Map showing campground location near Pray, Montana

Camper submitted image from Mallard's Rest

Mallard's Rest

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing the Yellowstone River draws most campers to Mallard's Rest, a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks access site situated directly on the riverbank about 12 miles south of Livingston. The boat ramp and trailer parking make it a practical staging point for float trips, and riverside sites put anglers within a short walk of the water at first light. No hookups, no potable water. Come prepared to pack out your trash.

The layout mixes clearly marked sites, some with metal fire rings and picnic tables, alongside less defined areas where campers have historically spread out informally. Riverside spots go fast. Dexter I. notes the campground "sits on the banks of the Yellowstone River," and several reviewers mention arriving early or mid-week to secure one of those positions. Weekend crowds are a recurring theme in reviews, with some visitors finding no open spots on Saturday or Sunday nights. Highway noise from passing trucks carries into camp at night, a consistent detail worth factoring into expectations.

Two vault toilets serve the site, though reviewers have noted inconsistent stocking of toilet paper. Campfires are permitted, and pets are allowed. Nightly fees range from $5 to $18 depending on residency, age, and whether you hold a valid Montana fishing license, which reduces the rate by $6. A seven-day maximum stay applies. Reservations are available, which matters given how quickly the site fills in summer.

The location works well as a base for day trips, given its position between Livingston and the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Campers exploring camping spots around Mallard's Rest Fishing Access Site will find several options along this stretch of the Yellowstone corridor. Those wanting full hookups or a quieter road environment might consider the Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday a few miles to the northeast, or Loch Leven to the south for a similar fishing access setup.

Description

TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING SUMMER OF 2022

Emergency Site Closure This fishing access site is closed due to public safety risks caused by extremely high water levels, endangered and failing infrastructure, flooded and impassible access roads. Closures will be strictly enforced.
06/24/2022 - 

Until further notice

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Map & DirectionsMallard's Rest is located in Montana near Pray

Public Campground

Coordinates

45.48395646 N
110.62258227 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

33 min from Bozeman, MT
1 hr 52 min from Billings, MT
1 hr 57 min from Helena, MT
2 hrs 57 min from Great Falls, MT

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Reviews14 Camper Reviews - Mallard's Rest

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

14 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the scenic Yellowstone River location and reasonable pricing. Highway noise was commonly noted as an issue, though facilities met basic camping needs despite limited amenities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Rob R.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2026

Nice Montana campground

A nice fishing campground. Spacious sites. Dry camp with just pit toilets and no other amenities but the view is to die for.

Month of VisitJune

(4) View All

Bob B.

Guide

Reviewed May. 12, 2026

Location Can't Be Beat

We are right on the Yellowstone River, and snow covered peaks beyond , approximately 12 miles south of Livingston, MT and 20 miles north of the north entrance to Yellowstone NP.

Site4

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Dexter I.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2022

Camp and fish the Yellowstone at Mallard's Rest

Note: My visit and review is from before the Yellowstone River flood. This fishing access site is currently closed due to public safety risks caused by extremely high water levels, endangered and failing infrastructure, flooded and impassible access roads.

Mallard's Rest is a nice small Montana Fishing Access site that allows camping. Campground sits on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Campground appears to be a mixture of developed campsites and dispersed camping as some site are clearly marked and have metal fire rings and picnic tables. Other "sites" might just have a table or nothing at all. The site has two vault toilets. This is a pack-in / Pack-out campground. No water is available so come prepared. A boat ramp and parking area for boat trailers is available. This is a popular campground, my visit in March is the first time that I have noticed this not being over packed with campers. Cost to camp varies between $5 and $18 depending on your age, if you are a Montana residence or not, and if you have a state fishing license.

Month of VisitMarch

(10) View All

Zach P.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2021

Amazing late season spot

This place is great. No hookups so be ready for that, but you’re right in the river, it gets sun right away in the morning, and it’s only $12/night with a MT fishing license.

Site11

Month of VisitSeptember

(5) View All

Tara W.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Great fishing, nice campsites, dog friendly

We stayed for one night and camped in a tent. The river access was nice, as were the campsites. However, there were not many marked tent sites and there was dog poop everywhere. Other than that, it was very nice! They have 2 vault toilets.

Site7

Month of VisitJuly

kyla

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2021

Busy, loud

Busy campground with no spots left on a Sunday night. People were camping in undesignated sites which makes it crowded. You can hear the highway with big trucks passing by all night. No toilet paper in the bathroom. Beautiful view.

Site10

Month of VisitJune

Allyse

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2021

Honestly don't want to leave a good review so yall don't realize how awesome this place is.

Got a beautiful spot just feet away from the Yellowstone River. Wasn't sure how long we would stay but decided to stay the full week allowance immediately upon getting set up. Had a great week of fishing, so many hikes all around and still just a few hours away from all of Yellowstones hot spots. Livingston is a fun little town with lots to offer. Also, you save 6 bucks a night camping with a valid Montana fishing license.

Month of VisitApril

(10) View All

Em V.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2020

Cool spot

Nice spot close to the highway but very little noise. Cool crowd, very dog friendly.

Alex P.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2020

River camping

Really nice, we didn’t get a riverside spot but it was still nice enough. Beautiful views and close to Yellowstone, which was a plus for us. We felt lucky to get a spot on a Saturday! Fees vary but are $18 at the highest. A bit of highway noise and a decent amount of traffic from day use parking.

Griffen J.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2020

Nice sights by the Yellowstone River!!

Stayed at this sight for a couple of nights and it is very well maintained!!

Ashley M.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 3, 2020

Peace & quiet

Nice spot along the Yellowstone River. There were no hookups that we found but it was still a great spot to enjoy peace and quiet and beautiful views.

Tony P.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2019

Beautiful on the River

$18 without a Montana fishing license, but found a GORGEOUS spot on the Yellowstone River... on July 4th. Not bad. Pretty place.

Erica T.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Simple but beautiful location

No water, but right on the Yellowstone River. You hear the road noise at night but if you need a beautiful spot as part of the Yellowstone excursion it's a good one nighter.

Month of VisitJuly

Lisa S.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

OK overnight spot

no amenities except vault potty, right on river! Nonresident $18, close to Yellowstone National Park, good for overnight

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Mallards Rest Campground?

Mallard's Rest offers minimal amenities, featuring two vault toilets but no running water or hookups. The campground is well-maintained with designated campsites, though some visitors note tent sites aren't clearly marked. While facilities are basic, the campground's main attraction is its location directly on the Yellowstone River with beautiful views. There's day use parking available in addition to camping areas. Despite being near the highway, most campers report minimal noise disturbance, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers seeking simplicity.

How do I make reservations at Mallards Rest Campground?

Mallard's Rest operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. The campground can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak summer months, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Fees vary with the highest being $18 per night for non-residents, while those with a Montana fishing license may qualify for a reduced rate of $12 per night. Be prepared to self-register and have cash available for payment upon arrival.

What fishing opportunities are available at Mallards Rest Campground?

Mallard's Rest provides excellent fishing access directly on the Yellowstone River, making it a prime spot for anglers. The campground serves as a dedicated fishing access site with campsites just feet away from the water. Many visitors specifically come here for the fishing opportunities and report successful trips. A Montana fishing license is required and actually provides a discount on camping fees. The site's location allows for a full week of diverse fishing experiences while also being within driving distance of other fishing spots in the greater Yellowstone area.

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