Mallard Marsh Campground
4.2543 reviews63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
Mallard Marsh Campground
$22.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $24 per night during peak season, with a $2 holiday additional fee. Out-of-season reservations are unavailable.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Deschutes National Forest, Mallard Marsh Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This hidden gem near Hosmer Lake offers a back-to-basics camping experience where vault toilets and the absence of running water remind you that you've truly left civilization behind. Here, kayakers glide through pristine waters, fly-fishers cast their lines in solitude, and nature enthusiasts find their sanctuary among the whispering reeds and towering pines.
Mallard Marsh Campground supports primitive and tent camping, with some sites capable of accommodating RVs, although there are no hookups available.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Mallard Marsh into a temperate paradise where warm days give way to cool mountain evenings perfect for campfire stories. While occasional wildfire smoke may paint dramatic sunsets and mosquitoes emerge as dusk's unwelcome guests, these minor inconveniences pale against the season's splendor. When winter arrives, the landscape becomes an ethereal wonderland buried beneath deep snow, with temperatures plummeting to create a frozen realm accessible only to the most intrepid souls.
ElevationPerched at a mountain elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with alpine grandeur, the campground sits in that sweet spot where summer temperatures remain comfortable even as the surrounding peaks scrape the sky, offering visitors the best of both worlds—mountain majesty without the thin-air challenges of extreme altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has painted a masterpiece at Mallard Marsh, where emerald reeds dance along the water's edge and vibrant wetland vegetation creates a tapestry of greens. The real showstoppers, however, are the panoramic views: Mt. Bachelor rises like a sleeping giant to the west, while the jagged silhouettes of South Sister and Broken Top pierce the eastern horizon. This living landscape pulses with life—choruses of frogs provide the evening soundtrack while countless birds sweep across the marsh, their calls echoing across the still waters.
Geological RegionMallard Marsh Campground rests within a fascinating geological wonderland where ancient lava flows have created a porous landscape that shapes everything from the soil beneath your feet to the unique ecosystem thriving here. Located in the greater Hosmer Lake area of Deschutes National Forest, this region tells a volcanic story millions of years in the making, where reed-fringed marshes have formed in the depressions between lava fields, all under the watchful gaze of the volcanic peaks—Mt. Bachelor and South Sister—that continue to define this dramatic terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features or ADA-compliant facilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and spacious. "Site was large with a pull-thru for our tent trailer," wrote one user. Another stated, "We booked site #9 and it was HUGE!"
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is generally good, with sites spaced out and screened by trees and shrubs: "The campsites are nicely spaced and blocked from one another by trees and shrubs," according to a reviewer.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 005, 008, 015 are recommended for privacy and amenities like proximity to Hosmer Lake. Campsites with pull-through capabilities are ideal for trailers.
Best CampsitesSite 008 is noted for its spaciousness; site 015 offers direct access to Hosmer Lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
NOON
Check-out
NOON
Stay Limit
- Maximum 14 nights per visit
- 28 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- One vehicle and one legally towed vehicle included
- additional vehicles incur a fee.
Groups
Group sites are not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout15 campsites are spread out to maximize privacy. Many sites are pull-through and accommodate trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 30 - September 27 during peak season. Closed out-of-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are primarily reservable, but some walk-up availability may exist during off-peak periods.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's use fee. Changes to reservations carry a $10 fee if dates are entirely different. Cancellations or changes are not allowed once the reservation start date begins.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mallard Marsh Campground offers a variety of activities centered around Hosmer Lake. These include fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Hiking trails are nearby, though none start directly from the campground. Birdwatching and stargazing are additional highlights.
Hiking
Trails are available near the campground, although none connect directly to it. "No hiking trails connect to CG - had to drive to get to any TH," noted one reviewer.Fishing
Hosmer Lake is a 'fly fishing only' lake, renowned for large brook trout, Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout. Fishing is described as challenging by some campers: "Fishing is tough," said one user, while another described it as a 'trout gold mine.'Boating
"The best way to experience this lake is by canoe or kayak," noted the official description. Shore access is limited due to marshy vegetation, but there is a nearby boat ramp.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include birding and observing lake ecosystems. "Loved having a nearby trail to an alternative launch site on the lake," noted one reviewer.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, and the campground is mostly accessible during warmer months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are prominent activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits, but restrictions may apply during dry periods. Firewood should be locally sourced to prevent invasive species.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are abundant, especially during summer evenings. Campers should prepare for wildfire smoke and dust during dry months.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital and emergency services are in Bend, approximately 35.5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 30 – September 27 annually.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash or recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresMallard Marsh is located near Hosmer Lake. Direct lake access is limited; most campers drive to the boat launch.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include dusty conditions, vault toilet odors, and mosquito prevalence.
HostCamp host availability has been inconsistent according to user reviews.
Campground Map
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
Driving directionsFrom Bend, travel 35.5 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46), then 1.3 miles east on Forest Road 4625. South Campground will come up on the right side first and then Mallard Marsh.
Roads to Mallard Marsh are paved but remote; seasonal closures or fire restrictions may apply. Campers should be prepared for potentially dusty conditions and wildfire smoke during the summer months.Nearby places
Bend: 35.5 miles (approximately 45 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Fuel, groceries, and camping supplies can be found in Bend, which is around 35.5 miles away. Campers must bring their own water as there is no potable water on site.
Camper Reviews
4.3
43 reviews
Mallard Marsh Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's tranquility, large campsite sizes, proximity to Hosmer Lake, and its suitability for kayaking and fly fishing. However, they also mention drawbacks like the lack of potable water, limited lake access, and issues with mosquitoes.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
Positives include spacious and private campsites, excellent kayaking opportunities, clear mountain views, and quiet surroundings. "What a gem of a campground and location!" exclaimed one camper.
Based on 43 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include the absence of potable water, dusty campsites, vault toilet odors, and aggressive mosquitoes. "The mosquitos in camp were ravenous and horrible," noted one user.
Based on 43 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing mosquito protection, carrying sufficient water, and considering kayak wheels for easier lake access. "Definitely need mosquito protection," advised one reviewer.
Based on 43 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season but also features high mosquito activity and dusty conditions. Winter use is not mentioned, aligning with the seasonal closure.
Based on 43 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were clean, as were the campsites in general," noted one user. "Hosmer is excellent. Mallard Marsh is just ok," remarked another. "Great lake for kayaking. Campsites are not great. Too...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #9 is described as 'HUGE!' and offering excellent privacy. Site #5 is praised for shade and proximity to the water. "Hosmer Lake is gorgeous," said a camper at Site #2.
Based on 43 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews focus on pet policies.
Based on 43 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025