Staying in a Yurt at Stone Mountain Park: What Atlanta Visitors Should Know

A yurt at Stone Mountain Park offers a fun middle ground between tent camping and a cabin stay—especially convenient if you live in the Atlanta area or are visiting and want easy access to the mountain, attractions, and lake. Here’s how yurt camping works at Stone Mountain Park, what to expect, and how to decide if it’s right for your trip.

Where the Yurts Are and How to Get There

Stone Mountain Park’s yurts are located inside the Stone Mountain Park Campground, on the shore of Stone Mountain Lake.

• General address for the park:
  Stone Mountain Park
  1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
  Stone Mountain, GA 30083

• Driving distance from Atlanta:

  • About 25–35 minutes from Downtown Atlanta (traffic-dependent)
  • Access mainly via US-78 East toward Stone Mountain

Once you enter the park, follow signs for Campground / Yurts. There is typically a daily parking fee or an annual pass option for vehicles entering the park, separate from lodging costs, so factor that into your budget.

What Is a Yurt Like at Stone Mountain Park?

At Stone Mountain, a yurt is a round, cabin-style structure with solid walls and a sturdy roof, often described as “glamping” compared with tent camping.

Most Stone Mountain yurts generally include:

• Beds and sleeping platforms (bunk-style and/or futon-type beds)
• Electricity and lighting
• Heating and air conditioning (a big advantage in Atlanta’s summer heat and winter cold snaps)
• Basic furnishings like a table, chairs, and limited storage
• Outdoor features like a picnic table, fire ring, and grill

They are not usually full-service cabins—think of them as an upgrade from a tent, not a hotel room.

What’s Not Typically Inside the Yurt

You’ll want to plan around a few key limitations:

• 🚿 No bathroom inside:
  Guests usually share nearby bathhouse facilities with toilets, sinks, and showers.

• 🔪 No full kitchen:
  There may not be a stove or oven inside. Cooking is typically done:

  • On an outdoor grill
  • On a camp stove you bring (if allowed by park rules)
  • At nearby picnic areas

• ❄️ Limited food storage:
  Some yurts may have a small fridge, but you’ll still want a cooler for extra food and drinks.

Check the current amenity list when booking, because features can change or differ slightly from one yurt type to another.

Yurt Types and Capacity

The campground often offers a small number of standardized yurts, which may vary slightly in layout but generally follow similar capacity guidelines.

Here’s a simple way to think about them:

*Exact details can change, so check the most current description when reserving.

If you’re an Atlanta family of four or a small group of friends, one yurt is often enough. Larger groups may book multiple yurts or combine a yurt with nearby RV or tent sites.

What to Pack for a Yurt Stay

A yurt takes away a lot of tent-related hassle, but you still need to pack like a camper.

Sleeping & comfort

• Sheets, blankets, or sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Extra layers for chilly nights (especially in late fall and winter)
• Earplugs if you’re a light sleeper (campgrounds can be noisy at times)

Cooking & eating

• Cooler and ice
• Food, snacks, and drinks
• Reusable plates, cups, utensils
• Cooking gear if allowed (camp stove, charcoal, matches, lighter)
• Trash bags for your campsite

Bath & personal items

• Towels and washcloths
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
• Shower shoes or flip-flops
• Bug spray and sunscreen (Atlanta-area mosquitoes and summer sun can be intense)

Extras for Atlanta weather & fun

• Rain jackets or ponchos (quick pop-up storms are common)
• Flashlights or headlamps
• Camp chairs
• Games, cards, or books for downtime
• Phone charger and, if needed, a power strip (within safe limits)

Booking a Yurt at Stone Mountain Park

Yurts at Stone Mountain are managed as part of the Stone Mountain Park Campground, so you typically reserve them the same way you would a cabin or campsite.

How to approach booking:

1. Check availability early

   • Popular weekends, holidays, and school breaks (especially spring and fall) can book up quickly for Atlanta families.
   • If you’re planning around events like the Laser Show, festivals, or holiday attractions, reserve as early as you reasonably can.

2. Review minimum stay rules

   • Some peak dates or weekends may require a two-night minimum.

3. Understand fees and deposit policies
   Expect:

   • Nightly rate for the yurt
   • Taxes and possible booking fees
   • Vehicle parking fee for entering the park
   • Potential additional fees for cancellations or changes

4. Confirm check-in and check-out times

   • These are usually similar to other campgrounds (afternoon check-in, late morning checkout), but always verify before you go.

If you want to speak to someone, look for the Stone Mountain Park Campground or lodging contact line for the most up-to-date information.

Things to Do Near the Yurts

One of the biggest advantages of staying in a yurt at Stone Mountain—especially if you’re based in Atlanta—is how close you are to a full day’s worth of activities without driving all over the city.

Within Stone Mountain Park

From your yurt, you can access:

• Hiking and walking trails

  • The Walk-Up Trail to the top of Stone Mountain
  • Lakeside and wooded paths at easier difficulty levels

• Skyride and scenic experiences

  • The aerial tram (when operating) gives you a panoramic view toward Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, and beyond.

• Lake activities

  • Fishing from shore or approved areas
  • Boat rentals or tours may be offered seasonally

• Family attractions and seasonal events
  Depending on the time of year, the park may have:

  • Themed holiday events
  • Evening shows
  • Mini golf or kid-friendly play areas

Many of these attractions require separate tickets or passes, so budget accordingly.

Exploring Nearby Atlanta Area

If you’re using the yurt as a home base, you can drive into the city for a day and be back by evening:

• Downtown & Midtown Atlanta for places like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Atlanta BeltLine.
• Decatur for independent restaurants and shops, about 15–20 minutes from Stone Mountain Park.

Staying in the yurt lets you enjoy the outdoors at night and still take advantage of the metro Atlanta food scene and attractions during the day.

Pros and Cons of Choosing a Yurt vs. Other Lodging

If you’re debating between a yurt, a hotel in Atlanta, or standard camping, here’s how Stone Mountain yurts usually stack up.

Benefits of a Stone Mountain yurt

• Closer to nature than a hotel, without sleeping on the ground
• Climate control for Atlanta’s hot, humid summers and cool nights
• Family-friendly way to introduce kids to camping
• Convenient for Atlanta-area residents who want a quick weekend escape without a long drive

Potential downsides

• Shared bathrooms, not private like a hotel room
• Less privacy than a standalone cabin or house rental
• You still need to pack camping-style gear (bedding, food, etc.)
• May be noisy during busy weekends and holidays with many campers around

If you prefer full privacy, your own bathroom, and minimal packing, a hotel or cabin may be more comfortable. If you want a more outdoorsy feel without going full tent, a yurt is often a good middle ground.

Seasonal Considerations for Atlanta-Area Yurt Stays

Atlanta’s weather heavily shapes the yurt experience.

• Spring (March–May):

  • Comfortable temperatures, blooming trees, and generally great hiking weather.
  • Can be busy around spring break and local events.

• Summer (June–August):

  • Hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
  • A/C in the yurt is a major advantage.
  • Great if you want to pair lake time and park attractions with a nature stay.

• Fall (September–November):

  • Often considered prime camping season around Atlanta.
  • Cooler evenings and fall foliage draw more local visitors.
  • Book early for peak weekends.

• Winter (December–February):

  • Can be quite mild but occasionally drops near or below freezing.
  • Heating in the yurt makes winter stays more comfortable than tent camping.
  • Some attractions may run on limited schedules, so check before planning park activities.

Rules, Safety, and Practical Tips

To keep your Stone Mountain yurt stay smooth and safe, pay attention to campground guidelines.

Common rules you may encounter

• Quiet hours in the evenings and overnight
• No pets inside yurts (verify current policy)
• No smoking inside the structures
• Limits on open flames, firewood sources, and charcoal use

Safety and courtesy tips

• Store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Respect neighboring campsites, especially during quiet hours.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast; Atlanta storms can come in quickly.
• Review park maps so you know where bathhouses, exits, and emergency contacts are.

Who a Stone Mountain Yurt Stay Is Best For

A yurt at Stone Mountain Park is especially appealing if you:

• Live in metro Atlanta and want a nearby, low-commitment getaway
• Are visiting Atlanta and want to mix city sightseeing with outdoor time
• Have kids or friends who are new to camping and not ready for tents
• Prefer a budget-friendlier option than a full cabin but want more comfort than primitive camping

If you value comfort but still want the feeling of waking up by the lake with the mountain nearby, a yurt can be a strong fit. Just plan your gear, check current park and campground details ahead of time, and treat it as a lightly upgraded camping trip rather than a hotel-style stay.