ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Perseid Meteor Shower!
Peak Night!
Joshua Tree National Park
The above photo was taken by member Richard Norman at the 2024 OCLB Perseid Meteor Campout.
Wednesday August 12
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.
This is a weekday!
While the peak is known for its high meteor count (up to 100 per hour under ideal conditions), and with a new moon,
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 - about 4 AM give or take a few hours!
We will have a new moon so this will be a spectacular year!
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 Wednesday. 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 (just before sunset) so to have time to set up tents (for those who haven't set up their 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.
Thursday morning, we will depart in the morning (must exit camp by noon) - exact time TBD by Driver of each vehicle.
Breakfast is optional on Thursday morning as our usual AMAZING! breakfast dive!
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 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! Most people, myself included won't set up a tent but will either bring a cot or folding lawn chair to sleep out in the open.
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.
Due to the limited amount of space, PLEASE carpool!
Solo Drivers Registration Fee: $45.
Driver with Passengers Registration Fee: $25
Passengers with a driver must register separately.
Passengers of a Driver Registration Fee: $25
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. Bring the snacks for midnight munchies!
Unfortunately no refunds if cancelled by member.
Don't sign up unless you are sure you will be in attendance!
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 Lulu's for dinner, then off to the Campground.
Thank you for participating in the Great Outdoors club!
POC: Lance Whitmier
Questions?
Email: [email protected]
