Mallard Marsh Campground

Star4.20
70 reviews
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD

Quick Facts

4,977 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open May 30 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mallard Marsh Campground
$22.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $24 per night during peak season, with a $2 holiday additional fee. Out-of-season reservations are unavailable.
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

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Provider
541-323-1746
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 70 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietspaciouslocation

Some mention

dusty

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD

Mallard Marsh Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Mallard Marsh Campground

Summer 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days, cool nights; excellent for kayaking/fishing though mosquitoes and dust noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through late Sept; likely quieter with good views, fewer bugs but limited specific fall data.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens May 30; most of spring is closed so season not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed out-of-season; winter use not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 30 – September 27 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 30 - September 27 during peak season. Closed out-of-season.

About Mallard Marsh 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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
NOON
Check-out
NOON
Stay Limit
  • Maximum 14 nights per visit
  • 28 nights total per year.

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.
HikingTrails 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.
FishingHosmer 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 viewingWildlife 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are abundant, especially during summer evenings. Campers should prepare for wildfire smoke and dust during dry months.
Active Alertsaccess is limited due to marshy vegetation.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mallard Marsh Campground

Reviews

4.2
70 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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Based on 70 reviews

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 70 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 70 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews focus on pet policies.
Based on 70 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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