The Black Rock Desert boasts some of the darkest skies in the nation and is the perfect backdrop for shooting stars. Join us on the playa and enjoy dark skies and dispersed camping for the best views of the Perseids anywhere.
Camping will take place along the coast of the playa off the 12-mile entrance. Meteor Cove GPS: 40°51’00.5″N 119°12’08.9″W
Other Campout Activities
Enjoy a Playa Ride
Join three guided bike rides throughout the campout. On Saturday, we’ll start at 12 Mile Access and follow the west shore of the Playa to Friends of Black Rocks’ main camp. That night we’ll go blacklight scorpion hunting and star gazing. On Sunday morning, enjoy a sunrise Playa tour before packing up and departing. Thanks to our Board Member Kurstin Graham for organizing!
Sign up for the bike ride here.
Hot Springs Tour and Clean Up
Visit Black Rock Hot Springs, Double Hot Springs, and Trego Hot Springs while learning about these unique ecosystems and the history that they hold. We’ll also care for the land and its many inhabitants by picking up trash, doing habitat restoration, rewilding trespassed areas, removing burn scars, fixing trail markers, and more.
Join the tour and clean up here.
Paella Dinner
To treat our loyal supporters, members, and volunteers we’re serving a delicious paella dinner at the campout. Without your help, we wouldn’t be able to make events like these happen. Cheers to you!
Become a member here today!
Schedule of Events
Friday, August 11
FBRHR will set up our camp and kitchen, anyone is welcome to camp with us.
Evening Scorpion Presentation and Talk
Saturday, August 12
7:00 am Coffee + Continental
11:00 am Bike ride starting at 12-mile playa entrance
6:00 pm Jeopardy games, Telescope Raffle
7:00 pm Paella Dinner
9:00 pm Night Sky Viewing Zone and Hot Chocolate Station
Sunday, August 13
8:00 am Coffee + Continental
9:00 am Hot Spring Tour and Conservation Project
How to Best View the Perseids Meteor Shower
Get away from the glow of city lights and journey to the Black Rock Desert, the perfect canvas by which to view our stellar solar system. Perseids meteors will appear to “rain” into the atmosphere from the constellation Perseus, which rises in the northeast around 11 p.m. in mid-August.
Once you’ve settled into your observation spot, lie back or position yourself so the horizon appears at the edge of your peripheral vision, with the stars and sky filling your field of view. Meteors will instantly grab your attention as they streak by at speeds upward of 130,000 miles per hour!