Specialized services and repairs for playa life
QUICK REFERENCE
VEHICLE WON'T START: Towing services (A2) first, then repair camps if mechanical RV PUMPING EMERGENCY: Flag down USS trucks or visit Fire & Services Help Desk CRITICAL EQUIPMENT FAILURE: Many repair camps operate 24/7, check directory below FUEL: Pre-registration required for on-playa service, most people must go off-playa REPAIRS: Gift economy - no guaranteed timelines or parts availability RV SERVICES: Cash only, trucks patrol zones so timing varies
Most Common Questions:
"Where can I get gas for my car/RV?" → Bruno's Shell in Gerlach (11 miles) - on-playa fuel is ONLY for pre-registered camps/art
"My RV tanks are full, what do I do?" → Flag down USS trucks with amber lights and "RV ONLY" signs, 9am-9pm, $80-100 cash
"Where can I get my bike repaired?" → See repair camps below or online Directory
"Can someone fix my broken [item]?" → Check repair camps by specialty - electronics, welding, textiles, etc.
REMEMBER: participants can be very agitated when it comes to these services. Do not hesitate to escalate to a Shift Lead if needed
See detailed sources below
Also see:
A2: Getting Help Fast (for emergency vehicle services, lockouts)
B2: Transportation Options (for bike repair services map and table
C1: Basic Needs (for fuel basics, charging services overview)
E1: Vehicle Policies (for DMV requirements, vehicle registration)
E2: Safety & Environmental (for fuel safety, environmental compliance)
Service escalation paths:
Simple problems → C3 (repair camps, basic services)
Emergency problems → A2 (immediate assistance, safety issues)
Policy questions → E1 (vehicle rules) or E2 (safety requirements)
Complex technical issues → C3 (specialized repair camps) + manufacturer guidance
Bike Repair Camps
Finding Bike Repair
Current Options: See list below and check whiteboard near Playa Info Oracle desk for most up to date information Directory Search: Use "Bike Repair" keywords in Digital Services General Availability: Multiple camps offer repair throughout the week
Bike Repair Camps
The list below is organized in order of the radial streets, running counterclockwise, and matches the map found later in this section. Hopefully this will allow participants to locate a bike repair location closest to their camp and/or broken bike.
What Bike Repair Camps Offer
Typical Services:
Flat tire repair and tube replacement
Chain maintenance and lubrication
Brake adjustments
Basic mechanical issues
What to Bring:
Your broken bike
Any spare parts you have
Water to share
Patience and good attitude
Basic tools if you have them
Repair Camp Etiquette
Remember that these are volunteer services (be grateful!) that are not (always) staffed by professional mechanics (manage expectations!)
May need to wait or help with repair
Bring your own parts when possible
Emergency Bike Repairs
24-Hour Options: Some camps offer round-the-clock service Self-Service Stations: Basic tools available at some locations Common Issues: Flat tires, chain problems, brake adjustments
Repair Camps by Specialty (other than Bikes)
The following lists of camps are not exhaustive—and may contain inaccurate information. Please refer participants to the Directory to confirm services and offering times and to find additional camps. Also note that the whiteboard may contain updated information.
Mutant Vehicle & Auto Repair
Art Car Camp (5:30 & D) - MV specialists, art car modifications
WrongoWrongo (5:15 & D) - "Somewhat friendly" neighborhood repair
Electronics & Solar
Alternative Energy Zone (4:00 & E) - Solar troubleshooting, panel repair
Blinky Things Hospital (B & 8:15) - Tools, voltmeters, and engineering talent for troubleshooting
Fix Yr Burn (G & 4:45) – Offers bike repair, electrical issues, portable generators, sewing repairs, and general problem solving
Nose Fish (5:30 & C) - Personal lighting repair tutoring
Playa Circuit Boogie (G & 4:45) – Electronics repair
Playa Glass (C & 7:45) - Bike and electronic repairs
Robotronia (3:00 & B Plaza @ 12:45) - Electronics repair stations
Clothing Repair
Famous in Japan, Barbie Death Village (8:00 & F) - Costume repair
Fix Yr Burn (G & 4:45) – Offers bike repair, electrical issues, portable generators, sewing repairs, and general problem solving
Hang-Out, the: Ellison & 6:15 - Boot/leather repair
Joie de Vivre (F & 4:45) - Costume offering and repair at Swan Shoppe
Nose Fish (5:30 & C) - Fix ripped costumes at sewing service
Tacoma is for [GHOST] Lovers: 2:30 & Dick - Shoe repair with 24/7 drop off
General Repair
Fix Yr Burn (G & 4:45) – Offers bike repair, electrical issues, portable generators, sewing repairs, and general problem solving
Pretentious Fox (7:45 & F) - Tool hour
Ray's Fix It (C & 5:45) - "No promises, other than you'll leave with something"
Welding Services:
Arrow Dynamic (4:00 & B) - Welding service
Black Rock City Welding & Repair (4:00 & E) - Welding, repair, adjustment, and general tinkering
Chop Shop (9:30 & E) - Bicycle parts and welding
Contraptionists (8:00 & F) - Welding, electrical, broken trinkets repair
Repair Camp Etiquette
Remember that these are volunteer services (be grateful!) that are not (always) staffed by professional mechanics (manage expectations!)
May need to wait or help with repair
Bring your own parts when possible
Fuel Services
On-Playa Fuel Delivery
PETROL Department
Location: Fire & Services (past outer road at 5:30)
Eligibility: Registered Art Projects, Mutant Vehicles, Theme Camps ONLY
Pre-Registration Required: Must set up account before arriving on playa
Services: Gasoline and diesel delivery to camps and vehicles
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Payment: Cash only, exact change appreciated
Delivery Requirements: Vehicle accessible location, someone present to receive delivery
Hell Station (Self-Service)
Location: Approximately 9:30 & halfway to fence
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm (office until 5pm)
Fuel: Tuesday, August 19 - Sunday, August 31
Propane: Wednesday, August 20 - Sunday, August 31
Services: Gasoline, clear diesel, dyed diesel, propane
Eligibility: Registered Art Projects, Mutant Vehicles, Theme Camps only
Access Requirement: Must have proper driving sticker/decal from DMV
Important Fuel Program Limitations
NOT Available For: Personal vehicles, RVs (unless pre-registered), unregistered participants
Account Activation: Contact PETROL Department when you and your generator are on site
Delivery Scheduling: Theme camp generator deliveries after final Sunday must be scheduled in advance
Important Fuel Policies
No fuel sales to individuals under 18
Fuel containers must meet safety standards (no cracked or improvised containers)
Maximum delivery quantities may apply during high-demand periods
Deliveries prioritized by emergency need and accessibility
Off-Playa Fuel Options
Nearest Gas Stations:
Bruno's Shell (Gerlach): 12 miles south on 447, limited hours
Love's Travel Stop (Fernley): 75 miles south, full services 24/7
Nixon Gas: 45 miles southeast, variable hours
Fuel Emergency Protocol:
Contact PETROL Dept first for on-playa delivery options
If delivery not available, coordinate off-playa fuel run with camp
Never leave vehicles unattended while seeking fuel
Carry extra fuel containers only if properly secured and legal
RV Services
Pumping Services (Grey & Black water)
United Site Services (USS) - Authorized Vendor
Service Hours: 9am-9pm daily
Identification: Amber flashing lights, "RV ONLY" signs
Service Area: Trucks patrol designated zones throughout city
Payment: Cash on site at time of service, receipts available; a 10% surcharge is applied to credit card payments made in their Playa office (~6:30, past K; 8:00am - 1:00 pm and 2:00-6:00 pm, starting on August 18, 2025
Pricing (2025 Rates):
RV with 2 valves: $85.00 (voucher); $95.00 (cash)
RV with 3 valves: $105.00 (voucher); $115.00 (cash)
RV with 4 valves: $150.00 (voucher); $160.00 (cash)
How to Request Service:
Flag down trucks as they patrol your area during operating hours, look for RV label on trucks
Emergency service: Visit Help Desk at Fire & Services (past outer road at 6:30)
Provide to driver: Name, camp location, vehicle description, license plate, exact vehicle location
Important note: you must flag down USS yourself; this service is NOT managed through Playa Info
Service Requirements:
Someone must be present at vehicle to guide driver and pay
Vehicle must be accessible (pump hoses reach maximum 25')
Clear path for service truck to reach RV
Cash payment required at time of service
Fresh Water Services
MECO Water: Primary fresh water delivery service; advance arrangement recommended, though offers flag-down service
United Site Services (USS): pre-arranged only; up to 75 gallons per RV with 20 RV minimum
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Fuel Services
Fuel questions often mask transportation emergencies - ask if they're stranded
PETROL deliveries can take several hours during peak times
Participants sometimes confuse fuel delivery with propane services (separate systems)
Direct people to towing services if vehicle won't start for other reasons
RV Service:
Remind participants that RV service is NOT managed through Playa Info
People often confuse USS pumping service with repair services
Emphasize cash-only requirement for pumping services
Explain that USS drivers patrol zones - timing can't be guaranteed
Remind participants to leave access space for service trucks
Direct repair questions to actual RV repair camps, not USS
For Complex Repair Needs:
Contact your Shift Lead to radio for specialist advice
Some repairs may require off-playa professional service
Emergency equipment failure may require evacuation assistance
For RV Service Issues:
If USS can't access vehicle, Help Desk at Fire & Services may coordinate alternatives
RV emergencies during off-hours should go through Rangers (A1)
Serious RV mechanical failures may require towing services (A2)
For Fuel Emergencies:
PETROL Dept coordinates with emergency services for critical needs
Off-playa fuel runs should be coordinated with Rangers if leaving someone stranded
Never attempt DIY fuel system repairs - refer to professionals
Escalation Guidelines:
Equipment failures affecting camp safety → Rangers
Disputes over repair services → Rangers
Medical equipment repair needs → Medical (A1)
Vehicle safety concerns → DMV or Rangers depending on situation