Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site

Star4.63
11 reviews
Mallard Bay Overflow Campground, Fishlake National Forest, UT
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open only when all o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens High Country Recreation site

Official Website
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Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are subject to change seasonally, and campers are advised to email High Country Recreation at highcountryrec@gmail.com for current rates.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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USFS
Provider
(435) 836-2800highcountryrec@gmail.com
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslake

"User reviews consistently praise the site's proximity to Fish Lake and its natural beauty, though some note that it can feel cramped during peak usage. The camp host receives positive mentions for helpfulness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mallard Bay Overflow Campground, Fishlake National Forest, UT

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site

Mallard Bay Overflow Campground, Fishlake National Forest, UT

Driving directionsThe Mallard Bay Overflow Campground is located 40 miles east of Richfield, Utah. Head east on UT-118 N/E 300 N toward N 100 E 0.8 mi. Continue straight onto UT-119 E 8.8 miles. Turn right onto UT-24 E for 23.1 miles then turn left onto UT-25 N 7 miles. Turn right on Doctor Creek Campground Road and travel 0.3 miles.
Accessible via paved roads until UT-25 N and requires navigating some forest service routes such as Doctor Creek Campground Road. Seasonally operational only when overflow needs arise.
Nearby places
Richfield, Utah (40 miles, ~1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Loa, Utah (~30 miles) includes grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site

From May through October, Mallard Bay transforms with the seasons. Spring arrives tentatively, with crisp nights that demand warm sleeping bags and mornings that sparkle with frost. As summer settles in, the days warm to perfect hiking temperatures while nights remain refreshingly cool – ideal for campfire gatherings. By late season, autumn paints the aspens gold, and the first whispers of winter may dust the peaks with snow, reminding visitors that this high-altitude paradise follows its own seasonal calendar.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Most positive reviews occur in summer; lake activities and accessibility peak then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen groves and autumn color enhance scenery; site remains accessible into fall months.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is chilly with frost; open season begins tentatively and conditions can be brisk.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is typically open May–Oct only; winter use is not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely May to October alignment but specific peak season periods are undefined.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open only when all other campgrounds in Fish Lake Basin are full, typically during May to October.

About Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site

When the main campgrounds around Fish Lake reach capacity, Mallard Bay Overflow emerges as a hidden gem for adventurous campers. Nestled along the shores of Fish Lake and perfectly positioned on the famous Fishlake Scenic Byway, this overflow area offers the same stunning access to Utah's alpine wonderland without the crowds. It's the perfect basecamp for those who arrive to find the popular spots taken, yet refuse to compromise on their mountain lake experience.
Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site primarily caters to RV and tent campers as an overflow facility, ensuring accommodation when primary campgrounds are full.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping stay limit is 16 days, 15 nights.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site offers a variety of recreational activities, primarily centered around Fish Lake. Visitors can engage in fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and even scuba diving. The nearby trails and the lake's natural beauty serve as key attractions.
HikingThe five-mile Pelican Canyon Trail starts at the nearby Bowery Creek Campground, ascending 900 feet and offering scenic views. The Lakeshore National Recreation Trail runs along the eastern side of the lake.
FishingFish Lake is renowned for its 20–40-pound Mackinaw lake trout. Anglers also catch rainbow trout and splake.
SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity at Fish Lake, though specific swimming facilities are not mentioned.
BoatingBoating and canoeing are highlighted activities on Fish Lake, with its expansive 2,500-acre surface.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes noted as fierce by reviewers. Wildlife presence necessitates food storage precautions.
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 Bay Overflow Rec Site

Reviews

4.6
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the site's proximity to Fish Lake and its natural beauty, though some note that it can feel cramped during peak usage. The camp host receives positive mentions for helpfulness.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to the lake, scenic views, and opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and wildlife watching are frequently mentioned. Camp hosts are noted for their helpfulness.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The site can become cramped during high occupancy, and mosquitoes are described as a nuisance. There is also mention of limited facilities.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bringing mosquito repellent is highly recommended. Reviewers suggest this as a good spot for group camping and enjoying outdoor activities near the lake.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews are more frequent in the summer months, highlighting the lake's accessibility and activities. During peak times, the overflow area is described as cramped.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camp host was so awesome! Our trailer wouldn't fit in our reserved spot. So he helped us find a different spot in the overflow area." - Jade Boger. "Beautiful location! Lake was amazing and the...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers or areas are highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in the provided materials.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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