How much does camping cost at Mallard Marsh Campground?

Camping fees at Mallard Marsh Campground range from $24-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mallard Marsh Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mallard Marsh Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mallard Marsh Campground before I book?

Yes! Mallard Marsh Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mallard Marsh Campground?

Mallard Marsh Campground is open May 29 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mallard Marsh Campground?

Mallard Marsh Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Mallard Marsh Campground?

Fire policies at Mallard Marsh Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Mallard Marsh Campground have?

Mallard Marsh Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mallard Marsh Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Mallard Marsh Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mallard Marsh Campground?

Mallard Marsh Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Mallard Marsh Campground

4.11

70 reviews

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD

Featured in:Forest Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,977 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open May 30 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,977 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open May 30 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Mallard Marsh Campground

$24.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Mallard Marsh Campground

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Campground Map

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD

Mallard Marsh Campground

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD

Nearby places

Bend: 35.5 miles (approximately 45 minutes drive)

Weather at Mallard Marsh Campground

Current alerts(9)

access is limited due to marshy vegetation.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org

Best Time to Camp at Mallard Marsh Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, stable weather and full recreational access — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Water-based activities (kayaking, canoeing, and fly-fishing) and marsh wildlife viewing are at their peak with open boat access on Hosmer Lake and long daylight hours for hiking. Crowds are present on summer weekends but the campground's back-to-basics character and limited sites keep visitation moderate compared with nearby day‑ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Sept 27; likely quieter with good views and reduced bugs late season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 29 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 30 - September 27 during peak season. Closed out-of-season.

About Mallard Marsh Campground

Mallard Marsh Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for kayaking and canoeing on nearby Hosmer Lake, fly-fishing, marsh wildlife viewing, and clear mountain views.

Mallard Marsh Campground supports primitive and tent camping, with some sites capable of accommodating RVs, although there are no hookups available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, stable weather and full recreational access — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Water-based activities (kayaking, canoeing, and fly-fishing) and marsh wildlife viewing are at their peak with open boat access on Hosmer Lake and long daylight hours for hiking. Crowds are present on summer weekends but the campground's back-to-basics character and limited sites keep visitation moderate compared with nearby day‑ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4977 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies volcanic terrain at 4,977 feet elevation, where ancient lava flows created the porous landscape beneath the site. Reed-fringed marshes fill depressions between lava fields. Mt. Bachelor rises to the west, South Sister and Broken Top to the east. Wetland vegetation lines the marsh edges. Expect frogs at dusk and active bird populations across the water. The dusty conditions several reviewers mention reflect the volcanic soil composition.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging options, such as cabins or lodges, are indicated.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Site 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!

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 SitesSites 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 9 drew praise for its size. One camper called it "HUGE." Site 15 provides direct access to Hosmer Lake. Site 8 is noted for extra space. Most sites are pull-through and accommodate trailers, though reaching the lake requires a short walk. Some campers recommend kayak wheels to make the access easier.

Need help booking Mallard Marsh Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Mallard Marsh Campground offers a mix of essential and minimalistic amenities. "This facility has vault toilets and each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit with grill." However, campers must bring their own water supply, as no potable water is available on-site. Vault toilets are provided but have received mixed reviews, with some users describing them as clean and well-stocked and others finding them smelly and poorly maintained.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

70 reviews

Satisfactory

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 70 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 70 reviews.

Site #9Loved
Site #9 is described as 'HUGE!' and offering excellent privacy.
Site #5Loved
Site #5 is praised for shade and proximity to the water.
Site #2Mentioned
"Hosmer Lake is gorgeous," said a camper at Site #2.

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 70 reviews

Common 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 70 reviews

Pro 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 70 reviews

Seasonal 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 70 reviews

Camper 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 70 reviews