Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Explore a real-life ghost town from the 1890s at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in central Nevada. The discovery of gold in the region in 1896 spurred the development of the town of Berlin. The Berlin Mine produced gold steadily until about 1911, when the mine shut down and residents abandoned the townsite. Today, you can take a self-guided tour of the old town. The state park also protects a large concentration of fossils of the ancient ichthyosaur, an extinct marine reptile that swam in the ocean that once covered this part of Nevada 225 million years ago. See these fossils on a Fossil House tour. Given the park's location far from civilization, it's important to come prepared when visiting. Make sure your vehicle has a full gas tank and properly inflated tires, and pack lots of water and food.
Spring 28-64 F
Summer 36-78 F
Fall 15-49 F
Winter 14-42 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
The park's campground has 14 camping spots, some of which can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet. These sites are open all year, but note that there are no hookups and that drinking water is only available from around the middle of April through October. Other amenities include covered picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, a dump station, and restrooms.
What to Do at
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Sign up for a tour of the Fossil House to see some of the ichthyosaur fossil specimens. Rangers lead tours twice per day, every day, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as on weekends only throughout the rest of the year. Part of the 6,800-mile American Discovery Trail goes through the park, and there's also a short nature trail that connects the campground with the Fossil House. When you arrive, pick up a Berlin townsite map and take the self-guided Townsite Tour to learn more about the ghost town and its mining history. This park also offers special group programs.
Stargazing
Since the park is literally in the middle of nowhere, it has some of the clearest skies around for stargazing. Its Bortle scale class is 1, which means it's an excellent dark sky site for viewing things like Messier objects and the zodiacal band.
Flora and Fauna
Due to this state park's high elevation, the ecosystem here features sagebrush as well as Utah junipers and pinon pines. Other plants include prickly pear, milkvetch, and monkeyflower. Animals that live in and around the area include cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, whiptail lizards, mule deer, and rattlesnakes. Birds you could see include the Western bluebird and chukar partridge.
Hiking
A portion of the American Discovery Trail runs through the state park via the South Twin Campground to Ione segment. Pick up a map at the park, or check the ADT website for more information on this section of the trail. You can walk the 0.4-mile nature trail from the Fossil House to the campground, and the old Berlin site has a 0.9-mile path that winds through the ruins. The Richmond Canyon Trail loops for 2 miles just past the campground area.
How to Get to
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
The closest town of any size to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is Tonopah, NV. It is a good place to get gas, groceries, and other supplies before entering the park. From Oddie Avenue and Main Street in Tonopah, head north on Main Street, which is also US-95/US-6, and drive for 4.5 miles. At the intersection with Pole Line Road, turn right and continue for 31.3 miles. When you get to Cloverdale Ranch Road, turn right and drive for 5.4 miles. Make a left onto Golden Wash Rd/NF-427 and go for 4.7 miles. You'll then reach a fork in the road and continue straight onto Golden Wash Rd for another 8.2 miles. Drive for 1.6 more miles on Golden Wash Rd and then merge with Ione Road, which you'll stay on for 11.5 miles. Make a right onto Berlin Road, and continue for 2 miles to the park's entrance.
Entering Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
The park stays open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There's always the possibility of heavy snowfall in the winter, so check both weather and road conditions before visiting the park in the colder months.
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park Entry Fee (Nevada residents) : $5.0
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park Entry Fee (non-residents) : $10.0
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park Entry Fee (cyclists - per bike) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
The park's average elevation of 7,000 feet means it stays cool for most of the year, with nighttime temperatures dropping well below freezing in the fall and winter. Visit the park in the summer for the warmest temperatures.
While visiting the park, you could see critters, including Western fence lizards, gophers, mule deer, and rabbits. Birders can look forward to spotting a variety of raptors and songbirds.
The park offers 14 spots, some of which can fit RVs no longer than 25 feet in length. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.
Camping sites are first-come, first-served, and reservations are not needed. For Nevada vehicles, the cost is $15 per night, and for non-Nevada cars, it's $20 per night.
Yes, you can bring your pet to this park and bring them on the hiking trails. However, they must be on a leash, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your furry companions.