ONE NIGHT ONLY!
The above photo was taken by a member at the 2024 OCLB Perseid Meteor Campout by Richard Norman.
Perseid Meteor Shower
Joshua Tree National Park
Sunday August 10
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the best shooting star displays of the year and it's currently active.
The Perseid meteor shower (also known as the Perseids) is active every year from mid-July to late August.
The Perseid meteor shower in 2025 will be active from July 17 to August 24, with the peak expected on the night of August 12-13.
However since a lot of us work, we are choosing
August 10 Sunday
as our campout.
While the peak is known for its high meteor count (up to 100 per hour under ideal conditions), a waning gibbous moon will be present, potentially reducing the visibility of fainter meteors.
The Perseids usually put on a good show and this year may produce 50 to 100 meteors per hour at a dark site.
Usually the peak time will be in the early morning hours - ahem 4 AM give or take a few hours!
Alas, we will have an almost full moon on the 10th which will reduce visibility of shooting stars on this night.
From a dark sky location, you can expect to see an average of about 50-100 meteors per hour during the shower's peak activity, though that rate depends greatly on where you are in the northern or southern hemisphere. Peak rates can also be higher on some occasions due to a resonance with Jupiter. Use timeanddate.com to find ideal times and viewing directions for your location, or check out The American Meteor Society's page to learn more.
The Plan:
This year we will claim the site at noon on Sunday. You can pitch your tent anytime afterwards . Tent assignment posts will be given out 3 days prior to the event. Most (optional) will set up their tents, and then head into town for shopping, site seeing or bar hopping.
Most of us (optional) will arrive in town or after setting up our tent to do some shopping, attend a beer bust or two and meet up for a Group Dinner and then head on out to the Campsite once it cools down/as the sun begins to set. Details to follow as the date comes closer.
The collective goal is to arrive in Joshua Tree in the early evening (before sunset) so to have time to set up tents before dark. Trails are nearby for short hikes if interested. The rest of the evening will be for star gazing in our front row seat, remote and away from any light pollution.
Monday, we will depart in the morning (must exit camp by noon) - exact time TBD by Driver of each vehicle.
A National Park Pass is required per vehicle to enter Joshua Tree National Park otherwise an entry fee has to be paid.
Each vehicle entering Joshua Tree National Park must either possess a National Park Pass or pay the entry fee. This fee is in addition to the Camping Fee for Members charged for the use of the campsite.
Black Rock Campground:
This is a different campsite than 2024's event!
This campground is located in the northwest corner of the park. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring with rest rooms and water nearby. Shopping facilities are only five miles away in the town of Yucca Valley.
There are flush toilets!
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Pets are not allowed on trails but are welcome in the campground, on any dirt road or within 100 feet of any road. Pets must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times. Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object.
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Don’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near the park and burning it on-site, and do not use park vegetation, living or dead, for fuel.
Spotty Cell Service
Due to this being a One Night Only (shades of Dreamgirls); roughing it for 12+ hours won't be much of a challenge. We will survive!
Since this is a quickie, really don't need much except tents, chair (folding lounge chairs are ideal), light snacks and a large ice chest for some cool drinks. Bring WATER!
Suggestions are welcome.
We highly recommend car pooling due to the limitation of vehicle parking spots. It is cheaper as a group (price per person) to carpool vice a solo driver.
Registration Fee for Solo Drivers: $30.
Registration Fee for Driver with Passengers: $20
----Passengers with a driver must register separately.
Registration Fee for Passengers of Driver: $15
There are no embellishments for this one-nighter; in an earnest effort to avoid heat and discomfort, there are no plans for a cook out.
Unfortunately no refunds if cancelled by member.
All photos with meteors are from previous Perseid Meteor showers at Joshua Tree National Park.
For more information about the Perseid Meteor showers review this link:
Photos from pevious GO OCLB Perseid Meteor Shower!
Welcome to the Campout Joe and Rob.
Party time before star gazing!
Dinner before heading to the Camp for a night of star watching!
Juan setting up his tent @ the Campground.
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Claudia and pup all snuggled in!
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Lining up for morning hike, led by Scott!
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Allen settling in for the night time sky.
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Claudia, Lance, Joe and Steffen entering Joshua Tree.
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GO members at Tool Shed Beer Bust prior to heading to Lulus for dinner, then off to the Campground.
Thank you for participating in the Great Outdoors club!
POC: Lance Whitmier
Email: [email protected]
