How much does camping cost at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site?

Camping fees at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Operates exclusively as a walk-up overflow site when all other campgrounds are full.

What is the best time to visit Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site?

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site is open Likely May to October alignment but specific peak season periods are undefined.. 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 Bay Overflow Rec Site?

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site?

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

What amenities are available at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site?

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site?

Popular activities at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site?

Fire policies at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site: Follow local fire restrictions; avoid cutting or breaking branches and use existing fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.63

11 reviews

Mallard Bay Overflow Campground, Fishlake National Forest, UT

FishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Utah Camping Near Capitol Reef National Park

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

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

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

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

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

Nearby places

Richfield, Utah (40 miles, ~1 hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Loa, Utah (~30 miles) includes grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site

Summer delivers the most reliable access and warmest conditions. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-70s°F, nights drop to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Trails are snow-free, the lake is swimmable, and trout fishing peaks. Holiday weekends see the heaviest use since Mallard Bay absorbs overflow from main campgrounds. Spring and fall bring colder nights and potential snow at this elevation. The site operates May through October, closing when winter arrives.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Positive summer reviews; lake activities (boating, fishing, swimming) peak in summer months.

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

Mallard Bay Overflow sits at 9,000 feet along Fish Lake's shore in Fishlake National Forest. This overflow site opens when the main campgrounds fill, offering tent and RV sites with flush toilets and direct lake access. It's cramped during peak weekends but gets you on the water when other spots are booked.

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site primarily caters to RV and tent campers as an overflow facility, ensuring accommodation when primary campgrounds are full.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and warmest conditions. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-70s°F, nights drop to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Trails are snow-free, the lake is swimmable, and trout fishing peaks. Holiday weekends see the heaviest use since Mallard Bay absorbs overflow from main campgrounds. Spring and fall bring colder nights and potential snow at this elevation. The site operates May through October, closing when winter arrives.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,000 feet above sea level, Mallard Bay offers the kind of thin, crystal-clear mountain air that makes every breath feel like a gift. At this elevation, the stars seem close enough to touch, the air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days, and visitors from lower altitudes might find themselves taking it easy for the first day or two as their bodies adjust to the thinner atmosphere. It's a small price to pay for camping among the clouds.

Natural Features and SceneryFish Lake, Utah's largest natural mountain lake, spreads across 2,500 acres just steps from camp. Ancient glaciers carved the basin that holds the lake, and dense spruce-pine forests give way to aspen groves on the surrounding slopes. The Pelican Canyon Trail climbs to overlooks above the forested valleys and water below. At 9,000 feet, the air is thin and the views extend across central Utah's high country.

Geological RegionDeep in the heart of central Utah's Fishlake National Forest, at a breathtaking 9,000 feet, Mallard Bay occupies a special place in the state's geological tapestry. This high-altitude haven showcases the powerful forces that carved Utah's landscape – ancient glaciers that sculpted the basin now holding Fish Lake, the state's largest natural mountain lake. The surrounding forest blankets the mountainsides in a verdant embrace, creating a pristine wilderness playground where geological wonders meet outdoor adventure.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping stay limit is 16 days, 15 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly mentioned.

Groups

Reviews suggest that the site may accommodate groups, but no specific information is provided about group site facilities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsContact High Country Recreation via highcountryrec@gmail.com for fee inquiries.

Walk-in AvailabilityOperates exclusively as a walk-up overflow site when all other campgrounds are full.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated. Campground operates as an overflow site and may not be reserved in advance.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for people with disabilities are not detailed in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campground is described as an overflow site, suggesting variable site sizes to accommodate different needs, but specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyReviews indicate that the area may feel cramped during peak usage, which could affect privacy.

Recommended SitesSites close to the lake are recommended for wildlife viewing and easy lake access.

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Fire PolicyFollow local fire restrictions; avoid cutting or breaking branches and use existing fire pits.

Emergency ServicesFremont River Ranger District at 138 South Main Street Loa, UT 84747 (~30 miles). Contact: (435) 836-2800.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are encouraged to pack out all trash and follow 'leave no trace' principles. There is no mention of on-site trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesFish Lake is adjacent to the campground, offering fishing and water activities.

Camp HostCamp host highly praised in reviews for offering assistance with site selection.

Weather at Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

11 reviews

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...

Based on 11 reviews