Camp Clear Lake The yurt experience
yurt noun \’yürt\ Definition: a circular domed tent stretched over a collapsible lattice framework originated by pastoral peoples of inner Asia.
By Kim Reiner, Oh My! Omaha
55 acres 180 • • (641) 357-4212 | 2300 S. Lakeview Drive -215 McIntosh Woods State Park 62 acres 49 • • (641) 829-3847 | 122 E. Lake St.
Oakwood RV Park
90 •
3-point Hookups
Clear Lake State Park
Bath/Shower
campgrounds
Pool
In each yurt, you’ll find a bunk bed and futon, plus a table and chairs. The yurts have a vinyl roof with a clear dome. There is an overhead fan and windows to let in a breeze. Outside, each yurt has a patio, a couple of picnic tables, a charcoal grill and a wood fire pit.
McIntosh Woods State Park is a 60-acre park, so it is easy to explore in an afternoon. Since my children love the lake, we went to the small, sandy, unsupervised beach. They played near the shore, dug in the sand and kicked a beach ball around. The sand there is more like gravel, but the kids still attempted to build sand castles.
Playground
Like cabin-tent hybrids, the two yurts at McIntosh Woods State Park have electricity and a solid floor but no indoor plumbing or air-conditioning. They’re the only yurts in the Iowa parks system, so they’re pretty unique.
My family stayed a summer night in one of the yurts. We loved the location, which was just steps away from the beautiful lake. Having spent a night yurting — I’m sure that’s a word — I realized that a yurt is a step above “roughing it” (sleeping on the ground), but still keeps families feeling close to nature. It was the best of both worlds, in my opinion.
Shelter/Lodge
Tell that friend what a yurt is, though, and they’ll be as intrigued by the idea as you are. A yurt is basically a round tent, but it’s more like a cabin than a flimsy pop-up. It’s exotic enough to appeal to most outdoorsy and adventurous types.
A modern bathroom is a short walk from the yurts, and if you’re prone to sweating or plan on taking a dip in the lake, you’ll be happy to know there is a shower there as well. You share the bathroom with whoever is staying in the other yurt.
Campsites
Few Midwesterners know what a yurt is. Tell the next friend you see that you’ll be staying in a yurt on your next vacation to Clear Lake, and you’ll likely get a strange look.
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Deer Valley Lodge 54 • O (641) 829-4433 | 2387 242nd St., Ventura Twin Oaks 45 • • (641) 357-3337 | 5351 South Shore Drive
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Tips for staying in a yurt Photo by Kim Reiner The beach is a short bike ride or a long walk on a paved road from the yurts, as is the McIntosh Woods playground. If traveling with young children, both will be a hit. The park is one of the major boating access points to the lake, so you’re in luck if you have a boat. Fishing is also popular there, and the short pier by the yurts could make for a nice fishing spot if you don’t have a boat. McIntosh Woods was a peaceful place to visit, and as it turns out, the yurt was a comfortable lodging choice. We lucked out with unseasonably cool temperatures at night. Knowing that it could easily be much hotter on our next visit, my family will be back for another summer adventure in a yurt. The lake is calling.
• 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. • Pack a shower caddy to easily carry bathroom and shower supplies. • Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals if you plan on entering the water. • Clean up after yourself. There is a broom in the yurt, which was a good reminder to tidy up before leaving. • Our family of four slept comfortably in one yurt. Consider renting the second yurt if your group is larger.
(641) 357-4019 | 5419 240th St.
Denotes Clear Lake Chamber member
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Destination Clear Lake 2017
Kim Reiner writes the blog Oh My! Omaha, a parent’s guide to Omaha and the Midwest. Her stories have appeared in Omaha Magazine, Omaha B2B, and 50+ Lifestyles. Her first book, Lost Restaurants of Omaha, will be published in 2017. www.clearlakeiowa.com
