Campers will be more comfortable sleeping in modern structures
that will be installed at five county parks.
Campers will be more comfortable sleeping in modern structures that will be installed at five county parks.
Tuesday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved the installation of 24 yurts at the five parks.
Yurts are round structures modeled after traditional Mongolian tents. However, modern yurts offer a high level of comfort and security. They are typically set on a wooden platform with a small deck and porch, one or two windows, a door and a skylight in the center of the roof. They are popular accommodations at many state and county parks across the country.
“We have beautiful parks here in Santa Clara County,” said Supervisor Don Gage, chairman of the county’s housing, land use, environment and transportation committee. “This project is one example of how we are improving park facilities to make them even more attractive and user-friendly.”
The 24 yurts will be installed at existing campsites in Mt. Madonna, Joseph D. Grant, Sanborn, Uvas Canyon and Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch county parks. The yurts will be installed in three phases. The majority will be installed during the first phase and are projected to be completed within three to five years.
They will also be grouped together so that several families can gather together. Each yurt will be 16 feet in diameter with insulation, skylight, high walls, small deck, bunk beds, queen futon, a small 40-inch table and four chairs. They can accommodate up to five people.
The rates for yurt rental at county parks are estimated between $32 a night during off-season (October through March) and $42 a night during high camping season (April through September).
“Yurts have become very popular around the country,” said Supervisor Pete McHugh, chairman of the board of supervisors. “They make camping easier for families with small children, older adults, or friends who want a camping experience with less set-up work.”
The project is expected to cost about $800,000. Full cost recovery is projected to be achieved within 14 years. The project is expected to generate revenue of about $1.5 million over 20 years.
The yurt installation includes three phases:
Phase 1: Thirteen yurts at Mt. Madonna County Park and three at Joseph D. Grant county Park.
Phase 2: Two yurts at Sanborn County Park and one at Uvas Canyon County Park.
Phase 3: Five yurts at Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park.
