Topaz, California sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet along the California-Nevada border, experiencing warm summer temperatures in the 80s and cold winter temperatures that can drop below freezing. During peak summer months, campers should expect afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in July and August when monsoon moisture moves into the Eastern Sierra region. Cell service can be unreliable between Topaz and Bridgeport with several coverage dead zones.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Topaz Lake offers year-round fishing with spring and fall being prime seasons. "We leave our kayaks on the beach. Everyone is really friendly and Chuck, the maintenance man, could not be nicer or more helpful! He is a treat to chat with! A picnic table at every site, trees at every site and the lake has great fishing and boating," reports a visitor at Topaz Lake RV Park.
Mountain excursions: Drive approximately 60 miles north to visit Tahoe area attractions. "Unhook and go see Emerald Bay. Make sure you check out the waterfall and short like to eagle lake. All from the Eagle Falls parking lot. Kiva Beach is also a great place to go if you have dogs or even if you don't," suggests a reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground.
Historical sites: Visit nearby Bodie State Historic Park and Mono Lake when staying in the region. "Decent layout and location. Lake is still filling leaving the fishing better handled from a boat. Dry camping spot are good sized with excellent lake and Mountain View's," notes a camper at Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park and Marina, which serves as a good base for these attractions.
What campers like
Winter camping options: Some RV sites near Topaz, California remain open year-round despite seasonal closures elsewhere. "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," shares one winter visitor.
Lake views: Campsites with reservoir views rank highly among visitors. "The view was nice overlooking the lake and hills. The showers were clean and required me to put down $10 deposit which was a bit weird, usually, parks keep their bathrooms open," reports a camper at Topaz Lodge RV Park.
Casino access: Several RV parks near Topaz provide convenient access to casino entertainment. "Typical casino RV site - showers, laundry and full hookups. Hardly anyone there so we got a nice site in the corner with some rare Nevada grass. The casino construction was not an issue for the campground. Exceptionally clean facilities," mentions a visitor at Gold Dust West RV Park.
What you should know
Shower facilities: Pay showers are common at campgrounds in the area, with varying systems. "The (free) showers smell like cigarette smoke. The staff at the Chevron where you go to register are really nice and there are some nice things to buy at the mini mart there," reports a camper at Topaz Lodge RV Park.
Wind conditions: Lake-adjacent campsites often experience strong winds, especially overnight. "It was VERY windy (in fact, there was an area-wide high wind advisory) and with our pop-top campervan, it would have been challenging. The sites are all gravel and appear level," notes a visitor at Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park.
Site spacing: RV parks in the region vary considerably in spacing between sites. "Sites are narrow, about twice the width of your RV, and separated by chain link fencing. But all sites are perfectly flat, paved pull-throughs; easy in, easy out parking," observes a camper at Silver City RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several RV parks offer swimming pools, particularly valuable during hot summer months. "We came into south lake to visit family. This campground is right in town but there's enough space and trees to give it a natural setting. Bathrooms are great and it's pretty quiet considering it's popular. Looks great for families and there's a dog park, pool and trails," notes a visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground.
Organized activities: Some larger campgrounds offer scheduled activities for children. "They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights. Hot showers and well lit clean bathrooms. Hard to find solitude or silence," reports a camper at Tahoe Valley Campground.
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "This location is so convenient and easy! Pull through sites that can fit any RV. Kids welcome, two nice playgrounds and a pickleball court that they provided rackets for. Each site also has a small grass area," shares a visitor at Whispering River Ranch RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying electrical service capabilities. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers. Nice store for basic needs, nice laundry room," notes an RVer at Tahoe Valley Campground.
Dump station access: Some parks offer dump stations for non-guests. "There's a dump station for use if you aren't staying there, for $10. There are trash dumpsters but no recycling," advises a visitor at Topaz Lodge RV Park.
Site leveling: Most RV sites in the region are adequately leveled but construction quality varies. "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," shares an RVer about Topaz Lodge RV Park.
