East Canyon State Park » The prospect of winterizing a trailer and hauling it to a mostly closed campground didn't seem worth the expense or effort involved, so Break Merino came up with another idea.

The Syracuse man reserved one of four yurts at East Canyon State Park where he, wife Courtney, and two young daughters could enjoy a late winter camping vacation in a scenic setting for $60, plus an $8 reservation fee.

"I was up here ice fishing and wanted to bring the whole family," he said. "It was easier and cheaper than hauling up my trailer and winterizing it."

That lack of hassle, coupled with the warmth of the canvas and wood structures, appeals to families looking to get outdoors for ice fishing, skiing, tubing, wildlife watching or snowmobiling. East Canyon is the only state park that has yurts.

In fact, if you want to stay in one of the structures, which sleep six and are equipped with a propane heater, outdoor barbecue grill, electricity, bunk beds, a futon and Adirondack chairs, making reservations is a must during the summer and on winter weekends.

Park manager John Sullivan, who came up with the idea for the yurts as a revenue producer when East Canyon's campground was being renovated, said the structures are normally reserved every Friday and Saturday from about mid-January through mid-March.

On a recent Saturday in late February, not only were all four yurts reserved but 17 campsites were being used, some by tent campers, and the parking lot near the frozen reservoir was crowded, mostly with ice anglers.

Campers who want to reserve the structures in the summer -- when a minimum of two nights is required -- should begin making plans now. They are usually booked for every weekend and some campers are spending eight to 10 days in them while on vacation.

Sullivan said the lure of the canvas and wooden structures, which are surrounded by a wooden deck and require a short walk to a restroom (which has showers and running water in warmer weather) is that they have broad appeal. They're popular with families, people who are beginning campers and lack some equipment, and aging baby boomers who enjoy getting out but are looking for a little more comfort.

Many first-time users come away pleasantly surprised.

"I would do it again," said Crystal McGuire of Bountiful. "It was nicer than I expected. The kids were so excited. It's like a big tent, only nicer. The kids slept better than they do at home."

Jennifer Adams of Bountiful said the winter trip to East Canyon for skiing and tubing right outside the yurt door was a fun family getaway.

"This was the warmest night of camping in winter I've ever had," she said.

Sullivan said a herd of mule deer tends to walk through the campground at around 5 p.m. each evening. Bald eagles are a common sight in nearby trees or by the river below the East Canyon dam during the winter months.

Tom Wharton can be reached at wharton@sltrib.com or by calling 801-257-8909.