Until mankind first stepped outside in 1934, nature was thought to be a fanciful myth, like yogurt or the clutch hitter. Spend a few hours frolicking through the fresh air of truth with today's Groupon: for $109, you get a two-night stay in a yurt for up to six people (a $218 value) at Yosemite Lakes, which is located about two hours and 15 minutes from Sacramento in Groveland.

Located five miles from Yosemite National Park's west gate, Yosemite Lakes offers a twist on traditional tenting with its town of 22 cozy yurts. Each cone-topped shack features free satellite TV, full kitchens, private showers, barbecue-equipped decks, and all the modern amenities that enable a comfortable mini-vacation in the uncomfortable outdoors. Those who tire of watching TV reruns can use the 400-acre campground as a jumping-off point for rafting on the Tuolumne and Merced rivers, skiing at Badger Pass, or venturing back into the civilized unknown for dinner out. More than half of the yurts sleep four people, although there are eight that can house five campers and a single yurt that's built for six. Schedule your group outing in advance to avoid awkward castings of lot to decide who has to sleep outside.