Backpacking and car camping are the best, but sometimes I need some variety. For your next outdoors adventure, try something different! Depending on your location, not all of these options will be feasible, but they will hopefully serve as inspiration to deviate from your established camping routine.
1) Sheepherder's Wagon
Sleeping in a wagon required minimal set up and it protected us from the wind during the night.
These iconic wagons used to be scattered all over Idaho and Wyoming but many are in a state of disrepair. This refurbished wagon is on private land near Shirley Basin, Wyoming (airbnb listing: here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1377174?s=51). Options for wagons exist in Oregon and Colorado as well.
Although overnight stays are not permitted, there are a few sheepherder's wagons you can check out on Antelope Island near Layton, Utah.
2) Yurt
A yurt is a traditional, round Mongolian dwelling that have become popular for American backcountry adventures because they are cost effective structures that are relatively easy to build and maintain.
In the winter, cross country ski into a yurt with your gear in a sled behind you. Worried about staying warm? Yurts are almost always outfitted with a woodburning stove, extra wood and an axe. Additionally, most yurts provide a propane stove and dishes but ask you to bring the propane and all food and water. Check ahead to find out what else is provided. Think of it as a winter backpacking trip without the tent. Bring cards, lanterns and some whiskey!
During the rest of the year, a yurt serves as a great base camp for mountain biking, hiking and whatever other outdoors activities are around. Compared to sheep herder's wagons, yurts are much more plentiful and are located in many state parks.
3) Drift Boat Camping
Yes this is technically tent camping but with a twist! My all time favorite activity is to load all our camping gear into my dad's drift boat and then spend 2+ days out on the river.
The limiting factor here is access to a drift boat. Depending on your skill set, consider taking out a pack raft or kayaks. Make sure you know your ability level and limitations, the stretch of river, and the camping regulations.
On the South Fork of the Snake River in Idaho, we are required to camp in a designated site, bring along a small "porta-pottie" (wag bags are acceptable) and contain all fires in a fire pan.
Bonus Ideas
Visit a friend's cabin. Consider a treehouse or a geodesic dome. Rent a very colorful Escape Campervans. Whatever you choose, enjoy the novelty of a change in routine.
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