On a surprise anniversary trip seven years ago, Terry and Sherry McCracken stayed in a yurt and fell in love with the experience. They wanted to bring that same experience back home to share with their community in Brevard, North Carolina. For them, staying in a yurt is a chance to reconnect with loved ones and nature. After deep consideration, the two opened their yurt campground or glampground, Dupont Yurts. 

The McCrackens have established a memorable and cozy campground. As Sherry says, “We wanted a ‘Wow factor’! There’s just no other way to put it, [yurts] are a unique experience, different from staying in any cabin that these mountains seem to be flooded with! It’s a way for people to experience a unique camping environment but with the luxuries of a cabin.”

What Makes Dupont Yurts Unique?

Dupont Yurts grants their visitors all the features of a cozy cabin, nestled in the middle of the forest. Located in the Dupont State Recreational Forest, this sprawling 10,400 acres of forest has something for everyone to explore. For visitors with young children, the Holmes State Forest boasts outdoor educational workshops, picnic areas, ranger-led classes, “talking tree” trails and classes, and plenty of other youth-focused educational activities.

Historic downtown Hendersonville and Brevard are filled with locally-owned restaurants and shops where visitors can get a taste of the local culture while having easy access to outdoor activities. A favorite destination in Pisgah National Forest is Sliding Rock, a natural waterfall and slide, a favorite for kids and families every summer. They ride the water down a smooth 60-foot boulder before landing in an 8-foot pool below, then climb up a path along the side of the rock to do it all over again.

The circular dwellings at Dupont Yurts produce the “wow factor” their creators strive for. Each yurt is equipped with an HVAC system that keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter, making them a great natural escape anytime of the year. They’re also built to be durable in the wet and, at times, humid climate of the Western North Carolina mountains. Two of the three yurts (Bridal Veil and Ridgeline) on site are equipped with full kitchens, with the third (Cascade) offering a small fridge and stove for easy cooking. All yurts have full bathrooms, linens, towels, WiFi, grills, and personal fire pits. The Dupont Kanteen is just around the corner from the round homes – it’s open during the summer and offers visitors with ice cream, quick meals, local brews, and more.

The Story Behind Dupont Yurts Glampground

After their unforgettable anniversary at a yurt campground, the McCrackens saw an opportunity to bring the same experience to their local community. They wanted to provide their guests with an experience unlike any other – a perfect blend of the comforts of home and an exploration of the North Carolina mountains. They were connected with Pacific Yurts through a fellow yurt-owning friend. Sherry remarked on her experience working with Pacific Yurts, “Pacific Yurts has been phenomenal in the customer service and technical information we needed for building these structures!”

The McCrackens love spending time outdoors and with their family. When you get out to enjoy nature you create conversations, stories, and a unity with those you share those experiences with. Their hope for Dupont Yurts is to create a place that would give others the same experiences they have had as they’ve traveled.

Glampground Tips from Dupont Yurts 

It goes without saying that building a glampground is no easy task. However, by considering tips from those who have done it successfully and teaming up with Pacific Yurts, the process can be smooth and enjoyable. Terry and Sherry have a few pieces of advice for those considering starting a glampground. 

1. Make sure to check in with the local building and inspections department: Some areas don’t  allow yurts to be permanent living structures. It’s best to do this early on to avoid any potential setbacks later. 
2. Make sure the soil is tested: This is particularly important if you plan to install a well and septic as you want to ensure the ground around your yurt can support these systems.
3. Double check your budget: The McCrackens suggest as much as double the amount you originally plan, as there are labor and material expenses other than what comes with yurt kits. 

The most important thing to remember when starting a glampground is the reason why you’re doing it in the first place. As Terry and Sherry say, “getting away and reconnecting with your spouse is very important, as is taking the family, getting them outside and making great memories with friends and loved ones!”

If you are interested in learning more about building a yurt, contact Pacific Yurts today and be sure to book your next wilderness trip with Dupont Yurts!