to $310 | No, luxury bath instead | Wedding weekends, Lake Lure day trips |
Prices shift with season and day of week, so treat these as a starting range rather than a guarantee. We pulled these from each property’s own booking pages and major platforms including Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia during our research window in July 2026.
Local Tip: Book Your NC Yurt Before You Book Flights
Here’s something most guides skip. The most popular yurts in North Carolina, particularly anything with a private hot tub in Bryson City or Asheville, sell out for fall foliage weekends by early September.
We’ve had guests call us in October asking about a Saturday in three weeks during peak leaf season, and we simply have nothing left.
If you’re flying in from out of state, lock your yurt first and build your flights around it, not the other way around. Weekday stays are far more forgiving.
Pairing your stay with trail access is key, so take a look at the best places to stay for hiking in the Smoky Mountains to make the most of your time on the trails.
We regularly have Tuesday and Wednesday availability the same week that every Friday and Saturday is booked solid.
1. Elk Hollow Resort: Luxury Glamping Yurts in Bryson City, NC
Address: 74 Elk Hollow Road, Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone: (678) 468-9182
This is us, so we’ll keep the pitch honest rather than salesy. We built Elk Hollow because we kept seeing glamping properties treat the hot tub as a luxury upgrade instead of a standard feature, and we wanted every single stay here to include one.
- 15 total accommodations across three styles: 10 safari tents, 4 hard-wall yurts, and the 4-bedroom Lookout Lodge
- Every unit includes a private hot tub and private fire pit, no shared facilities anywhere on property
- Yurts include Hidden Falls, Laughing Water, Spicewood, and Tumbling Brook, each with its own layout and personality
- Full kitchens with granite counters and gas grills on the deck
- Five minutes from Deep Creek‘s waterfall trails and tubing access, a few more minutes to downtown Bryson City
- Nightly rates run $151 to $262 depending on the unit and day of week
Along with our hard-wall yurts, we also offer luxury canvas stays; learn more about glamping in safari tents Bryson City to compare all your options.
Best for: Couples celebrating an anniversary, small families who want space without giving up privacy, and anyone who wants a hot tub without paying for a whole cabin.
Elk Hollow holds a 4.9 rating from more than 200 reviews on Google, and guests consistently call out the private hot tubs and the creek trail on the property as the reason they book us over other Smoky Mountain glamping options.
2. Sky Ridge Yurts: Scenic Mountain-View Yurts in Bryson City, NC
Address: 200 Sky Ridge Dr, Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone: (704) 701-5696
Sky Ridge sits on a ridgeline above town, and it’s the property we point budget-conscious guests toward when our own units are booked.
The Little family started this place in 2011 with one yurt built for a relative, and it grew into a seven-unit retreat from there.
- Seven yurts total, each positioned for mountain ridge views
- Rates start from $107 per night depending on unit size and season
- No private hot tubs on-site, which keeps the price down compared to Elk Hollow or DuPont
- Pet-friendly with a $75 fee per stay
- A short drive from downtown Bryson City and the Nantahala Outdoor Center
Best for: Travelers who want the yurt experience and ridge views without paying for a hot tub they might not use every day.
TripAdvisor travelers have given Sky Ridge Yurts a perfect 4.9 -star rating, highlighting the scenic mountain views, secluded location, and well-appointed yurts.
3. DuPont Yurts: Forest Yurt Rentals in Hendersonville, NC
Address: 3945 Staton Road, Hendersonville, NC
Phone: (828) 553-8793
DuPont Yurts sits right up against DuPont State Recreational Forest, and the owners, Terry and Sherry McCracken, built it after their own anniversary trip to a yurt convinced them to open one themselves.
- Three unit types: Bridal Veil (sleeps 5, around $205 weekdays and $255 weekends), Ridgeline (sleeps 6, around $207 weekdays and $260 weekends), and Cascade (sleeps 4, around $185 weekdays and $230 weekends)
- Full kitchens and private bathrooms in every yurt
- An accessible unit is available at a slightly lower rate
- Within 15 to 20 minutes of Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and Pisgah National Forest
- No private hot tubs, but fire pits and WiFi are standard across units
Best for: Families or small groups who want waterfall access without a long drive, and travelers who care more about hiking than soaking.
Holding a 5.0-star rating on Google, DuPont Yurts is often recommended for its unique accommodations, proximity to DuPont State Forest, and attentive hosts.
4. Brown Mountain Beach Resort: Riverfront Yurts in Lenoir, NC
Address: 6785 Brown Mountain Beach Rd, Lenoir, NC 28645
Phone: 828-758-4257
This Brown Mountain Beach Resort Yurts sits in a different part of the state entirely, tucked along Wilson Creek in the foothills near Pisgah National Forest. It’s less known than the Bryson City or Asheville clusters, but it fills up fast for weddings and multi-family trips.
- 10 yurts on the property, plus 7 cottages, with combined capacity for large groups
- Riverfront yurts sit directly along Wilson Creek, a designated Wild and Scenic River
- Several units include a private hot tub and gas grill on the back porch
- The XL Family Yurt sleeps up to 8 across four beds, popular for multi-generational trips
- No WiFi or cell service inside most yurts by design, though the on-site cafe has connectivity if you need it
- Nightly rates typically run in the $135 to $175 range depending on unit and season, though wedding weekends carry different group pricing
Best for: Weddings, multi-family reunions, and anyone who wants riverfront access without paying Asheville prices.
Verified Yelp guests have awarded Brown Mountain Beach Resort an Exceptional 4.4-star rating, frequently praising the riverside cabins, outdoor activities, and tranquil surroundings.
5. Asheville Glamping: Unique Yurt and Glamping Stays Near Asheville, NC
Phone: 828-450-9745
Asheville Glamping is less a single property and more a collection of individually owned sites scattered around the Asheville area, all listed under one booking umbrella.
- Options include yurts, geodesic domes, treehouses, vintage trailers, and bell tents
- Rates range from roughly $140 to $350 per night depending on the specific site and amenities
- Some units include a private hot tub, WiFi, and a small kitchenette, while others rely on a shared bathhouse
- Many sites sit within 10 to 20 minutes of downtown Asheville and the Biltmore Estate
- Because each listing is independently run, amenities vary significantly from site to site
Best for: Travelers who want an Asheville home base with quick access to breweries and downtown, and who don’t mind comparing individual listings closely before booking.
Guests have given Asheville Glamping 5.0 stars on Google, recognizing its stylish domes, mountain views, and relaxing atmosphere just outside downtown Asheville.
6. stayNantahala: Luxury Waterfront Yurt Rentals in Topton, NC
Address: 17838 Wayah Rd, Topton, NC 28781
Phone: (828) 321-3001
If mountain views aren’t the priority and water is, stayNantahala sits directly on the shore of Nantahala Lake at over 3,000 feet of elevation.
- Two-bedroom luxury yurts, each sleeping up to 4 guests
- Direct lakefront access, with most units positioned for water views from the deck
- About 1.5 hours west of Asheville and roughly 2.5 hours from Atlanta
- Close to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining, plus Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort for dining
- No private hot tubs, but the lakefront setting is the main draw here, not amenity count
Best for: Couples wanting a quiet lakefront alternative to the mountain-view crowd, and first-time glampers who prefer still water over ridge views.
TripAdvisor reviewers have awarded stayNantahala 5.0 stars, with many highlighting the peaceful riverside setting, thoughtfully designed cabins, and convenient access to outdoor adventures.
7. Falling Waters Resort: Budget Canvas Yurts in Bryson City, NC
Address: 10320 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone: (800) 451-9972
Falling Waters Resort Yurts is the property we point true budget travelers toward. It’s been featured on Good Morning America and in Our State NC Magazine, and it sticks to a traditional canvas-yurt design rather than chasing luxury amenities.
- Getaway Yurt: $69.95 per night plus a $35 cleaning fee
- Bunkie Yurt: $49.95 per night plus a $20 cleaning fee
- Queen bed, private deck, wooden French doors, and a ceiling fan inside each yurt
- Shared, lockable private bathrooms with a shower and vanity, plus laundry access on-site
- One yurt and bathroom are built for accessibility
- No pets allowed, and the property enforces a non-smoking policy throughout
- Direct access to Nantahala River rafting outfitters and nearby zip-lining
Best for: Backpackers, rafters, and first-time campers who want to try a yurt without committing to luxury pricing.
We’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t say this plainly. Skip Falling Waters if you need a private bathroom, expect WiFi in your unit, or want climate control beyond a ceiling fan.
It’s a genuinely good budget option, but it’s built for people planning to spend most of their day outdoors rafting or hiking, not lounging inside the yurt itself.
Google reviewers have awarded Falling Waters Resort 4.7 stars, frequently mentioning its creekside cabins, scenic surroundings, and welcoming hospitality.
8. Campfire Lodgings: Mountain Ridge Yurts in Asheville, NC
Address: 116 Appalachian Village Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: (828) 658-8012
Campfire Lodgings sits atop Goldview Knob, about 7 miles and roughly a 10-minute drive north of downtown Asheville, with sweeping views toward the French Broad River valley and Mount Pisgah.
- 100 acres of woodland with numerous walking trails
- Lodging mix includes fully furnished yurts, cabins, a Cliff House, and RV and tent sites
- Open year-round, with staff available seven days a week
- Some yurt units include a private shower, though this varies by unit, so confirm at booking
- A short drive from downtown Weaverville and about 10 minutes from downtown Asheville
Best for: Travelers who want a woodland basecamp with quick Asheville access but prefer a mixed campground feel over a boutique glamping resort.
Yelp reviewers have given Campfire Lodgings 3.9 stars, often praising the mountain views, unique glamping accommodations, and easy access to Asheville.
9. Healing Acres Yurt: Farm-Stay Glamping Yurt in Brevard, NC
Address: 60 Calm Creek Way, Brevard, NC 28712
Healing Acres sits on a working homestead property outside Brevard, and it leans hard into the farm-stay experience rather than a polished resort feel.
- A single yurt accommodation on a developing permaculture homestead
- Guests can collect farm-fresh eggs, walk the garden, and sometimes forage for mushrooms in season
- Roughly 3.5 miles from downtown Brevard and about 29 miles from Asheville Regional Airport
- Around 18 to 28 miles from Caesars Head State Park, depending on the specific route
- Nightly rates run roughly $240 to $355 depending on the platform and season, on the higher end for a single-yurt property
- Air-conditioned interior with a fully equipped kitchen, though no private hot tub
Best for: Travelers who want a genuine homestead experience over a resort-style stay, and anyone planning to spend their trip hiking Pisgah National Forest’s waterfalls.
Airbnb guests have awarded Healing Acres Yurt a perfect 5.0 out of 5, highlighting the quiet woodland setting, thoughtful amenities, and relaxing off-grid experience.
10. Serenity Ridge: Glamping Yurt Rental in Mill Spring & Lake Lure, NC
Address: 444 Delind Dr, Mill Spring, NC 28756
Phone: (828) 333-7185
Serenity Ridge is technically in Mill Spring, about 15 to 20 minutes from Lake Lure itself, and it’s part of a larger wedding and event property with cabins, a Hilltop House, and this single glamping yurt.
- King bed under a skylight, full kitchen, WiFi, Smart TV, and air conditioning
- A “luxury bath” featuring a rain shower and soaking tub instead of a private hot tub
- Shared amenities across the property include a Fire Pavilion, walking trails, and a wildlife viewing area
- Close to Lake Lure, Lake Lure Beach, the Flowering Bridge, and Chimney Rock State Park
- Roughly a 15-minute drive to the Tryon International Equestrian Center
- About 50 minutes from downtown Asheville
- Nightly rates run roughly $270 to $310 depending on dates, based on recent Expedia listings
Best for: Couples on a romantic getaway, wedding guests staying on-property, and anyone prioritizing Lake Lure and Chimney Rock access over a private hot tub.
Expedia campers have awarded Serenity Ridge Glamping Yurt a 10/10 rating, frequently praising the secluded location, beautiful scenery, and peaceful camping experience.
Before You Book: What to Confirm With Any NC Yurt Rental
A few quick checks before you hand over a deposit will save you a surprise on arrival day.
- Bathroom setup. Some properties, like Falling Waters, use a shared bathhouse rather than a private bathroom. If privacy matters, confirm this before booking, not after.
- WiFi and cell signal. Several mountain properties, including parts of Brown Mountain Beach Resort, intentionally skip WiFi in the yurts to encourage guests to disconnect. If you need to work remotely, ask directly.
- Minimum night stays. Most NC yurts require at least two nights on weekends, and some jump to three during major festival or leaf-peeping weekends.
- Pet policies. These vary widely, from no pets at all to a flat per-stay fee, so don’t assume either way.
- Climate control. Soft-wall yurts rely on fans or basic insulation rather than full HVAC, which matters a lot if you’re booking a January stay.
Best Times to Visit for a NC Yurt Stay
Timing changes the experience more than most people expect, and it changes how far ahead you need to book.
| Season | What You’ll Get | Booking Lead Time |
| Fall (October to November) | Peak leaf color, crisp air, best fire pit weather | 6 to 8 weeks ahead |
| Winter (December to February) | Quiet trails, cozy heated interiors, occasional snow | 4 to 6 weeks ahead |
| Spring (March to May) | Wildflowers, full waterfalls from snowmelt and rain | 4 to 6 weeks ahead |
| Summer (June to August) | Tubing, rafting, cooler temps at higher elevations | 8 to 12 weeks ahead |
Fall books up fastest by far. If leaf season is your goal, we’d suggest locking your dates as early as August, especially for anything with a private hot tub in the Bryson City or Asheville areas.
Managing Summer Heat in North Carolina Yurt Rentals
North Carolina summers can get humid even at elevation, so it’s worth checking a property’s cooling setup before booking a July or August stay.
Hard-wall yurts with full HVAC, like ours at Elk Hollow Resort or the units at DuPont, handle summer heat the same way a well-built cabin would.
Canvas yurts rely on cross-ventilation and ceiling fans, which works fine in the evening but can feel warm during peak afternoon hours.
If you’re heat-sensitive or traveling with young kids or pets, we’d lean toward a hard-wall, HVAC-equipped unit for a summer trip and save the canvas options for spring or fall.
For more high-elevation stay options with built-in climate control and easy river access, browse the best places to stay near Nantahala National Forest.
Ready for the Ultimate Mountain Escape? Find Your Perfect NC Yurt Stay
North Carolina’s mountain region offers an incredible range of yurt experiences, whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly canvas retreat along the river or a secluded luxury glamping getaway.
Choosing between hard-wall warmth and canvas charm ultimately comes down to your personal travel style, season, and desired level of comfort.
But if you are dreaming of private hot tubs, full kitchens, and peaceful forest surroundings just minutes from Deep Creek’s waterfall trails, Elk Hollow Resort delivers the ideal Great Smoky Mountains retreat.
Ready to start planning your NC glamping getaway? Reserve your yurt stay directly at Elk Hollow Resort.
FAQs | Yurts in North Carolina
1. Do North Carolina yurts have private bathrooms?
It depends entirely on the property. Elk Hollow, DuPont Yurts, Sky Ridge, and Healing Acres all include private bathrooms in every unit. Falling Waters Resort uses a shared, lockable bathhouse instead. Always check this specific detail before booking if privacy matters to you.
2. Which NC yurts have a private hot tub?
Elk Hollow Resort includes a private hot tub with every single unit, which is genuinely rare in the North Carolina market. Some individual Brown Mountain Beach Resort riverfront yurts and select Asheville Glamping sites also include one. Most other properties on this list, including DuPont, Sky Ridge, stayNantahala, and Serenity Ridge, do not.
3. Are yurts warm enough for a winter trip in the NC mountains?
Hard-wall, insulated yurts with HVAC stay comfortable through winter, similar to a well-built cabin. Traditional canvas yurts, like the ones at Falling Waters, rely on lighter insulation and may feel cold without extra layers or a space heater, so check construction type before booking a January or February stay.
4. How far in advance should I book a yurt in North Carolina?
For peak fall foliage weekends, book 6 to 8 weeks out at minimum. Summer weekends need 8 to 12 weeks of lead time at the more popular properties. Weekday and off-season stays are far more flexible, sometimes bookable just days ahead.
5. Are North Carolina yurts pet-friendly?
It varies significantly by property. Sky Ridge Yurts allows pets for a $75 fee. Falling Waters Resort does not allow pets at all. Elk Hollow’s pet policy varies by specific unit, so it’s worth confirming directly before booking if you’re traveling with an animal.
6. What’s the difference between glamping yurts and standard camping yurts in NC?
Glamping yurts, like the ones at Elk Hollow, DuPont, or Serenity Ridge, include full kitchens, private bathrooms, and climate control, positioning them closer to a boutique cabin. Standard camping-style yurts, like Falling Waters, keep the canvas construction and shared facilities, functioning more like an upgraded tent site than a cabin replacement.
7. Can I find yurts near Asheville with a hot tub?
Yes, though options are more limited than in the Bryson City area. Some individual Asheville Glamping sites include a private hot tub, and it’s worth confirming this specific amenity on each listing since the properties under that name vary widely.
8. Are NC yurts good for a family with young kids?
Family-friendly options exist, particularly DuPont Yurts and Brown Mountain Beach Resort’s larger family units, which sleep up to 8 guests. Smaller, romance-focused yurts like our Hidden Falls unit at Elk Hollow are built more for couples, so match the unit size to your group before booking.
Sources Consulted:
- Official property and booking websites for each listed resort
- Local tourism and visitor bureau resources for Bryson City, Asheville, Hendersonville, and Lake Lure
- Google Reviews
- Tripadvisor
- Expedia
- Yelp
- Our team’s direct operational experience managing glamping stays in Bryson City, North Carolina
