While many
people naturally assume that you need to own a tent, an RV or a lot of
equipment to go camping, the opposite is actually true. Many campgrounds
offer an assortment of alternative accommodations that are ideal for those
who like to travel light, those who prefer to sleep with a roof over their
heads or even for couples or families that want to try something new. Here
are five fun options to consider:

Park Models | Park models,
also known as recreational park trailers, are actually RVs that are placed on
a camp site and rented out for seasonal use. They come in different styles.
Some look like tiny Cape Cod cottages while others have a more rustic, log
cabin look. Many park models also have built-in porches or decks and some
even have lofts and gabled windows. 

Cabins | In this category,
the options are pretty broad, ranging from small rustic cabins to
western-style bunkhouses to luxury models. Sometimes a number of cabins are
grouped together, which makes them ideal for hosting a large group like a
family reunion.

Teepees (or Tipis) | Staying
in an authentically-designed teepee is a great adventure for kids, and, we’ll
admit, a lot of fun for adults, too. Many teepees also have fire pits and
picnic tables nearby, and, yes, some even have Wi-Fi access.

Rental Trailers | Some parks
have RVs that they rent out to guests, which is an ideal option for those who
want to enjoy an RV outing without making an investment to buy one or who
wouldn’t feel comfortable driving a big rig. And if you’re someone that loves
all things retro, there are even parks that rent classic Airstream
trailers.

Yurts | Yurts, which are
circular tents supported by a latticework structure, date back thousands of
years when they were used by nomads as they crossed the steppes of Central
Asia. Today, they come in a number of different sizes and are decidedly more
comfortable and much better appointed than those drafty ones of long ago.
Staying in a yurt is definitely a unique way to camp and one you won’t likely
soon forget.

How to find campgrounds that rent park models,
cabins, teepees, trailers or yurts:

Go to our “Find a Park” search
page, click on “Site Options” and choose the type of accommodations you’re
interested in. You can also refine your search by your desired geographic
area.

Helpful tip: When booking any of
these alternative camping accommodations, be sure to ask what items are
included, such as linens, small appliances and cooking utensils, so you’ll
know what to bring with you.