Overview
Berlin is a ghost town and state park in Nye County, Nevada. The town was established in 1897 after the opening of the Berlin mine in 1896. The town never experienced a boom like other mining towns of the age and was largely abandoned by 1911. The site was acquired by the State of Nevada as part of Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in 1970.
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Tonopah)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MMH Mammoth Yosemite Airport, Mammoth Lakes — 110 mi away. Directions
- BIH Eastern Sierra Regional Airport, Bishop — 112 mi away. Directions
- RNO Reno Tahoe International Airport, Reno — 124 mi away (major hub). Directions
From Las Vegas, take the US-95N towards Reno. Take the NV-361 N in Luning. Turn east just outside of Gabbs onto the NV-844 E. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is 20 miles from the 361-844 junction. Unpaved road last several miles. Entrance fee is $5.00.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Bring your own food
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
Berlin is completely abandoned except for a ranger station where no more than 3 state park rangers will be on site. The structures are in a state of "arrested decay" with little to nothing changed since its abandonment. This is the allure: being able to view 19th century mining structures untouched for 100 years. The terrain is hard country: 1-3% humidity and over 100ºF (38ºC) in the summers with little vegetation or shade. There are no amenities or health facilities in the immediate area. The mining town of Gabbs, Nevada is 20 miles away which offers the nearest market for supplies.
Get in
By car
From Las Vegas, take the US-95N towards Reno. Take the NV-361 N in Luning. Turn east just outside of Gabbs onto the NV-844 E. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is 20 miles from the 361-844 junction. Unpaved road last several miles. Entrance fee is $5.00.
Do
- Berlin Townsite Tour: a self-guided tour.
- Fossil House Tour: 40-minute tour of the Ichthyosaur fossils available Memorial Day through Labor Day daily at 10AM and 2PM. with a third noon tour added on weekends. Take a picture with the large Ichthyosaur mural outside.
- Diana Mine Tour: available May 1 through September 30 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11AM and 1PM. Reservations required, must be 6 or older to attend.
- Hiking: A nature trail connects the campground to the Fossil House. Trails and signs tell the story of Berlin.
Buy
Small gift shop in the Fossil House.
Eat
Bring your own food
Sleep
Camping is available with 14 units. Some suitable for RVs up to 25 feet, with fire rings, BBQ grills, covered tables, drinking water and (April - October) restrooms. Camping is limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.
Stay safe
There is a risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Expect extremely low humidity and temperatures above 105°F (40°C) June to September. Bring sunscreen and wear loose, light-colored clothing that substantially reflects sunlight. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water.
Nearby
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