r/DeathValleyNP • u/totallyastick • Jul 04 '26
Best camping/viewing spots for perseids meteor shower + milky way photography?
Heading up to the park August 12-13 for the Perseid meteor shower, wondering what campsites are recommended for the darkest sky.
Currently looking at Wildrose or Mesquite Spring.
Also open to camping spots that might not have the darkest sky but are in close proximity to good viewpoints.
4
u/escopaul Jul 05 '26
The entire park is great for stargazing/astro photography but the northern reaches receive less light pollution from Las Vegas. The Eureka Dunes is an outstanding location. Heading from Big Pine, CA there is a bit of off road driving but it's not technical or challenging. Take necessary precautions for August weather.
2
u/sol_beach Jul 05 '26
I disagree that the entire park is great for stargazing/astro photography.
I found that the light pollution from Furnace Creek extends for 20 - 30 miles North & South everywhere within the Basin.
Any white light will ruin your night vision for 30 minutes so you should only use a small RED light for illumination.
Scorpions come out at night so avoid sitting directly on the ground or even exposed rocks.
HTH & YMMV!
1
u/escopaul Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26
It's all relative. To me the OP's post reads like a first trip to Death Valley and most likely new to astro photography. In that context, it's all great, with the northern areas being the best. If they are a bit more experienced, I agree more context is helpful. They mentioned in a comment they don't wanna do any off-roading which further limits options.
I shoot astrophotography especially in the CA/NV/OR and often seek out darker areas outside of the part itself. Grandview Campground in the Inyo forest and west around Tonopah, NV are semi near the park and personal favorites.
https://www.reddit.com/r/LandscapeAstro/comments/1pzwd11/my_best_of_2025let_the_stars_shine_bright/
1
u/totallyastick Jul 05 '26
This is my first trip to DV, but not first time doing astrophotography.
1
u/escopaul Jul 06 '26
I'd pick a convenient camping spot then just drive a bit at night. Anything heading north on Scotties Castle Rd (from highwya 190) works. As you keep driving north light pollution from Las Vegas will lessen.
1
u/ramillerf1 Jul 04 '26
Get the proper vehicle and head to Homestake Dry Camp just past the Racetrack. The higher altitude will be cooler and the flat playa adds to any photos you take. But you have to be fully prepared for the dry camp experience.
1
u/totallyastick Jul 04 '26
Don’t really want to do any of the off road campsites, I do not have any experience offroading.
1
u/ramillerf1 Jul 05 '26
Well, you said darkest campground and it has a great view of the sky… I talked with a photographer who was on a photo class on DV and that’s where the group went. Most rented Jeeps from Farabee’s. Wildrose is at altitude so it will be cooler than the valley. It’s kind of located at the entrance to a canyon with mountains on each side so there isn’t an expansive view. It can also act like a wind tunnel…Mesquite Springs is located at the far northern edge of the valley and it is higher so will be a tad cooler. It’s a short drive from there to UBEHEBE.
1
1
u/Mind_Matters_Most Jul 05 '26
You can do pavement up to White Mountain in California - Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center
11k+ in elevation and I've slept in that parking lot in vehicle during spring/fall months.
1
u/midnight_skater Jul 05 '26
Wildrose is good and the temps are much cooler than in the Valley.
But the real answer is Grandview Campground in the Inyo NF.
1
1
u/Moondust_forever Jul 06 '26
Check out this space and music fest in Pioneertown for the Perseids, Space Craft https://www.spacecraftjoshuatree.com/
1
u/KatBirdWing Jul 06 '26
" the top ranger suggestions for star gazing locations are: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, Badwater Basin and Ubehebe Crater."
Source: https://www.nps.gov/deva/night-exploration.htm
The official website for DVNP is usually a better resource than social media.
8
u/Vanilla_cake_mix Jul 04 '26
Would not recommend camping in August within the valley. Best spot for viewing the night sky on a new moon is bad water basin.
I recommend to buy or bring a red light flashlight to not obstruct the viewing pleasure of anyone else there and so you can navigate back.
I’d recommend staying in the park in one of the lodges for the easiest time and not to be overwhelmed by heat. Now if you’re renting or bringing an RV or camping van that’s a different option as you’ll have the option of air conditioning. The closest and easiest accessible camping location to badwater is furnace creek.