Mallard Haven, Elkhart, TX

pharis farm historic site

For many Texans, the call of the outdoors is an irresistible invitation, leading them to explore the vast and diverse natural landscapes that define the Lone Star State. Camping, in its various forms, offers a direct connection to nature, whether it's setting up a tent under a canopy of stars, enjoying a campfire with friends, or simply unwinding away from the city's hustle and bustle. In the heart of East Texas, near the quiet community of Elkhart, lies Mallard Haven, a name that evokes images of peaceful retreats and natural beauty. For locals seeking a camping experience, understanding what a particular campground offers, and its current status, is crucial for planning their outdoor adventures.

Campgrounds in Texas range from highly developed RV parks with extensive amenities to more rustic, back-to-basics sites. Each offers a unique experience tailored to different preferences. The essence of camping often revolves around tranquility, natural surroundings, and the opportunity to disconnect and recharge. Mallard Haven, situated in a rural setting, historically may have served as such a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in East Texas's natural environment. However, as with any outdoor destination, conditions and accessibility can change over time. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Mallard Haven, based on the available public information, to help Texans understand its potential and important considerations.

Given the nature of outdoor properties, it's essential for prospective campers to have up-to-date information. While past visitors have shared positive sentiments about experiences at Mallard Haven, recent observations suggest a need for careful consideration. This overview will delve into the location, historical context of its offerings, and highlight key aspects for Texans planning their next camping trip to this part of the state.

Location and Accessibility

Mallard Haven is located at 955 An County Rd 173, Elkhart, TX 75839, USA. This address places the campground in the tranquil and rural setting of Anderson County, deep within the piney woods and rolling hills of East Texas. For Texans seeking an escape from urban environments and a connection with nature, this geographical placement holds significant appeal, offering a sense of seclusion and natural beauty.

Elkhart is a small town, characteristic of many communities in East Texas, offering a quieter pace of life. The campground's address on a county road suggests a more secluded setting, away from major highways and city noise, which is often a desirable trait for campers. While it offers a sense of retreat, its location in East Texas still provides reasonable accessibility to larger towns and cities. Palestine, a city known for its historic downtown and the Texas State Railroad, is typically within a manageable driving distance, offering access to essential services like grocery stores, gas stations, and medical facilities, as well as additional local attractions.

The beauty of East Texas lies in its abundant forests, lakes, and rivers, which offer a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Mallard Haven's location could historically have served as a base for exploring these natural resources. However, it's crucial for prospective visitors to be aware of the provided customer review from March 2025, which states: "looks closed down or abandoned and looks nothing like the photos in this review." This recent feedback suggests that while the geographical location is appealing for a rural escape, the current accessibility and operational status of the campground itself warrant direct verification before planning any visit. For Texans, understanding the actual, current state of such a remote location is paramount for safe and successful travel plans.

Services Offered

Given the recent customer review indicating that Mallard Haven "looks closed down or abandoned," specific and currently operational services cannot be factually listed. Based on the historical context of a "campground," and what would typically be expected if it were fully operational, the following services might have been offered, or would be expected if the property were to reopen or be revitalized:

Designated Campsites: Traditionally, a campground would offer specific sites for tents, and potentially for RVs, with varying levels of amenities.
Basic Utilities (Potentially): Some campgrounds, even rustic ones, might offer basic water access or shared spigots. RV sites would typically include water and electric hookups.
Restroom Facilities: Dependent on the level of development, campgrounds often provide vault toilets, composting toilets, or flush restrooms.
Fire Rings/Grills: Common at campsites for cooking and campfires.
Picnic Tables: Usually provided at each campsite for convenience.
Waste Disposal: Designated areas for trash collection.
Access to Natural Features: Proximity to fishing ponds, hiking trails, or natural waterways, as suggested by the name "Mallard Haven" and historical reviews, would be a key feature.

However, the March 2025 review's statement that the place "looks closed down or abandoned" strongly suggests that these services are currently unavailable or inoperable. For Texans considering this location, it is critical to assume a lack of operational services and to verify any information directly through official channels before making any plans, especially given the rural setting.

Features / Highlights

Based on the name "Mallard Haven" and the historical positive sentiment implied by older reviews (pre-dating the "closed down" observation), the perceived features and highlights would have centered around its natural setting and potential for outdoor activities. However, it is paramount to present these with the strong caveat of the recent March 2025 review.

Potential for a Peaceful Natural Setting: The name "Mallard Haven" suggests a serene environment, possibly with a focus on birdwatching or proximity to water bodies frequented by ducks, which would have been a significant highlight for nature lovers.
Rural East Texas Location: Being situated in Elkhart, Texas, places it in a region known for its forests, lakes, and quiet landscapes, offering a true escape from city life.
Historical Community Spirit: The older review mentioning "Allen is Duncan pharis went down to help Stephen build a fence and I always enjoyed myself at Mallard Haven" hints at a past where there was a sense of camaraderie and shared activity, suggesting a welcoming atmosphere at one time.
Opportunity for Rustic Camping: If operational, the rural location and implied natural focus would lend itself to a more traditional, perhaps less amenity-rich, camping experience, appealing to those who prefer simplicity and immersion in nature.

Crucial Caveat: The primary and most recent customer review from March 2025 explicitly states: "looks closed down or abandoned and looks nothing like the photos in this review. I’m sure this place was great at one time, but not at least for the last 1.5 years (last Hip Camp review) 3+ years (last Google Maps review)." This strongly implies that the historical features and highlights are no longer indicative of its current state. Prospective visitors, particularly Texans looking for a functional campground, should take this warning seriously and consider the property to be in an inoperable or abandoned state until proven otherwise through direct and very recent verification.

Promotions or Special Offers

Given the most recent customer feedback from March 2025, which indicates that Mallard Haven "looks closed down or abandoned," it is highly improbable that there are any active promotions or special offers available. Businesses that are no longer operational or appear abandoned typically do not run marketing campaigns or provide booking incentives.

In a hypothetical scenario where Mallard Haven was fully operational and thriving, a campground might offer promotions such as:

Seasonal discounts for off-peak periods.
Long-stay rates for extended camping trips.
Group booking discounts for larger parties.
First-time camper specials.

However, based on the provided information, it is not possible to detail any current or potential promotions for Mallard Haven. Prospective visitors, particularly Texans planning a camping trip, should not anticipate any special offers and should instead prioritize verifying the current operational status of the property before making any travel plans or financial commitments.

Contact Information

Based on the provided information, only the address for Mallard Haven is available:

Address: 955 An County Rd 173, Elkhart, TX 75839, USA

No phone number or other direct contact information (such as an email or website) was provided in the prompt. This lack of current contact information further supports the recent customer review's observation that the property may be closed or abandoned. In typical circumstances, a functional campground would provide clear contact details for inquiries and reservations.

For any Texans who might still wish to learn more, it would be necessary to conduct further independent research to see if any current operational contact information exists through other public channels (e.g., local chambers of commerce, historical records, or dedicated camping directories). However, it is crucial to temper expectations given the strong recent feedback that the site appears to be non-operational. Without direct contact, verifying the current status and amenities of Mallard Haven is extremely challenging, making planning a visit highly speculative.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Based on the most recent publicly available information, particularly the March 2025 customer review, Mallard Haven in Elkhart, TX, currently appears to be in a state where it is "closed down or abandoned" and "looks nothing like the photos" from its presumably operational past. Therefore, under its current reported condition, this place is unfortunately not suitable for locals actively seeking a functional campground for their outdoor recreational needs.

In a historical or hypothetical context, if Mallard Haven were fully operational and well-maintained as a campground, its suitability for Texans would stem from its peaceful, rural East Texas location. It would have offered an escape from urban life, providing a natural setting for traditional camping, birdwatching, and enjoying the tranquility of Anderson County's landscapes. Its proximity to Palestine would have offered convenient access to basic services and local attractions like the Texas State Railroad for a balanced experience of nature and local culture.

However, the current factual data strongly indicates that the property is not in a condition to host campers or provide services. For Texans planning a camping trip, relying on outdated information or historical sentiment for Mallard Haven would lead to disappointment and potentially unsafe or inconvenient situations. The very first step for any local considering this location must be to verify its current operational status. Until there is clear, confirmed evidence that Mallard Haven has been revitalized and is actively welcoming campers with established facilities and management, Texans looking for a reliable camping experience should seek alternative, verified campgrounds in the East Texas region.