Topsy Recreation Site ~ Oregon

The Topsy Recreation Site is located on Oregon State Road 66 between Klamath Falls and the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, which is a convenient spot when touring this neck of the woods. The Klamath River Runs through this region on the way to California a few miles south and the Topsy Recreation Site surrounds the JC Boyle Reservoir on this waterway. The dirt access road to the developed Topsy Campground can be found next to the bridge and on the opposite side of the road is where the public boat launch is located. As can be imagined, Topsy is a camping, fishing and hiking destination, while canoeing and kayaking top the list of activities too. 

The Topsy Campground is located on one side of the reservoir, while the recreation area boundaries cover the ponderosa pine forest wilderness on the other side. Topsy is managed by the BLM, which is the agency that regulates most of the ground surrounding waterways in the northwest. Topsy is surrounded by deep National Forests and the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge is practically right next door, so Topsy is a premium spot for nature viewing, waterfowl birding and the fishing is good too!

Because this area is BLM and National Forest territory, there are plenty of options for public lands dispersed camping. The riverside hills next to the developed BLM Topsy Campground are a popular dispersed camping area that is low budget friendly, which is good to keep in mind. For those who prefer a little more luxury, the Topsy Campground offers drinking water, facilities, fire rings, picnic tables and tent pads. A boat launch is located on site and there is a dump station. This is a small first come, first serve developed campground with a host, so if it is full, dispersed camping in the surrounding hills is the best option. 

There is plenty to see and do at Topsy, while 4x4 enthusiasts will be happy to know that there is a 30 mile Jeep trail that goes into the Upper Klamath River Canyon. The Topsy Recreation Area is a great place to fill the fishing creel in the morning and spend the afternoon in a hammock listening to the breeze rustling through the tall pines. Rest and relaxation at a great fishing destination is the only goal for many people heading out to the woods on weekends and this sure is a nice spot to make the dream happen. For this reason, be sure to keep Topsy in mind when planning a Klamath River tour in this end of Oregon!