Some call it the original mobile home, but at Abilene State Park on the "edge" of west Texas, the Mongolian yurt is replacing a few screened shelters.
Texas Parks and Wildlife is trying out the nomadic dwelling to see how park visitors take to it. Yurt stands for year round recreational tent.
At the 530-acre Abilene State Park, visitors can fish in the Buffalo Wallow Pond, hike or bike on park trails and even check out the buffalo that lives amongst the official Texas Longhorn herd.
Now they can also stay in a dwelling much like Genghis Khan and his armies used while forging an empire 4,000 years ago.
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Got yurt?
Abilene State Park is the first Texas park to offer lodging in yurts a sort of Mongolian teepee.
 
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"By definition, a yurt is a portable tent dwelling used by nomadic people in Asia. Now the Texas definition of a yurt is a Mongolian teepee. This is the first state park in the state to have them," Paul Seals of Abilene State Park said.
The Oakerstrom family recently tried out a yurt, which cost $40 a night. The round shape allows for plenty of room inside. Wood beams provide a sturdy frame and a weather-resistant covering keeps visitors comfortable.
"[Its] quick construction. I mean it comes as a kit. You just put it on a foundation and pop it up there. Every state that has tried them has had really great success with them and the visitor's that are using them love them," Texas Parks & Wildlife Director Walt Dabney said.
There are three yurts available. Each is decked out with bunk beds, refrigerators, electricity and plenty of space to move around.
