GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Few things can calm a person like nature can.
But not all of us want to be one with it.
Nestled among a shady spot inside Grand Prairie’s Loyd Park is the perfect solution for the outdoorsy – but not too outdoorsy – kind of person: an air-conditioned, luxury-appointed yurt.
“It is a glamping option for our guests,” explains Chris Chastain, Operations Supervisor for the city of Grand Prairie. “And glamping is, of course, glamorous camping.”
Yurts have come a long way since their origins.
Traditionally domed canvas tents used for thousands of years by nomads in Mongolia, they arrived in the U.S. a few years ago as trendy alternative camping sites.
And Grand Prairie’s yurts are as modern as they come – with satellite TV, wi-fi, heating and air conditioning, and a kitchen that features quartz countertops, a four-burner stove and a refrigerator and freezer.
There is also a queen bed with luxury linens and a full bathroom with fluffy robes and a rainfall showerhead.
The yurt that opened in early 2021 is decorated in a bright, bohemian theme.
A second with a Western theme is set to open around Labor Day.
Chastain says the décor is very on-point with social media trends.
“Oh, we would call this very Instagram-worthy,” he said.
Chastain is responsible for recreational programming at the 800-acre complex that makes up Loyd Park, located on the edge of Joe Pool Lake.
The park has a beach and trails for hiking and biking. People can go boating, kayaking or canoeing.
“Everything we’ve gone through in the last year or two has really opened people back up to outdoor recreation again. It was one thing for us that never slowed down,” Chastain said.
That’s one of the draws of the yurt – it gives people a chance to reconnect with the outdoors, without leaving all the comforts of home behind.
Each yurt comes with a golf cart so renters can easily roam the park grounds.
Outside the yurt is a privacy fence, two fire pits, a swing, a grill and a screened-in porch.
But Chastain thinks the biggest selling point is the heating and air conditioning.
“It’s a lot different than staying in a tent. I’ll tell you that for sure!” he said.
The yurts rent for $250 a night and can be booked on the Loyd Park website.