OCLB - Perseid Meteor Shower! One Night Only Campout! Joshua Tree National Park

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Perseid Meteor Shower

Joshua Tree National Park

Sunday August 11

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 2024 Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night between August 11 and August 12. The Perseids usually put on a good show and this year may produce 50 to 100 meteors per hour at a dark site.

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.

There will be a half Moon in the night sky during the peak of the 2024 Perseids, but only during the first half of the night. After it sets, the darker night sky will be more suitable for viewing.

The Plan:  

This year we will claim the site at noon on Sunday.  You can pitch your tent anytime afterwards . Group Site 02 consists of tents only.

Most of us (optional) will arrive in town to do some shopping, attend a beer bust 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.

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 $30 entry fee.  This fee is in addition to the $10 Fee for Members ( Non-members $20) charged for the use of the campsite due upon registration.

Cottonwood Group Campground:

The Cottonwood Campground is reservation only, potable water and flush toilets. The Campground is near the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southeast part of the park. The closest metropolitan area is Indio about 30 miles away.

Joshua Tree National Park will prohibit wood campfires and charcoal grilling in all campgrounds and picnic areas from June 15, 2024, until October 1, 2024. The use of self-contained gas-powered stoves for cooking will be allowed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding of how this measure will help minimize the risk of wildfires in the area.Photo of Ryan Campground from the National Park website:

• 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.

• 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. 

No cell service; no internet.

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.  

Registration Fee:  $10.  

Non-Members Registration Fee:  $20

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:

https://laist.com/news/los-angeles-activities/perseid-meteor-shower-where-see-los-angeles-southern-calfiornia?utm_campaign=20230802%2BLAist%2BTop%2B5%2BB&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc_&utm_content=&utm_term=147850022

Photos from last year's GO OCLB Perseid Meteor Shower!

Juan setting up his tent @ the Campground.

Claudia and pup all snuggled in!

Lining up for morning hike, led by Scott!

Allen settling in for the night time sky.

Claudia, Lance, Joe and Steffen entering Joshua Tree.

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:  President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org