The Sky Ridge Yurts are perched on a mountain and provide an incredible experience for glamping in North Carolina. These yurts overlook the Nantahala River Gorge from their vantage point near the Smokey Mountains. While the view is reason enough to book your trip, other persuasive factors include the luxurious amenities in the yurts and seemingly limiteless options of things to do nearby.
Wait – what is a yurt?
A yurt is a round tent traditionally used as a nomadic dwelling in Central Asia. They are particularly well known in Mongolia, where they are still actively used as portable forms of lodging. Yurts have evolved in North America, however, and are typically permanent structures with modern features and conveniences.
Many US based yurts, including the Sky Ridge Yurts, primarily serve as vacation rentals used for glamping, or glamourous camping, experiences. Here are ten reasons why you should chose these yurts for your next glamping NC experience.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary stay in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions (and utter fascination with yurts) are my own and were not influenced by the sponsor.
10 Reasons to Stay at Sky Ridge Yurts for Glamping NC:
1| The views.
Three of the yurts sit at the edge of the mountain ridge, allowing for expansive views of the Nantahala Gorge. Across the river, overlapping mountain slopes serve as a beautiful backdrop for your yurt vacation.
Two more yurts sit further back on the ridge, allowing more privacy while still featuring 360 degree views of the mountain range. Each yurt has a dome at its center, making it easy to stargaze at night or peak at the blue sky on clear days.
2| The luxury.
When we first stepped into our upscale “tent”, I was happily surprised at just how glamorous it was. The queen bed was covered in soft blankets, the warm temperature welcomed us inside, and the beautiful slate shower was more spacious than several we’ve used in European hotels.
Our yurt was 20 feet in diameter – the smallest size at Sky Ridge – but we didn’t feel like the interior was cramped or overcrowded in any way. It was especially nice to have satellite television (a luxury that we don’t even have at home) as Mr. Meena didn’t want to miss an important semi-final football game happening during our trip. We were also grateful for the sophisticated ductless heating system that made it possible for us to be warm during the two winter nights we spent glamping. We also had a private fire pit, deck, grill, and picnic table.
Fortunately, these yurts are only 3.5 hours from our home near Charlotte, making it easy for us to return in the future for another splendid glamping NC experience.
3| The provisions.
I haven’t been camping since I was a girl scout, but I remember all the supplies we had to haul with us on trips. That wasn’t the case for this glamping trip. Aside from normal travel supplies like clothing and toiletries, we only needed to bring a small supply of food with us that suited the efficiency kitchen in our yurt. We brought milk and cereal for breakfast, peanut butter sandwiches for snacks, and popcorn for the fun of it.
The yurt provided linens, towels, firewood, camping chairs, a lantern, and even some delicious coffee from Sagebrush Coffeehouse. You’ll certainly have more comforts than camping but less than home (except, in our case, for the satellite TV). Being provided with so many items made our stay more carefree and easier to enjoy.
4| The sheer fun of staying in a yurt.
When I shared that Mr. Meena and I were heading to a yurt to bring in the New Year, I received plenty of questions and more than a few strange looks. It sounds like something from a Dr. Seuss book, maybe because it is! Well, almost.
Yertle the Turtle was perched up so high,
He could see fourty miles from his throne in the sky!
Dr. Seuss, Yertle the Turtle.
You will definitely want to tell all of your friends and family about what it’s like to stay in a yurt. One of the things I was most excited to share was how lovely it sounded when rain poured down on the tent – and how we stayed warm and dry while listening to it!
5| Pets are welcome.
I frequently travel with my pet bird and it’s always a great feeling when he’s welcomed to a facility. Although Koopa didn’t accompany me on this trip, I’m glad to know that it’s an option in the future. In fact, the people at Sky Ridge Yurts love pets so much that they even provide an over sized pet bed and protective furniture throw for your companion. We did see (and hear) several happy dogs during our stay.
6| The practicality.
I would love to spend a week hiking the Appalachian Trail and camping in the wilderness, but that’s not achievable for me as a chronically ill person. Since I frequently have difficulty traveling due to my chronic pain, this kind of luxurious camping experience is the best option for me and others like me.
It’s a huge comfort to know that I can still have this kind of outdoor experience thanks to places like Sky Ridge Yurts. I don’t have to worry about expending too much energy lugging along things that I need because, as I mentioned before, the yurt provides most of them. I don’t have to worry about painful temperature fluctuations, lack of hot water, or the more physically demanding aspects of traditional camping. For chronic illness warriors this is a refreshing way to make travel more feasible (and enjoyable).
7| The chance to disconnect.
Glamping gives you a unique chance to disconnect because you can have an exhilarating outdoor experience without the tedious and difficult aspects of traditional camping. You can connect with nature and remain stress free.
Our weekend stay in the yurt provided me with more clarity about my life than our longer getaway to a nearby cabin. Mr. Meena and I both left with a better sense of direction in our lives, thanks to the way we could fully relax in natural surroundings. We were simultaneously immersed in nature and incredibly comfortable – a combination that left us feeling recharged. There really is no other feeling like waking up and stepping outside to fresh mountain air and a great view.
8| Incredible activities.
Not only are the landscapes breathtaking, but the nearby adventures seem endless. There are so many ways to appreciate the regional beauty that the only problem you’re likely to have is figuring out which one you want to do the most! Here are some ideas for your trip – listed by distance from the yurts:
< 5 miles: zip lining, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and more at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
15-25 miles:
+ Deep Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; you can see three waterfalls on this hike.
+ Tsali Recreation Area – a popular location for mountain biking.
+ Nantahala National Forest.
+ Oconaluftee Indian Village.
+ Fontana Lake Scenic Overlook, “The Road To Nowhere”, and the formidable Lakeshore Trail.
25 – 35 miles:
+ Fontana Dam.
+ Lake Santeetlah.
+ Joyce Kilmer National Forest.
9| Proximity to Bryson City.
Only 13 miles away, this small town is surrounded by mountains and frequented by visitors for the peaceful atmosphere. We had a great time simply walking around enjoying the city center and grabbing lunch at Nate And Nick’s Pizza. You can find more things to do in Bryson City here. Unfortunately, I cannot personally recommend a trip on the popular Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City as we had a bad experience on it.
10| The yurt options.
With five yurts available on the ridge, you can choose from a sliding scale of privacy. Here’s a breakdown of the different yurt options:
Cherokee & Tuckaseegee: both yurts are set back from the ridge, with the Cherokee yurt slightly elevated and the Tuckaseegee yurt nestled down into the mountain for a more private space.
Features:
+ 20 foot suite
+ private fire pit
+ sleeps three with a queen bed and pull-out twin
+ efficiency kitchen (micro-fridge, microwave, coffeepot, and dishware)
The other three yurts (Fontana, Tsali, and Nantahala) are grouped together, sharing a scenic view of the Gorge and a community fire pit.
Nantahala & Tsali:
+ 24 foot suite
+ efficiency kitchen
+ sleeps four with two queen beds (Tsali)
+ sleeps four with a king bed and pull-out queen (Nantahala)
Fontana:
+ 30 foot with private bedroom
+ full kitchen plus washer and dryer
+ sleeps six with queen bed, pull-out queen, and two twin beds
More details about the yurts and their rates can be found here.
Need to know:
+ While the yurts provide Wi-Fi, the connection isn’t guaranteed; in fact, it didn’t work very well for us. I had reliable phone service with AT&T but Mr. Meena didn’t with T-Mobile. This wasn’t a problem for us, since we wanted to disconnect from our busy lives, but you should keep this in mind in case your family needs to reach you for some reason.
+ Since you are technically in a tent you will have some ambient noise from the road and possibly other tents (although quiet hours are enforced). I normally travel with a fan so this wasn’t an issue for me, but you may want to consider bringing one.
+ The gravel road up to the yurts is steep and bumpy but doesn’t require a special vehicle to climb (at least not in good weather). We had no problem driving there in our Mazda3.
+ Your seventh night in a yurt is free. You can also rent out all five yurts for an exceptional family vacation or retreat. If you’re looking for something special, the Stecoah House is a two-story luxury cabin located on the ridge. Read my post about the Stecoah House here.
Are you ready for an ultimate glamping experience?
Book your “yurt away from home” today!
Want more info? Read the story of Sky Ridge Yurts here or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
An ultimate glamping experience in the mountains of North Carolina. Share on X
This post is linked up with Fly Away Friday, Weekend Wanderlust, The Weekly Postcard, Wanderful Wednesday, Weekend Travel Inspiration, Feet Do Travel, and Faraway Files.
I'm not really a camper but I've heard a lot about glamping lately and I'd like to give it a try. I love being outdoors but I hate sleeping on the ground so I think glamping would be a happy medium. #FlyAwayFriday
It’s hard to beat “camping” with a bed! I think you should definitely try it.
What a lovely idea to get away from it all! Love the views and the idea of totally getting back to nature. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Absolutely. Thanks!
So when i read the headline I thought the yurts were going to be white canvas tents where you stashed your camping gear during the day and slept in at night. I guess I skimmed over the "glamping" part! They look really cosy and comfy, and with that view, who wouldn't want to stay? #FlyAwayFriday
Thanks Kat! More traditional yurts would be like what you described – these are quite the upgrade.
I have been wanting to try glamping and this really looks perfect. I love how comfortable it is and that it has a decent sized shower. And the views are really stunning. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
It was a great first time glamping experience, I think you'd enjoy it. Thanks!
Looks like you are enjoying being back in the States! Hope you're all settled in now! This looks like a fabulous way to spend a weekend! I keep seeing so many new Glamping locations which are all amazing! I'd love to do it! I used to go camping all the time as a kid, but I don't know if I remember how to "rough it" anymore haha so Glamping sounds like something right up my alley as I love being surrounded by beautiful nature! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Lori, I'm sure you would love it! We are settled in okay, but we do miss Germany / Europe a whole lot.
These yurts seem to have the same level with as the bungalows. I have to say though that the are definitely a step up from camping directly on the ground. I think they are a very good choice for young people, but as I grow older I find myself less and less attracted to tents. I need a nice hotel room. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Of course. Thanks for commenting!
Yurts are so cool! Definitely a neat glamping experience. Looks so beautiful and I always love seeing pics of yurts! Thanks! #flyawayfriday
Thank you! I agree.
I absolutely want to try glamping! I'm all for roughing it and camping but this seems like such a cool idea. No wonder it's taken off so much. Your yurt looks great and those views!!! #FlyAwayFriday
Thanks, Erin! Yes, this is the best of both worlds for people who want to be comfortable and spend time outside.
Oh my goodness! This sounds amazing. Camping with a real bed sounds absolutely amazing. I am sharing this with my husband, might have to do this for our next anniversary. Wonderful post!
Thank you. I think you and your husband would love it – hope you can have a great glamping experience!
I love camping, but this seems to take out all the hard parts, which is just fine with me haha. What a great way to get out and enjoy nature!
Right?? Thanks Natalie!
I love glamping. I've never liked camping, but glamping? I can do that. These yurts are pretty close to me and I'm going to try to convince my husband that this would be a fun anniversary trip.
I'm so glad to hear that. It would be a great anniversary trip!
I would love to stay in a yurt for a night! Seems like the perfect holiday close to nature and those mountain views are amazing too!
I’m sure you would love it, thank you!
I hope you put that fire pit to good use. This looks like so much fun! Pinned!
Unfortunately it rained both nights we were there… next time! Thank you!
Oh my goodness this sounds like so much fun! I've always wanted to go glamping, and this looks like the perfect place! I can't believe how nice everything is too!
The owners went above and beyond for sure! Hope you get to try glamping soon!
This looks amazing!b I'd love to have a true glamping experience as I've only even been camping before. These look like so much fun! 😀
They are very fun! Thanks!
I love the idea of "glamping" in a yurt! We also love the Tiny House concept, and yurts are a common solution. This seems like a great way to take a test drive. Great review – thanks for sharing! #WeekendWanderlust
Absolutely! I was surprised how many people live in yurts actually. Thank you!
This looks so awesome! I am exited about the provisions provided and the many activities available nearby. There are several yurts close to where I live (or about 50 miles away). I have to make plans to stay in one. #WanderfulWednesday
Thanks Ruth! I agree, you should totally try those out!
Definitely putting it on my "local" list since I'm not too far away. I love the NC mountains!
Glad to hear it, Jill! I love them too!
These yurts are a major step up from tent camping. 20' sounds huge for 2 or 3 people. They do look very comfortable.
Absolutely – I can imagine the 30 foot yurts feel massive, especially if it\’s just one room.
Isn't glamping wonderful? 🙂 It has all the fun of the outdoors with the ease of a hotel. These yurts are very room, and I can't believe it includes an inside shower! That's great to hear they are pet-friendly too. Pinning for when I'm back that way.
Yes, a hot shower is hard to beat when you are “camping”! Thanks!
I don't really enjoy camping, but I think I can get behind glamping. Such stunning views from these yurts, and the bed looks really comfy too!
Thanks, Bryna!
Oh. My. Gosh. I'm DYING to stay in a yurt!!!! Now you've reignited that passion from all your fun photos! Loved it! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday, hope to see you again this weekend! xo
Thanks Kana! Hope that dream comes true soon!
I have always wanted to stay in a yurt. Frankly, I am not much into regular tent camping, but I think I could really get into the glamping experience you described. (Shhhh…. I'm a Girl Scout Troop Leader. Don't tell my troop.) This place looks fantastic, although too bad about the railway in Bryson City.
Haha, I hear you! I think you’d have a great time glamping. We were pretty bummed out about the train experience too.
Aw how fun!! I want to stay in a yurt so bad!! this looks amazing!!
Thanks, Chloe.
I would love to go Glamping and this looks like fun with a view. I like how lots of items are provided and it look just like a bedroom. Great photos and thanks for sharing 🙂 I pinned this for later!
Glad you liked it! Thanks!
I am not at all keen on camping but i think glamping would be something i would consider! It looks great fun and I have wanted to stay in a yurt for a while (it just sounds great!) #FollowMeFriday
Glad you liked it, Tracy. Thanks!
Wow, everything about this looks great! Although I'm away in Wyoming girl, I've never really been much into camping. If I did it, this would definitely be my style! The yurts and provisions and everything else just looks great. What a good experience – thank you for sharing!
Glad you like it! I understand – for me, having a private bathroom is a must to make it “glamorous” camping. Thanks!
I love glamping, but I certainly haven't glamped it up quite like this – this is amazing! I love yurts! It's fantastic they give you towels, linen, firewood etc, it's basically a cool hotel – brilliant! Thank you for sharing this information with us! #feetdotravel
Thanks! It was higher end glamping, for sure. 🙂
It looks so beautiful and relaxing! I've never done glamping but I can't wait!
Thank you!
I've been camping loads of times but never glamping. Your pictures make it look so good! Thanks for sharing! X
Thank you! Glamping was a lot of fun for me!
Yes, they are pet-friendly! The Smoky Mountains is one of our favorite national parks, and we will definitely be doing this in the future 🙂 Sweet, informative post.
Glad to hear that! Thanks!
I've always wanted to try clamping – it looks incredible! The views aren't bad either! North Carolina has been on my list for a while too! Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Lexx! Hope you make it to North Carolina soon! 🙂
We plan to take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway one of these days, and this looks like a fun alternative to lugging around a tent or staying in a hotel. Thanks for sharing this!
You’re welcome! Sounds like a fun trip!
now this is what I call great camping:) #farawayfiles
Me too! Thanks, Tanja!
Wow!! Now this makes me want to go camping. 🙂 It looks like an awesome experience!
Thanks – it was fantastic!
Glamping rocks! Such a great way to escape from busy city lives while still saying cosy. I am kind of obsessed by staying in unique accommodation. Now I want to stay in a yurt! Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Thanks Katy, I totally agree! I think you would have a great time at the yurts!
Really enjoyed reading about your luxury yurt, Ava. The landscape here is just stunning. How marvellous to be surrounded by it like this. It doesn't look all that impressive on the outside but fabulous inside. I'm hoping to have my very first glamping experience next month so you've got me really excited. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Thanks, Clare! It was nice to be on the edge of the wilderness with such a comfy “tent”. I hope you have a great time glamping!
YURTS! Yurts are very popular in Oregon – but they have a much hippier vibe out west. These look super lovely and those views! I love the wood fire and those cool chairs – thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles – cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Thanks, Erin! I’m glad yurts are becoming popular on the east coast, too!
I was there in that yurt in october. Lovely and calming. Luxurious and perfectly situated. I will go there again in thefuture.
I’m so glad to hear that, Mirla! They just opened up reservations for a brand new cabin (called the wayah house) and I want to go try it out so badly. Thanks for sharing your experience!