Mallard Bay Overflow Recreation Site

About

Mallard Bay Overflow Recreation Site sits along the shores of Fish Lake in the Fishlake National Forest of central Utah. At 9,000 feet elevation, the site offers expansive views of Fish Lake, Utah's largest natural mountain lake covering 2,500 acres. The campground operates as overflow capacity for the Fish Lake Basin, opening only when Doctor Creek, Bowery Creek, Mackinaw, Frying Pan, Paiute, and Tasha Equestrian campgrounds reach full occupancy. Fish Lake is renowned for its trophy fishing, particularly Mackinaw lake trout that can reach 20-40 pounds. Rainbow trout and splake also draw anglers. Beyond fishing, the lake supports boating, canoeing, swimming, and scuba diving. The nearby five-mile Pelican Canyon Trail starts at Bowery Creek Campground and climbs through meadows and dense spruce, pine, and aspen forests to the 11,633-foot Fish Lake Hightop. As a primitive overflow area, the site has flush toilets but no potable water. Campers must bring adequate drinking water and pack out all trash. The campground is managed by High Country Recreation under a Forest Service concession permit.

Directions

From Richfield, Utah, head east on UT-118 N/E 300 N toward N 100 E for 0.8 miles. Continue straight onto UT-119 E for 8.8 miles. Turn right onto UT-24 E for 23.1 miles, then turn left onto UT-25 N for 7 miles. Turn right on Doctor Creek Campground road and travel 0.3 miles.