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Berlin-Ichthyosaur
State Park
About Berlin-Ichthyosaur
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park contains a town built in the 1890s that is preserved in a state of arrested decay. A true Nevada ghost town, many of Berlin’s original buildings remain and some of its original residents are interred in the town’s cemetery. Trails throughout the town site tell the story of Berlin and its mine. The park is also home to the most abundant concentration, and largest known remains, of Ichthyosaurs, an ancient marine reptile that swam in a warm ocean that covered central Nevada 225 million years ago. The fossils are protected and displayed at the park’s Fossil House.
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Camping: The park contains 14 well-spaced units (open year-round), some suitable for RVs up to 25 feet, with fire rings, BBQ grills, covered tables, drinking water (typically available from mid-April through the end of October) and restrooms nearby. An RV dump station is also available. Camping is limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.
Group Area: Although no formal group use area is available, groups may use the picnic area for day or overnight. Please contact the park to schedule group tours.
Picnicking/Day Use: A day use picnic area with tables, grills, drinking water and restrooms is near the Fossil House.
Trails and Markers: An extensive sign system tells of the history and features of Berlin and the nearby mining camp of Union so that visitors can enjoy self-guided exploration. A nature trail connects the campground to the Fossil House. Information and viewing windows are available at the Fossil House if you are unable to attend a scheduled tour.
Berlin Townsite Tour: This is a self-guided tour. View map.
Fossil House Tours:
- April 20th to Memorial Day- Tours are offered at 10am and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays
- Memorial Day to Labor Day- Tours are offered daily at 10am and 2pm
- Labor Day to October 27th- Tours are offered at 10am and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Programs: : Information about program scheduling may be obtained from either park staff or kiosks. Upon request, special presentations can be arranged for groups.
American Discovery Trail: The American Discovery Trail is a great way to experience Nevada's beautiful and rugged backcountry. The Nevada portion of this 6,800+ mile trail covers 500 miles of Nevada's remarkable landscape, traversing 14 mountain ranges and challenging its explorers to a total climb of 34,000 feet! Six of Nevada's State Parks can be accessed by way of this route, including Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. Stay with Nevada State Parks while exploring the American Discovery Trail!
Hours: Open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
FIELD NOTES
- Removing, disturbing or damaging any historic structure, artifact, rock, plant life, fossil or other feature is prohibited. State and federal laws protect this area and its resources.
- Metal detecting is prohibited.
- Local service information is posted in the park for gas, food and phone. Services are available in the nearby town of Gabbs. No services are available at the nearby town of Ione.
- Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.
- Please drive only on established roads.
- Fires are permitted only in designated areas or in commercial stoves and fireplaces.
- Please dispose of garbage in the trash cans provided throughout the park for your convenience.
- The use of drones or any remote controlled aircraft is not allowed. Visit B4UFLY for more info.
- Visitors are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations in effect. Detailed rules and regulations are posted at the park or may be viewed on the Park Rules page.
- Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks. If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call the Nevada State Parks division office. We continually seek ways to provide recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and welcome any suggestions you may have.
- View a checklist of plants that are found at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park and the surrounding areas.
- View a list of frequently asked questions.
NATURAL RESOURCES/CLIMATE
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park encompasses 1,540 acres. The elevation ranges from 6,840 feet to a high point of 7,880 feet. The hillsides in the park are covered with big sagebrush, while pinyon pine and Utah juniper dominate the upper elevations. Common animal inhabitants include mule deer, black-tailed jackrabbits, cottontails, western bluebirds, pinyon jays, chukar partridge, whiptail lizards, western fence lizards, gophers and snakes. (READ MORE)
HISTORY OF BERLIN-ICHTHYOSAUR STATE PARK – Established in 1957
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park was first established in 1957 to protect and display North America’s most abundant concentration of the largest-known ichthyosaur fossils. The park also preserves the turn-of-the-20th century mining town of Berlin, as well as the Diana Mine. (READ MORE)
Park Fees
Day use entrance fee: $5.00 per vehicle (Non-NV Vehicles $10.00 per vehicle)
Camping: $15.00 per vehicle, per night (Non-NV Vehicles: $20.00 per vehicle, per night)
Bike in: $2.00 per bike
Miscellaneous: Tours: $5 adults; Kids 12 and under are free
*Cash or check only. The park is not able to accept credit cards.
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