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Mallard Haven

100%

· Grapeland, Anderson, Texas

40 acres hosted by Mallard H.

1 lodging site

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home in nature — including real toilets, showers, and kitchen.

All to yourself

100% of recent Hipcampers say the pitch is private.

Mallard Haven Retreat is located off US 287, halfway between Palestine on the north and Crockett on the south. The retreat and associated activities are part of our overall program,which is to provide a refuge away from the frantic pace of daily life. We are somewhat sequestered from the outside world so as to provide immersion in the sights and sounds of nature. The setting is designed to be a place for relaxation and restoration of the soul and body through reading, journaling, quiet reflection, or simple camp activities such as hiking. Campers and visitors are expected to respect the land and natural features of the property as a gift from our Creator to be used and appreciated. We treat the property carefully and honorably, in acknowledgment we are the 'stewards' of the land.Mallard Haven Retreat is located off US 287, between Palestine on the north and Crockett on the south. MALLARD POND CABIN: This is a two bedroom, two bath house that is not modern, but functional. It includes a large gathering room, a fully-equipped kitchen, a 'sleeping porch' with bunk beds & more, a fire-pit in back, several BBQ grills, heating & A/C, and even a washer/drier(at a small extra charge). It is located on a decent-sized pond, stocked with some fish, along with availability of a canoe and a paddle-boat. The retreat and associated activities are part of our overall program, which is to provide a refuge away from the frantic pace of daily life. We are somewhat sequestered from the outside world so as to provide immersion in the sights and sounds of nature. The setting is designed to be a place for relaxation and restoration of the soul and body through reading, journaling, quiet reflection, or simple camp activities such as hiking. Campers and visitors are expected to respect the land and natural features of the property as a gift from our Creator to be used and appreciated. We treat the property carefully and honorably, in acknowledgment we are the 'stewards' of the land. MALLARD HAVEN Retreatis located in the Piney Woods area of East Texas and offers 40 acres of availability. Owners live on property. (Usually with 3 or 4 dogs and 2 or 3 calves, an occasional cat, and occasional chickens) There are five (5) spring-fed ponds. A Texas Fishing License is required (exception for small children catching very small fish for throw-back.) The area is thickly populated with pine trees, oak trees, sweetgum, and sassafras. Sassafras is easy to use for making a wonderful tea drink. There are several hiking trails, but biking is usually not possible due to the sandy soil. ATV's & similar motorized vehicles are not permitted. In late spring, wild blackberries (AKA: dew-berries) are thickly available and visitors may help 'pick' for an agreed split. Mallard Haven Retreat is operated by Haven Ministries, Inc. It is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas. Mallard Haven Retreat is also available for small groups for family reunions, youth groups, or church fellowships. Other services offered include memorable campfire programs, camp recreation and competition activities, airsoft games, and much more. Large 'party-style' tents (with or without sides) are available for large groups or activities. Contact us well in advance for these 'extra' services so as to not conflict with individual campers. NO CATS, DOGS, or other animals allowed INSIDE the Mallard Cabin. Large groups (more than 6 persons) MUST be approved separately and through messaging rather than just a reservation. NEARBY ACTIVITIES: Shopping & stores (Walmart, Tractor Supply, Kroger, fast-foods, antique shops, Walgreen, CVS, etc) are available in both Palestine &Crockett. Palestine is the County Seat of Anderson County and is about 30-45 minutes driving time north. Crockett is the County Seat of Houston County and is also about 30-45 minutes away south. Quick,limited grocery items, gas, post office, etc are available in nearby Elkhart & Grapeland. The historic CADDO MOUNDS and portions of the EL CAMINO REAL National Historic Trail are east, near Alto – about an hour drive time. The Caddo Mounds is a State Historic Site and hosts various activities during the year such as the El Camino Real del Los Tejas Festival. This features re-enactors, pioneer skills, archeology activities,crafts, games, music, and more. The Caddo Mounds were built by Hasinai Indians about 1,200 years ago and feature remains of a large village and ceremonial center. Mission Tejas State Park is also nearby and is passed up by most visitors. The park was first established in 1935 and hosts numerous learning and frontier activities throughout the year. It also includes an abundance of hiking trails. A replica Spanish Mission was built by the CCC and is on the site of the historic original location. There are Park Rangers that help with living history demonstrations,interaction for kids, and much more. Nearby Grapeland hosts music festivals on Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend at the Salmon Lake Park. A Gospel Music Festival in held over the Memorial Day Weekend and a Bluegrass Festival is held Labor Day Weekend.

Activities

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Forest

100%

48 ratings · 32 reviews

Amy A.recommends

October 9, 2023

Grove Camp Primitive, Mallard Haven

Alan is a wonderful host, making sure we felt comfortable with everything before we set up camp. Our girls loved exploring the lot and chasing the lizards. A wonderful spot to come back to after hiking in Davy Crockett National Forest or visiting the Caddo Mounds.

Joel D.recommends

April 1, 2023

Mallard Pond Cabin

Great place!!!

Beautiful place my grandkids,kids and us grand parents really loved the place with nice trails to journey on.quiet get away with family and fun.the kids enjoyed the pond catching fish and my oldest grandson learned how to play horse shoes...great place we will return

Brooke L.recommends

October 23, 2022

Grove Camp Primitive, Mallard Haven

Allen and his wife were super helpful and friendly. The area was secluded and beautiful, perfect to get away from city life. I look forward to going back!

Cherie G.recommends

August 10, 2022

Grove Camp Primitive, Mallard Haven

Allen and Judy are wondeful people I highly recommend you check out their camp ; they always make your stay feel like your at home

Abigail D.recommends

May 1, 2022

Grove Camp Primitive, Mallard Haven

Weekend in the Woods

We had a great weekend at Mallard Haven. We were the only campers and set up at campsite 1 right near the hunting cabin that has the toilet in it. The property had plenty of paths to walk during the day and we were fortunate to stumble upon some wild brambles! We enjoyed that the property was forested and the spots were very private. There is quite a distance between the two main homes and in between each site. Very thankful for the indoor space as we had a pretty wicked storm pass through with quarter sized hail.

Chris S.recommends

March 28, 2022

Grove Camp Primitive, Mallard Haven

Fun Camping Ever!

OMG! The most lovely host In the world! They are amazing!!!we had so much fun! If you love camping this the place you have to try! You can see all the stars 🌟 at night and so much more! It’s a big place you can do so much! A lot out door games! Bone fires BBQ fishing 🛶 …….when it’s season you can pick up wild berries so we will come back again! Love ❤️ the host! We had a great time!!!!!

Location

Grapeland, Anderson, Texas, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Tonkawa First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking