North Star Yurt at Whiterock Conservancy

Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500-acre, nonprofit land trust dedicated to providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public, improving and protecting the land through conservation, and demonstrating sustainable farming methods.

Explore over 40 miles of hiking, running, mountain biking, and equestrian trails that meander through prairie, oak savanna, wetland and river valley; set up camp in our RV or tent camping areas; or enjoy the comforts of home in one of our vacation rentals. Enjoy the countryside and wildlife, and some of the darkest skies in Iowa for stargazing. Visit the Historic Garst Farmstead to learn about agricultural history or check out one of our multiple fishing ponds. We have fishing equipment, mountain bikes and kayaks/canoes (river level and weather permitting) for rent.

ADDITIONAL POLICIES:

No Smoking of any kind is allowed inside any Whiterock Conservancy lodging accommodations. Please use designated outdoor smoking areas and dispose in marked containers.

Dogs are allowed at our Woodland Carriage House, Oakridge Farmhouse, Betts Farmhouse, and our Log House. Pets are not allowed in our Historic Garst Farmhouse, Hollyhock Cottage, or inside our North Star Yurt. A $25 per pet per stay pet fee is required. Please respect the space and keep the pets off the furniture. Visitor envelopes are found in each house for payments to be left in designated money boxes. When on Whiterock Conservancy property, dogs must be controlled by leash or voice command. Please clean up after your pets.
A card on file is required when booking all of our rental houses. This card will be charged for all damages, unpaid pet fees, and excessive cleaning if required. Guests are responsible for any damage or loss of Whiterock Conservancy Property. All posted incidentals and fees will be the current advertised cost, regardless of previous rates.
As part of our commitment to eco-friendly living, Whiterock Conservancy proactively takes steps to lessen our impact on the environment. We will not change the bed linens or towels during your stay. However, we will gladly replace these items more frequently if requested.
Deposit Policy - Full payment is required at the time of booking.
No-Show Policy - No-Shows will be 100% non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy - A Fee of $75 will be applied to all cancellations. Cancellations made within 10 days of arrival will be non-refundable.
Same-day Booking – Allowed on a case-by-case basis. Please call Guest Services to reserve same-day.
Only the guests booking the houses are allowed to use the houses and their facilities. One additional tent on the property is permitted when booking one of our houses. Any and all other tents must pay $15 per tent. All third party vendor rentals must be approved by Whiterock Conservancy. Campground use of the rental houses is not permitted, as the campgrounds have designated shower houses and bathroom facilities.



Amenities Provided:

Queen Bed & Futon
Bed linens
Large yard for additional tent camping. $15 per tent per night.
Nearby shower house and restroom. Several porta potties.
Fire pit and picnic table
Firewood available for $10 – NO outside firewood is allowed.
PARKING: private parking area adjacent to Yurt for 2-3 cars. Additional guests please use Starfield Campground parking lot
No electricity, no running water. Please plan accordingly.
No ATVs or UTVs
Cell coverage may not be available from all providers


Guests bring:

Towels & Extra blankets
Additional lighting: flashlights and/or camping lanterns (no liquid fuel lanterns allowed inside cabin)
Dishes, Cutlery, Cooking vessels


Helpful items to bring:

Cooler & ice
Dish soap
Garbage bags
Extra lawn chairs
Portable Power Bank

Our newest rental destination! Built at the end of 2024 our North Star Yurt is an unforgettable way to reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Fully furnished with bedding provided. With respect to our Iowa Dark Sky Certification, there is no electricity in our yurt. There is NO water and NO electricity inside the yurt itself. Please keep that in mind when booking your stay and remember to bring flashlights or camping lanterns. Full access to nearby shower house and restroom. Minimum 2 night stay to book.

BEDS: Queen bed and futon with sheets provided.

BATHROOMS: Adjacent shower house and rest room. NO water and NO electricity.

LIVING/DINING AREAS: Studio style open concept dwelling

OUTDOORS: Includes stone firepit in large yard area. Tent camping for additional guests is $15 per night per tent. There is firewood available at the location for $10 a bundle. Please pay in envelopes at kiosks.

PARKING: Private parking next to Yurt for up to 3 vehicles. Additional guests please use Starfield Campground parking lot.

Cell coverage may not be available from all providers.

FIREWOOD: Our North Star Yurt features a flagstone area firepit. Firewood is available for purchase for $10 a bundle. Make sure to add it to your reservation when booking! Fires are allowed in fire rings only, please do not move the fire rings. No fireworks allowed anywhere on Whiterock Conservancy property.