Private mountain yurt near Garden Valley, Crouch, Banks, and the South Fork Payette River

Escape to a secluded mountain yurt surrounded by nearly 45 wooded acres in Garden Valley, Idaho. Located between Banks and Crouch and approximately one mile from the South Fork of the Payette River, this private wilderness retreat combines an authentic off-grid setting with electricity, fast Starlink Wi-Fi, heat, air conditioning, propane cooking, a wood stove, and a large private deck.

This is not a neighborhood, campground, or resort experience. Guests should expect privacy, forest, wildlife, dark skies, mountain roads, and real seasonal conditions. It is best suited for travelers who want quiet and adventure rather than conventional hotel conveniences.

The yurt is a comfortable basecamp for exploring Garden Valley and the surrounding Idaho mountains. Nearby activities include:

• Hiking and mountain biking
• Rafting and kayaking
• Fishing
• Hot springs
• Snowshoeing and cross-country exploring
• Skiing and winter recreation
• ATV and UTV riding
• Wildlife viewing
• Stargazing
• Hunting and other seasonal outdoor activities

Private setting

The yurt sits in a visually secluded area of our nearly 45-acre mountain property. Mature ponderosa pines surround the site, and the deck provides a peaceful place to drink coffee, cook outdoors, watch wildlife, or enjoy the stars.

Guests also have access to a private four-hole disc golf course with discs and a cornhole set.

We live elsewhere on the property but respect guest privacy. Most visitors never see us unless they request assistance.

Sleeping arrangements

The open-layout yurt sleeps up to 5 guests:

• Two guests on the padded lower bunk
• One guest on the padded upper bunk
• Two guests on the futon

These are padded glamping sleeping surfaces rather than conventional hotel mattresses. Guests who prefer additional cushioning may wish to bring a sleeping pad or inflatable mattress.

Bedding, pillows, and towels are not provided. Guests must bring:

• Sheets
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Bath and hand towels

Bring bedding appropriate for the forecast. Winter-rated sleeping bags are strongly recommended during cold weather, while lighter bedding is generally suitable during warmer months.

Power, Starlink Wi-Fi, heat, and air conditioning

Although the setting feels remote, the yurt has electricity and Starlink internet suitable for streaming, communication, and many remote-work needs.

The mini-split provides both heating and air conditioning. A wood stove is also available for supplemental heat and mountain ambiance.

Firewood is not provided for either the wood stove or outdoor firepit. Guests may bring their own or purchase bundles locally in Crouch or Garden Valley.

Internet service may temporarily slow or disconnect during severe weather because it is satellite based.

Cooking and dining

The yurt includes a well-equipped glamping cooking area with:

• Two-burner propane stove
• Cast-iron griddle
• Propane grill on the private deck
• Mini refrigerator
• Drip coffee maker
• Keurig coffee maker
• Hot-water kettle
• Pots and pans
• Dishes and silverware
• Cooking utensils
• Barbecue utensils
• Spices
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking oil
• Dining table

There is no conventional oven or microwave.

Water, sink, and private porta-potty

There is no running water, shower, or indoor bathroom.

Fresh water is provided in 5-gallon containers for drinking, cooking, and washing dishes. Please use it thoughtfully because all water must be transported to the yurt.

The yurt has an indoor sink for washing dishes, but the sink is not connected to plumbing.

A clean private porta-potty is located approximately 100 ft from the yurt and is professionally serviced every week.

Parking, unloading, and walking access

There is no parking directly beside the yurt.

Guests may drive near the porta-potty to unload luggage and supplies. From there, the yurt is a short walk away.

After unloading, guests park in one of two designated parking areas. Both require a short uphill walk to the yurt.

The walking path is natural mountain terrain and may be:

• Uneven
• Dusty
• Muddy
• Snow-covered
• Icy
• Slippery after rain

Guests should wear appropriate shoes and consider packing lightly or using bags that are easy to carry.

Mountain road and directions

The final approach is a narrow rock and dirt mountain road with steep sections.

Apple Maps and Google Maps may direct travelers along the wrong route. Confirmed guests receive:

• Detailed written directions
• Exact GPS coordinates
• A map link
• Parking instructions
• Unloading guidance
• Seasonal access information

Please review the directions before beginning the final approach.

In winter, AWD or 4WD with proper winter tires or chains is required. Low-clearance or unusually large vehicles may be more difficult to maneuver.

Lighting

The yurt has interior electric lighting but no exterior lighting.

Guests should:

• Bring headlamps or flashlights
• Plan to arrive before dark when possible
• Use caution on the path after sunset

Dog-friendly mountain stay

Up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed when included in the reservation.

Dogs must:

• Remain leashed whenever outside
• Never be left unattended inside the yurt
• Leave with you whenever you leave the property
• Remain near the general yurt area
• Have all waste picked up

We have two Rhodesian Ridgebacks and free-range chickens elsewhere on the property. Advance notice and strict leash control are required for everyone’s safety.

Wildlife

This is active mountain wildlife habitat. Depending on the season, guests may encounter:

• Deer
• Elk
• Wild turkey
• Skunks
• Porcupines
• Snakes
• Foxes
• Bobcats
• Bears
• Mountain lions
• Other native wildlife

Never approach or feed wildlife. Do not leave food, pet food, garbage, or cooking supplies outside.

Fire safety

The property includes a wood stove and outdoor firepit.

Guests must:

• Follow all local fire restrictions
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Keep fires controlled
• Completely extinguish all fires before sleeping or leaving

Outdoor fires may be prohibited during periods of high fire danger.

Important details before booking

This is a true mountain glamping stay. Please confirm that everyone in your group is comfortable with the following:

• No running water
• No shower
• No indoor bathroom
• Private porta-potty approximately 100 ft away
• Guests provide all bedding, pillows, and towels
• Padded bunks and futon rather than conventional mattresses
• No parking directly beside the yurt
• Short uphill walk from designated parking
• Narrow mountain road
• Seasonal mud, snow, and ice
• No exterior lighting
• Active wildlife
• No glass containers anywhere on the property

Who this stay is for

This yurt is ideal for couples, families, small groups, dog owners, hikers, anglers, rafters, kayakers, hunters, skiers, snowshoers, off-road enthusiasts, remote workers, and travelers seeking a private Idaho mountain getaway.

It may not be a good fit for anyone expecting a conventional cabin, hotel, indoor plumbing, prepared beds, paved access, or parking immediately outside the door.

Guests who arrive prepared consistently value the privacy, peaceful surroundings, clean accommodations, useful cooking setup, responsive hosting, and authentic wilderness experience.