If someone said you could turn a big round tent into a serious moneymaker, it might sound a little strange. But that’s exactly what people are doing with yurts. They’re using these cozy, cool-looking structures to host weekend getaways—and making way more money than you’d expect. Even though yurts have been around for centuries, they’ve become one of the smartest ways to earn extra income, especially through Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms.
Yurts aren’t just for campers or outdoorsy folks anymore. These days, they’re popping up in backyards, on farmland, and in quiet forest corners as comfy places to relax and recharge. People love them because they feel close to nature without having to sleep in a sleeping bag or build a fire. And the best part? Setting one up is way cheaper than building a regular guest house, but the returns can be just as good—or even better.
Yurts Are a Win-Win for Hosts and Guests
Here’s the thing: people are tired of the same old hotel rooms. Everyone wants something different now—something unique. That’s where yurts come in. They offer a one-of-a-kind experience that feels adventurous but still cozy. When someone rents a yurt for the weekend, they’re not just booking a place to sleep. They’re booking a mini escape, a break from everyday noise, and something worth sharing on social media.
For hosts, this is huge. Because yurts look and feel special, they can be priced higher than a normal room or cabin of the same size. People are willing to pay more for a stay that feels Instagram-worthy or peaceful and private. And since yurts don’t cost a fortune to buy or build, the profits come in fast.
In fact, some hosts have turned a single yurt into a full-time income stream. Others just use it to earn a little extra on weekends. Either way, it doesn’t take much to get started. And for anyone thinking about it, checking out Beyond Yurt is a smart first step—they offer quality yurt setups and ideas for maximizing returns, without making things complicated.
The Surprising Math Behind Yurt Profits
Now let’s talk about money. Most decent yurts cost somewhere between $6,000 and $20,000 depending on size and what’s included. That might sound like a lot upfront, but it’s actually a pretty small investment compared to building a guest house or buying a rental property.
Let’s say a yurt costs $10,000 to get set up, including furniture and a composting toilet or simple bathroom solution. If it’s listed on Airbnb for $120 per night, and it gets booked just 15 nights a month (which isn’t even full-time), that’s $1,800 a month. After subtracting cleaning costs, basic upkeep, and booking fees, the owner could still clear around $1,200 monthly.
That means the whole yurt could pay for itself in less than a year.
Even better, some hosts charge $150 to $200 per night during peak seasons—especially if the yurt is in a great location or has cool features like a fire pit, outdoor tub, or amazing views. So the return on investment (ROI) can be faster than most people expect.
Not Just for the Countryside Anymore
You might think yurts only work if they’re hidden deep in the woods or sitting on a big open field. But that’s not true at all. Hosts are getting creative and adding yurts in their own backyards—even in suburbs or on the edges of towns.
As long as the space feels private and peaceful, guests are into it. Some owners add tall fences, hedges, or plant gardens to help make the yurt feel like a little world of its own. A few string lights, some soft pillows, and a heater for colder months, and it becomes a perfect getaway.
Plus, yurts don’t always need a full bathroom inside. Some hosts set up clean, private outhouses or nearby access to the home’s bathroom. Others add a simple outdoor shower. The point is, it doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to feel safe, clean, and different from a normal stay.
What Makes Yurts So Appealing?
Part of what makes yurts so popular is how different they feel from anything else. Their round shape, soft walls, and open layout make them feel calm and open. Some guests even say they sleep better in a yurt than in a regular house.
Yurts also give people a chance to “unplug.” They can be off-grid, with solar power and no Wi-Fi, which many travelers now actually prefer. Being disconnected from tech—even just for a weekend—helps guests relax more deeply.
Families, couples, and solo travelers all find reasons to book them. Parents love that kids can run around outside without worrying about traffic. Couples enjoy the romance and privacy. And solo travelers often use yurts to get away from noise and pressure.
The Setup Is Easier Than It Looks
Building a yurt might sound tricky, but many come as kits with simple instructions. Some people even put them up in a single weekend with the help of a few friends. The frame is strong and weather-resistant, and the outer layer keeps out rain, wind, and even snow.
Inside, it’s all up to the owner. Some keep it super simple with just a bed and chairs. Others add rugs, a wood stove, or even a small kitchen area. The cool thing is that it can be upgraded over time, piece by piece.
A good yurt doesn’t need to be huge, either. Even a 16-foot yurt feels roomy enough for a bed, a little seating area, and storage. And because it’s all in one big open space, it feels cozy without being cramped.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
To make the most money, a few small things really help. Taking great photos is one of them. Listings with clear, bright, and inviting pictures always get more clicks. So before opening the doors to guests, it’s worth staging the space a little—add some cozy blankets, a tray with mugs, or a welcome sign.
Adding small outdoor features also helps a ton. A fire pit, a hammock, or even just a bench with a view can make the whole place feel more magical. And if the yurt is pet-friendly, that can be a huge bonus too.
Lastly, getting good reviews early on is key. That means making the first few guests really happy. Clear instructions, thoughtful touches like snacks or tea, and fast responses to messages all help guests leave five-star ratings.
Why Now’s the Time to Try It
Yurts aren’t a fad—they’ve been around for ages. But their place in short-term rentals is just heating up. More people than ever want relaxing escapes that feel unique. And for hosts, it’s one of the most affordable ways to earn solid returns.
Whether it’s for full-time hosting or just a side project, turning a yurt into a weekend escape is surprisingly easy and fun. The setup doesn’t have to be fancy, and the earnings can come in fast. Even better, guests leave feeling refreshed, which makes the whole thing feel worthwhile.
So if there’s extra space in the yard, or a quiet plot of land not being used, it might be time to roll out the round walls and get hosting. Because when it comes to glamping with great returns, yurts just make sense.
