Deer Ridge Cabin at Swan Lake State Park

H I S T O R Y

While this may not be considered your typical cabin rental at a lake, the Deer Ridge Cabin at Swan Lake has a unique story. This cabin, as you can probably tell by the layout, was at one time your typical ranch style home. This home was owned by Cletus Irlmeier, a well-known farmer, father, grandfather, and friend. His acreage was located less than a mile to the east of Swan Lake where he lived until 2009. The acreage was then sold to Pat and Kelley Derner, they approached the CCCB with an idea. Knowing the house was well maintained and in good condition, they asked the Board if they would accept the house, as a donation, to use as a rental cabin at Swan Lake State Park. The CCCB looked into the expense of moving the house, a new foundation, and relocating all the utilities the Board accepted the donation. In the Summer of 2017, the “home” was moved to its new location at Swan Lake. The Conservation staff along with local contractors and very generous volunteer help, took what was once a home to the Irlmeier family and transformed it into what we now call the Deer Ridge Cabin at Swan Lake.

A M E N I T I E S

The Deer Ridge Cabin at Swan Lake sleeps 10 comfortably. It has two bedrooms on the main level with queen size beds, a bathroom, kitchen, living room, and the gathering room. In the lower level of the cabin there is a room with four twin size beds and a full-size bed along with another bathroom. To the East of the cabin is one full hook up camping site for you or your guest to park their camper. It is situation on the north side of the lake with an amazing view year-round of Swan Lake. There are sliding glass doors to the patio which has a gas grill - propane provided. The backyard has picnic tables and a fire pit, firewood can be purchased through our campground host Memorial Day – Labor Day, please do not bring out of county wood into Swan Lake State Park. Tent camping is only allowed at the Swan Lake Campground.

The Deer Ridge cabin does not have WiFi.

P R I C I N G

Sunday nights through Thursday nights - $125.00 per night

Friday and Saturday nights - $135.00 per night (weekends are a two-night minimum - Friday/Saturday are required together)

Refundable security deposit - $250.00 per stay on a separate payment

We accept cash or check for facility rentals

R E S E R V A T I O N S

To make a reservation please contact the Carroll County Conservation Office at (712) 792-4614 or email office@carrollcountyiowa.org.

Reservation can be made on a rolling calendar basis (one year in advance). 
Friday & Saturday nights are required together. No Sunday check ins.

CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE

T O U R 

view a virtual tour of the Deer Ridge Cabin here:
Deer Ridge Cabin - Swan Lake State Park

R U L E S  &  R E G U L A T I O N S

- It is the renters responsibility to bring complete bedding (pillows, sheets, blankets and or sleeping bags), bath linens, toiletries, and kitchen linens

- The renter is responsible for complete clean up of the cabin, there will be a check out list to be completed at arrival.

                  - CCC staff should only have to rotate out bath rugs, mopheads, mattress protectors, refill toilet paper and paper towels. If the checklist given is not complete you WILL forfeit your security deposit.

- Check in & out times must be followed - late departure may result in loss of security deposit.

- Decorations are allowed if they are free standing and not attached to the park furniture, walls, trees, or facilities.

- Daytime guests occupancy may not exceed 40 people at one time. If you are planning to host an event with more than 40 guests the Swan Lake Conservation Education Center or East Shelter House can accommodate large events.

- All furniture, including the kitchen chairs must remain inside the cabin.

- Renter must be 21 years of age or older to rent the facility or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the entire reservation period.

- Maximum capacity of guest may not exceed 40 people at one time. The East Shelter House, South Shelter House, or Swan Lake Conservation Education Center will accommodate these types of events.

- Park Hours are from 5:00am until 10:30pm, quite hours are enforced between 10:30pm and 5:00am                

          -Swan Lake State Park closes at 10:30pm, this includes the roadway, all traffic through Swan Lake State Park after 10:30pm is monitored.

          - non registered guests must leave the cabin and Swan Lake State Park prior to 10:30pm.

- Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6ft at all times or kenneled. They are not allowed inside any of CCCB facilities. Park users must immediately clean up after their pets. Violators will be ticketed.

- Kegs are not allowed at any of Carroll County Conservation parks or facilities.

- Smoking & vaping is prohibited inside any of CCCB facilities including the cabins 

- Do not burn trash, there is a dumpster located near the Deer Ridge cabin for disposal and recycling at the Swan Lake Campground.

T E N T  C A M P I N G

Tents are not allowed on the cabin grounds. All tent campers must register and stay at the Swan Lake Campground in non-numbered sites only.

There is ONE RV/travel trailer full hook up site near the Deer Ridge Cabin available for use May through October (weather depending).

Visit our Swan Lake Campground page to see current camping rates. 

D E E R  R I D G E  C A B I N  C O M E S  E Q U I P P E D  W I T H:

- two queen beds

- one full size bed

- four twin size beds

- two standard refrigerators

- stove

- microwave

- coffeemaker

- toaster

- cookware and utensils

- dinnerware and silverware

- TV w/ DVD player (antenna signal)

- Cleaning supplies - broom, dustpan, vacuum, mop

- toilet tissue and paper towels - bring more if expecting more guest

- A/C unit and furnace

- charcoal grill

- fire pit - firewood can be purchased through our campground hosts

- picnic tables

S U G G E S T I O N S  O N  W H A T  T O  B R I N G:

- complete bedding - pillows, sheets, blankets/sleeping bags

- kitchen dish towels

- bath linens and toiletries

- trash liners

- lawn chairs if desired

Carroll County Conservation currently manages over 2,700 acres at 27 different areas.