Topaz area camping sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation where the eastern Sierra Nevada transitions to the high desert of Nevada. Summer temperatures average 85°F during the day and can drop to 40°F at night, requiring proper preparation for temperature swings. Dispersed camping is available in surrounding Bureau of Land Management areas while established campgrounds provide more amenities.
What to do
Fishing and swimming access: Walker River Resort offers direct river access for anglers and swimmers. According to one visitor, "Campground was empty weekdays, then packed for the weekend. Lots to do even if you don't have an OHV. Free Shooting range, Five Stand skeet/trap shooting, River access for fishing and swimming, golfing in the tumbleweeds, horseshoe pits, access from campground to OHV trails."
Visit natural hot springs: Just over an hour's drive from Topaz, Buckeye Campground provides access to natural hot springs. A camper notes, "The springs are rock pools that people build after the snow melt. The hotspring water trickles down from the hillside above into the creek and pools below... It is great to be able to soak in the hot water then jump in the cold creek and then back into the hot spring as they are only separated by a few rocks."
Kayaking on Silver Lake: Silver Lake East-Eldorado is a prime location for flat-water paddling. A camper explains, "Silver Lake has a boat launch and was a beautiful lake to go kayaking. There was also plenty of hiking nearby for those staying more than one night."
What campers like
Secluded mountain glamping: Highland Lakes Campground provides a remote glamping experience at nearly 9,000 feet elevation. One reviewer shared, "At almost 9000 feet elevation, it is a great place to escape a heat wave on either side of the Sierra. Reno was having 104 degree highs, so we were looking for elevation that was not too far away. 20 degrees cooler here."
Tent sites near water features: Campers consistently rate waterfront sites as preferred locations. At Buckeye Campground, a reviewer noted, "We chose campsite 63 it was next to a stream. It's a short drive over to buckeye hot spring or a long walk. Only $18 for the night."
Off-road trail access: Wilson Canyon provides direct access to OHV trails. A visitor commented, "Wilson Canyon is so awesome! Room for everyone, while lots of track to cover. In the summer, the swimming hole across the road is so nice!"
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most camping areas around Topaz have minimal or no cell coverage. At Highland Lakes Campground, a visitor advised, "This campground is about an hour's drive to any kind of amenities or cell phone service. The road in is bumpy and there is a shallow creek that you will need to drive across."
Road conditions can be challenging: Many Topaz area glamping sites require travel on dirt or gravel roads. For Highland Lakes, "The road in is bumpy and there is a shallow creek that you will need to drive across, but I had no problems driving a 2wd Honda Fit compact car up."
Extreme weather shifts: Temperature fluctuations require proper packing. A reviewer at Highland Lakes recommended, "I would recommend a 4 season tent, even in the summer. On my last trip it was a little too cold for my taste so we drove back down the road and camped along the creek the last few nights."
Seasonal considerations: Fallen Leaf Campground near Lake Tahoe operates seasonally. A reviewer noted, "We loved the bike paths all throughout the area. Rode in to south Tahoe and had a great experience."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Zephyr Cove Resort provides family-friendly beach access. One visitor shared, "Right across the road from the water, this campground was full of trees with amazingly large pinecones on the ground (crafter alert)."
Playground access: Tahoe Valley Campground offers additional facilities for children. A reviewer noted, "Super busy campground with kids running around and riding bikes. They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Chipmunks and birds attract young visitors at several campgrounds. At Silver Lake East, a camper mentioned, "The small pond has lots of ducks and birds and is quieter if you can get a spot nearby."
Plan for noise levels: Some campgrounds are better suited for families seeking quiet. At Tahoe Valley, a reviewer cautioned, "Hard to find solitude or silence."
Tips from RVers
Level sites are limited: At Topaz Lake RV Park, RV sites provide specific advantages. One RVer explained, "Plenty of space for our 34' travel trailer. Full hookups - water, electric and sewer and Cable tv, plus decent wifi. 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?"
Cold weather preparation: Winter glamping in Topaz requires special considerations. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground shared, "We ended up camping in a truck camper at Tahoe Valley Campground after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice. It was the weekend after Thanksgiving and snowing so there were a handful of people at the campground and the entire place was very quiet."
Generator noise concerns: RV areas can get noisy with generator use. At Fallen Leaf Campground, one visitor observed, "Great campground. Nice location. Only complaint would be generators running most of the day from all the RV's."
