When the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department wanted to extend and expand camping opportunities in its state parks, it looked halfway around the world to Mongolia and its nomadic herdsmen for inspiration. And when it needed funds to add to it its yurts inventory, the department looked to the Meyer Memorial Trust.
The traditional shelter of Mongolian herdsmen is the yurt, a dome shaped tent made of hides and poles that is easily moved from place to place. The Oregon version of the YURT (Year-round Universal Recreational Tent) uses heavy duty waterproof canvas and is permanently anchored to camping sites in a number of state parks. Oregon’s yurts also have heat, insulation, electricity and indoor lighting, wooden floors, and are furnished with a couch and bunk beds with mattresses. They stand 10 feet high, and are 16 feet in diameter, comfortably accommodating five people.
Protection from the elements extends the camping season year round, greatly increasing the number of campers at Oregon state parks during fall, winter, and spring.
The yurts are also built to be accessible to people who use wheelchairs, greatly expanding opportunities for camping among people with disabilities. The added security of a locking door also makes camping more attractive to those who feel vulnerable in a lightweight tent.
Yurts began to appear in Oregon State Parks during 1994, but their number nearly tripled in 1996 when the Trust granted a $300,000 Program-Related Investment loan (at no interest over 8 years) to purchase and install 50 additional yurts. The majority of yurts are found in state park campgrounds along the Oregon coast. Inland locations include Campoeg, Wallowa Lake, and Valley of the Rogue.
The yurts are manufactured by Pacific Yurts in Cottage Grove, which also exports its product to Asia where they are commonly used at fairs and amusement parks.
Every time an additional camper spends the night in an Oregon state park, the state takes in more revenue than it would without the yurts. At last report, the yurts were booked solid for much of the rest of the year
