Topaz Lake County Park

A fine catch at Topaz Lake State Park.

Mountains form the backdrop to the RV camping area.

This park occupies 90 acres on the shores of Topaz Lake, a reservoir on the Nevada-California border about 20 miles south of Gardnerville.

The park attracts anglers and water sports enthusiasts. It is stocked with rainbow trout by both states, and brown trout turn up as well. Pleasure boaters and water-skiers use the boat launch at the park.

But, because of its proximity to the Toiyabe and Eldorado national forests, the park is also a good base or way station for expeditions into wilder country.

Camping facilities include campsites with water and electrical hook-ups (one site is wheelchair-accessible), and more than 45 campsites without water and an overflow tent camping area along the lakeshore. There are flush toilets, showers and a trailer dump station. A playground also is available.

The park is a well-kept secret among birdwatchers. Small birds sighted at the park include orioles, swallows, red-winged blackbirds and yellow warblers.

A pair of bald eagles nests nearby, and ospreys have also been seen. During migration season, the park's location on the Pacific Flyway makes it an especially good birdwatching spot.