Best Campgrounds near Topaz, CA

The Topaz area in eastern California and western Nevada features several established campgrounds along Topaz Lake and nearby mountain terrain. Topaz Lake Recreation Area provides lakeside camping with both tent and RV sites, while Topaz Lodge RV Park offers full hookup options for recreational vehicles. Carson River Resort and KOA Coleville/Walker Meadowcliff Lodge expand accommodation options with cabin rentals in addition to traditional camping areas. The region's campgrounds typically sit at moderate elevations with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and access to fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities.

Road conditions remain generally good throughout the camping season, with most developed campgrounds accessible via paved highways including US-395. Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with most open from spring through fall. According to one visitor, "Topaz lake is stunning..the campground was nice. We got the full hookup option." Winter conditions can limit access, particularly at higher elevations where snow may persist into late spring. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months, especially for lakefront sites which tend to fill quickly. Several campgrounds offer online reservation systems, though some operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly at more remote locations like Desert Creek Campground.

Campers consistently rate water access as a primary draw to the region's campgrounds. Topaz Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming, with several campgrounds offering direct lake access. A visitor noted that "The view was nice overlooking the lake and hills." Developed campgrounds typically include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with some offering additional features like showers, electric hookups, and dump stations. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with proper food storage essential as bears are active in the region. Campgrounds closer to Highway 395 may experience road noise, while those set back from main roads offer more solitude. The surrounding public lands provide additional recreational opportunities including hiking trails and fishing access points along nearby streams and rivers.

Best Camping Sites Near Topaz, California (266)

    1. Topaz Lake Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Topaz, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 785-9835

    "Excellent location, stunning scenery, limited cell service, sounds perfect because it is. Fishing, exploring and just relaxing."

    "Besides the beautiful scenic lake spot that offers fun on the lake during the day and star gazing at night it’s a well ran campground with amentities."

    2. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 694-2248

    $35 / night

    "Camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips and directions to a general store about 40min drive away."

    "This is an awesome State Park located in Markleeville, CA. It's in close proximity to Lake Tahoe, CA, and offers many great day hikes for all ability levels in the area."

    3. KOA Coleville/Walker Meadowcliff Lodge

    7 Reviews
    Coleville, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 495-2255

    "Every night they walked through the grounds to see how everyone was while drinking a glass of wine."

    "Being along US 395 it does get truck and traffic noise on the two-lane highway, but with all of the amenities and access to tons of local activities the road noise was more than bearable."

    4. Desert Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Coleville, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 882-2766

    "Not sure why the directions say California when it’s in Nevada. Someone edited the map to a random place in California. I fixed it, if not google maps desert creek campground fixes it."

    "Located in a nice canyon next to a creek. Stayed here one night.

    There are lots of different spots with fire pits once you get into the canyon. Lots of firewood as well."

    5. Topaz Lodge RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Topaz, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 266-3337

    "Decent little RV park that worked well for us as we were driving through and needed a place for the night. It’s surprisingly nice and cute considering it’s behind the Chevron and the casino.

     "

    "There are plenty of trash cans around the park. They are emptied almost daily.

    Pets are welcome. Dogs must be on leashes and picked up after."

    6. Topaz Lake RV Park

    1 Review
    Topaz, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 495-2357

    $40 / night

    "No fires are allowed, but you are right on the lake, with two docks and a beach with shade everywhere and amazing views, so who cares?"

    7. Indian Creek Campground (CA) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    5 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 885-6000

    $50 / night

    "Good distance between campsites. The lake is a short walk away from parking."

    "This campground has a tent only loop (walk up to sites) and double spots for trailers. The double spot was nice as we had 3 cars and a trailer. We had plenty of room for our group."

    8. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    24 miles

    "Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

    "come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars"

    9. Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed

    4 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 882-2766

    $18 / night

    "Close to Markleeville and convenient to pop over to the town and pick up things from the general store. The campground is small and it’s more of a “passing through” spot."

    "The camp host was super nice and a beautiful stream runs next to some spots.   There is a dirt road to get there and it’s a bit steep but loved the area!"

    10. Centerville Flat Campground

    2 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "Pretty close to the road so you do get motorcycle noise and there are a ton of cyclists. So look out for them. Three trails to get to the water. But I recommend the one that looks like a driveway."

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Recent Reviews near Topaz, CA

1032 Reviews of 266 Topaz Campgrounds


  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Mill Creek National Forest

    Beautiful and quiet spot close to Mono Lake

    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first. GPS took me to the wrong (dirt) road, it was getting dark and stormy... Eventually stormed passed and I got a clear moonlight and could hear the gurgle of the river a few meters away. Best reward was in the morning... Wow! ♥️ A nice spot for those just leaving Yosemite or about to go into it.

    The road is not great, drive slowly

    PS: I found a tote bag (see pic) where I was, if it's yours hit me up!!

  • Levi K.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Campground by the Lake

    Not all reservations

    This is a great spot. We were out there the whole weekend and enjoyed the campground and lo9k forward to going back. There are first come first serve spaces available and that worked out great. The campground was not packed or to noisy over the weekend. We look forward to going back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking

    Amazing Open Campground In The Forest

    We loved camping here. There were great campsites with bear lockers along a really nice little creek. Fantastic location for dogs. Lots of space to walk the dogs. Campground is quiet. No cell service but our Starlink worked great.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet but close to everything

    Stayed here overnight. Could easily stay here for a few days and see all the fun things around Reno, Carson City and Virginia City. Great camp hosts, clean showers, flush toilets, garbage and dump available.

  • Jolean D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stanislaus National Forest Pine Marten Campground

    Close to the lake but not huge spots

    The location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Perfect

    Arrived pretty late so didn’t want to disturb others to check out all the sites, luckily there is a huge parking lot type area right in the front. Stayed for a night there with some other cars , no problems. Nice area. Easy drive in.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Not worth the fee

    Bathrooms are located in the day use area and a bit of a walk from the camping area. RV dump is closed “until further notice”. Right off Hwy 50 so expect noise. Compared to other state parks along Hwy 50, this one is a dump.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Serene Camping

    There were definitely a few long term campers here. But the place was very clean. No cell service fyi. Easy to get to, road is dirt but has very few bumps.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Buckeye Campground

    Great spot!

    You can get there on 2WD, it’s a bit bumpy though. Don’t go all the way up, there’s fees at the reserved spots. There’s dispersed camping shortly after you pass the hot springs, there’s a small field where people park and if you go to the road on the side of the lot it’ll take you to more spots to camp in the trees.

    The smoke was so bad I had to leave early. Be sure to check for fires nearby.


Guide to Topaz

Dispersed camping near Topaz, California offers numerous options across eastern California and western Nevada. The area sits at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet with seasonal weather patterns that bring summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Road closures frequently occur from November through April at higher elevations, with spring runoff creating challenging conditions on unpaved access roads.

What to do

Fishing spots: Access Desert Creek Campground by traveling approximately 8.5 miles off the main road, crossing the creek several times. "Trout fishing is excellent!!" according to Rosie R., who visited Desert Creek Campground. The creek is only about "3 to 4 feet wide and around 2 feet deep," notes Pete C.

Water activities: Enjoy boating at Topaz Lake Recreation Area where you'll find "a boat launch with 2 docks, fish cleaning station, flush toilets, pit toilets and showers available," reports Chad F. from Topaz Lake Recreation Area. The area also offers paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing and swimming opportunities.

Hot springs bathing: Visit Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground for therapeutic soaking. "Going at night has worked well for me to avoid the line," advises Abbie H. The hot springs can be accessed via "a short walk to the hot springs pools" which require an additional fee and proper swimwear.

What campers like

Privacy and space: Sites at Desert Creek provide ample room between neighbors. "Sites are large and far away from other sites. Great for large groups," reports Rosie R. Another camper noted the solitude, saying, "I saw two vehicles all day on the trail and was by myself at the campground that night."

Lakefront camping: Topaz Lake RV Park offers direct lake access with beach amenities. "You are right on the lake, with two docks and a beach with shade everywhere and amazing views," shares Michele. The park has "a fish cleaning station, a laundromat, bathrooms with toilets and pay showers."

Family-friendly amenities: KOA Coleville/Walker Meadowcliff Lodge keeps facilities exceptionally clean. "The bathrooms were the cleanest and nicest we have seen so far," states Rachel C. from KOA Coleville/Walker Meadowcliff Lodge. The camp offers grassy areas, horseshoes, and convenient access to local attractions.

What you should know

Seasonal access: Scotts Lake Road dispersed camping closes during winter months. One visitor reported, "Arriving around 9pm after a long drive to find the gate locked was very disheartening, especially since reception in the area around Kirkwood is missing."

Reservation requirements: Topaz Lake Recreation Area uses an online system that can be challenging with limited cell service. "There's a QR code at the entrance however, cell service wasn't strong enough to make the reservation. I had to come pick out a spot and then make the reservation online with my Starlink," reports Kathy B.

Road conditions: Access to backcountry campsites requires appropriate vehicles. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, "You follow a dirt road and have camping spots along the road. Easy to drive into just be careful of potholes and large puddles from rain, even in summer," cautions Alex P. For some areas, "You definitely need 4x4 and the road is super bumpy."

Facilities vary significantly: Campgrounds range from primitive to full-service. "No amenities, but it's a very beautiful area," notes Alex P. about dispersed sites, while established campgrounds offer more services but at higher costs.

Tips for camping with families

Look for designated play areas: At Topaz Lake Recreation Area, families will find "Grass area for kids playing or throwing the ball or frisbee. Horse shoe game area. Big lake side beach. You can set up badminton or beach volleyball," mentions Vanessa R.

Consider campgrounds with bathroom amenities: KOA Coleville/Walker has family-friendly facilities. "Moms with babies and toddlers would appreciate the restrooms. Showers are their own private room with space and a changing table," notes Vanessa R.

Pack for changing weather conditions: Summer afternoons bring wind at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground. "Warm winds pick up in the afternoon so keep things tied down!" warns Duranne C., who stayed at Topaz Lake Recreation Area. Weather can shift quickly at these elevations.

Water safety preparation: If planning lake activities, bring proper safety equipment. Vanessa R. recommends, "Pack the sun screen and the life jackets and have fun!" Water temperatures at Topaz Lake reach "around 73-74 degrees" by late summer according to visitor reports.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger rigs: Larger RVs should consider space limitations. "If you have a 40 footer good luck," cautions Fred B. about Topaz Lake Recreation Area, while at Scotts Lake Road, Susan L. reports, "We are new to dispersed camping and have a 40 ft 5th wheel as well as a GMC Denali 350 dually. We need a large space to fit into... we had our choice of several places to set up."

Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available. "The non-hookup sites are $20 and full hook ups are 40. Ended up being $46 with fees. A little spendy," reports Kathy B. about Topaz Lake Recreation Area.

Plan for dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer onsite dump facilities. "This is a county park...there is no sewer at the sites and the dump station's water was turned off," reported Fred B., highlighting the importance of confirming availability before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Topaz, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Topaz, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 266 campgrounds and RV parks near Topaz, CA and 37 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Topaz, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Topaz, CA is Topaz Lake Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Topaz, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 37 free dispersed camping spots near Topaz, CA.

What parks are near Topaz, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Topaz, CA that allow camping, notably Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and Stanislaus National Forest.