Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

The above rate is for an out-of-state vehicle.
Once one has negotiated the last 7 or so miles to get here, campers are in for a real treat. Truly a very remote park and campground. Coming in from Gabbs, there is a mountain pass to negotiate, then a rough paved road for a stretch and then a total of about 5 miles on dirt to get all the way to the campground. Coming in you will drive through the Berlin ghost town. The highlight of the park -- aside from the campground -- is the fossil house. I would highly recommend taking the tour -- although they charge an additional $5 per adult for the tour. Would have thought that was included in the camping fee.
There are 14 campsites and three of them are pull thrus. I would not recommend coming here with anything larger than 25 feet (and even that might be a little hairy). The road up to the camp is one lane -- I don't think passing vehicles would have an enjoyable time dealing with that! The road in the camp ground and each site is gravel. The sites vary pretty wildly on the level front. I chose site #9 (I think its the best site in the park for a spring or fall visit) which is in the very back and top of the camp. Here I was able to have a fairly reliable Verizon signal. My site also offered a wide open look at the sun all day long for solar (though I don't think I'd want this site in the summer). Sites offer a mix of sun and shade and a good sized picnic table with a wooden ramada and a fire pit. There are numerous water spigots and pit toilets available. On the way in (or out) there is a dump station.
This is a wonderfully remote, quiet and peaceful place to just be for a day or two or a week or two.

Wonderful camping experience, with enough archaeological and historical exhibits to engage everyone in the group. Ranger Jeff, short handed during our visit, went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our stay and handled the fossil site tour as well. His knowledge of the Ichthyosaur and other fossil deposits for the tour was extensive and really engaging. The ghost town and all the artifacts laying around in an "arrested state of decay", fascinating. I highly recommend this remote gem if you're camping your way through central Nevada. Fuel is available in Gabbs during the day from the 1 gas station, although you may have to call ahead or walk into the bar next door for service.

Quiet, peaceful campground. The remote location, tight lanes, and relatively small sites keep away, for the most part, the behemoths and the weekend warriors. Only three sites (13, 12, 9) had clear views north for Starlink and south for solar. A few water spigots, but you’ll block the lane while you fill up. Nice hike from the campground to the fossil house, and nice elevation loss/gain when hiking out of the campground toward the ghost town.

But the seven-mile dirt road in and out is the second-worst I’ve traveled in the Nevada State Park system (the worst being Walker River). this is absolutely not a campground you can easily drive in an out of for supplies, excursions, etc. Plan to come in once and out once. And in particular, don’t make the mistake I did, if you are leaving toward (or coming in from) the north or north east: do not, I repeat, do not, take the road through Ione/Austin, 21/305. Took twice as long as Google Maps suggested because of the extremely poor condition of the washboarded, at times rutted, dirt road.

$15 for NV residents, $20 out of staters.
First let me say it is my opinion this campground is made for tents, vans and maybe small iPod trailers. While the one lane dirt road up is in good condition, there are no pull outs if someone is coming down while you’re going up. Once you enter the campground the road narrows even further. The Juniper Trees and scrub are so close that you’re bound to scratch your rig. My husband has years of driving and maneuvered our rig perfectly but we still rubbed a bit with our 40’ 5er. While some sites would fit us the narrow road and trees prevented us from backing in. Only one site would have worked but it was taken. We only tried coming up here because I saw a pic of a 5er here and the ranger who has been here many years said he’s seen many large rigs here over the years. All this aside, the campground, park and tour were wonderful! We were told we could go to a dirt overflow lot if we wanted but it wasn’t very big and access was quirky. We took the rangers advice and boondocked in a small, flat rock quarry about a mile outside the park. Ranger Jeff even checked on us later to see if we found it and if we needed anything. Super nice guy. This review ONLY reflects OUR rig. This would be a great campground if your trailer is small. NO CELL.

We really enjoyed our stay here, in early April. There are only 16 sites down a well maintained dirt road and only 3-4 sites were occupied while we were there. The water was not yet turned on so it was dry camping. The park ranger is very nice and he drove through the campground several times a day so it felt very safe. We heard from another camper that he has been at this location for 20 years, since he was young. He opened the Fossil House up after someone asked about it. Some sites weren't very level but they are workable. There is a trail from the CG to the Fossil House, with nice views. We also hiked the Richmond Canyon loop, marked as moderate to strenuous, with narrow up and downs but quite enjoyable. The Berlin historical town is very interesting. Do plan your gas tank as it is very remote to get to. We fueled up at Fallon on the way in and then on the way out, at Hawthorne. Cell service is very spotty, to none.

*Note: This park is closing late April for construction and will be closed all summer.

This is our first visit to this State Park and it was a great place to visit. The sites were fairly level all though some would be a challenge. There are well maintained vault toilets as well. It is off the beaten path and the last 2 miles are a bit of a washboard. The abandoned gold mining operation as well as the fossil exhibit is well maintained and fascinating to see. We would revisit the site to take some of the many hikes available. There is NO AT&T cell service.

A little off the main road with some rutted dirt roads to get to park and 2.2miles further to get to fossil house or campgrounds. Campground is up on a ridge with great views. Covered picnic tables and fire rings. No connections by water faucets throughout (available in warm weather), restrooms and a central dump between the campground and main park. 7,000 feet elevation with some tree coverage. One of the prettier Nevada State Parks we have been to. Would highly recommend a visit and donation to the box to keep it open. Absolutely no cel service or Wi-Fi.

This is the second time I've stayed at this campground and I love it. The state park is very interesting. Ghost town has nice posted signs explaining the buildings. The fossil site is fascinating and you can see the fossil through the viewing window even if you are there on a day when it is closed. Campsites are spotless, vault toilets are clean. Water available. Both times I've stayed there have only been a couple of other campsites full. You really feel like you are away from it all. Night sky is brilliant. Drove alongside a herd of running antelope on the way in from the valley. Dirt road to get to the campground but you can do it with a 2wd car. Enjoy.

Small Campground beautifully laid out. Very quiet. All rather rustic. Wood shelters over picnic tables. Fire rings and grills. Water and Rest rooms not far from sites. Dirt roads and sites set in pine forest with mountains all around. The sites are levelish. Some pull through. We fit our 33' pusher with toad in one but care is advised.
The road there becomes a well maintained dirt road before you get there. The first part is a mining ghost town with a lot of buildings. Well documented and fascinating to tour. The campground is a couple of miles further in.
The Ichtheosaur skeletons are also further back and are sheltered.
There are mine tours and guided fossil tours but not right now.