Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Gabbs, NV
A remote state park that protects both a quarry of ichthyosaur fossils and the ghost town of Berlin. Take the guided fossil house visit and walk the old mining camp; the road in is long, so fill the tank beforehand.
Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park in central Nevada lies at an elevation of roughly 6,840 to 7,880 feet (2,100 to 2,400 m). It protects the most abundant concentration, and the largest known remains, of ichthyosaurs, marine reptiles that lived in a warm ocean about 225 million years ago. The fossils are protected from the weather in the Fossil House.
The mining settlement of Berlin was built in the 1890s and survives as a ghost town; its buildings and cemetery can be reached on self-guided trails. Fossil House tours are usually offered from April to November, daily in summer (as of October 2026). There is a campground and a nature trail between the campground and the Fossil House. Because of the long drive, plan on half a day to a full day and fill up your tank beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Gabbs, NV
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.8750, -117.6070
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in September and November. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Berlin Ichthyosaur CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park · 14 pitches
- Columbine CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
- Peavine Creek CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
- San Juan CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
All campsites in Nevada · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park?
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is in Gabbs, NV, at GPS 38.8750, -117.6070. It is about 52 mi from Austin.
Can you camp near Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Berlin Ichthyosaur Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tonopah Historic Mining Park (59 mi), International Car Forest of the Last Church (83 mi), Bodie State Historic Park (89 mi) and Mono Lake Tufa (100 mi).
When is the best time to visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)