Star Parties
Looking for star party maps and information? Click on a link below.
Latitude: 34° 09' N Longitude: 116° 59' W Altitude: 4,000' approx. |
|
Directions:
|
Clear Sky Clock:  |
| Notes: This site is nearby in the San Bernardino mountains. It is approximately 4,000 feet above sea level. There are no facilities at the Helipad site but facilities are located at the site's entrance. Remember to dress warmly, as the mountain nights can be quite cold. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks for yourself. This site requires a Forest Adventure Pass or you can chance it. | |
Latitude: 37° 20' N Longitude: 118° 11' W Altitude: 8,600' approx. |
|
| Directions: Printable Map | Clear Sky Clock:  |
| Notes: This site is approximately 8,600 feet above sea level. The oxygen level is less than good 'ol San Bernardino valley. You may need to reduce your activities due to the thin air. There is no running water at Grandview but there are camp toilets. Plan appropriately. Remember to dress warmly, as the mountain nights can be quite cold. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks for yourself. Bring appropriate sleeping gear and supplies for staying over a couple nights. During the day, you can visit the ancient Bristlecone forest which is up the road from Grandview. There are two nature trails that you can take. One is approximately 1miles and the other, more challenging one, is 4 miles and takes you to the Methuselah tree. Remember, that you are at 10,000 feet! Additional information about the White Mountains. | |
Latitude: 34° 27' N Longitude: 116° 58' W Altitude: NA |
|
| Directions: Printable Map | Clear Sky Clock:  |
| Notes: This site is approximately 43 miles from the Bear Valley Road exit off of I-15. It is a remote desert location with no facilities nor running water. Plan appropriately. The directions on the map are excellent. Remember to dress warmly, as the desert nights can be cold, especially in winter. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks for yourself. Bring appropriate sleeping gear and supplies if you plan to sleep overnight. | |
Latitude: 34° 54' N Longitude: 117° 01' W Altitude: NA |
|
| Directions: Printable Map | Clear Sky Clock: NA |
| Notes: This site is located 8 miles north of Barstow. This is a campground the the fee for camping is $6 per night. The campground has facilities and running water but it is advised to bring your own water. Plan appropriately. Remember to dress warmly, as the desert nights can be cold, especially in winter. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks for yourself. Bring appropriate sleeping gear and supplies if you plan to sleep overnight. More information can be found at the Rainbow Basin website. | |
Latitude: 34° 16' N Longitude: 117° 21' W Altitude: 3,430' approx. |
|
Directions:
|
Clear Sky Clock:  |
| Notes: For those of you visiting Lake Silverwood for the first time, please note that there are no facilities of any kind at the site - plan appropriately. Remember to dress warmly, as the desert nights can be quite cool. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks for yourself. Bring sleeping gear if you plan to stay all night or feel you may be too tired to drive home safely. This site is located on CalTrans property. No Forest Adventure Pass is needed. | |
Afton Canyon Campground |
|
|---|---|
| Latitude: 35°
2.59' N Longitude: -116° 23.05' W Altitude: 1414' |
|
| Directions: Total Distance:
117 mi – about 1 hour 54 mins. Starting from the San Bernardino County Museum: 1. Head west on I-10 W - 3.4 mi 2. Take the exit onto I-215 N toward San Bernardino/BARSTOW - 14.8 mi 3. Merge onto I-15 N - 57.9 mi to I15/I40 split in Barstow 4. Head east on I-15 N toward Exit 184B - 37.2 mi 5. Take exit 221 for Afton Rd 6. Turn right at Afton Canyon Way - 3.5 mi Look for sign to the SBVAA setup site. |
Clear Sky Clock:
NA |
| Notes: For those
of you visiting Afton Canyon for the first time, please note that
this is a DRY SITE. Bring your own water as the nearest available
water is back in Barstow! Campsites are primitive; facilities are
limited to vault toilets. Remember to dress warmly. - plan
appropriately as the desert nights can be quite cool. Be sure to
bring plenty of drinks and snacks for yourself. Bring sleeping gear
if you plan to stay all night or feel you may be too tired to drive
home safely. Campground fee is $6/night. |
|
As with all star parties, please observe standard star party etiquette. Some tips: try to arrive and setup before dark; use no white light - use red filtered flashlights wherever possible - minimize white light from auto door and dome lights; if you arrive late or plan to leave early, take care to approach and park so your headlights or backup lights do not shine on other participants; if you leave early or must use white light, first give warning so observers or astrophotographers can compensate; please ask before handling other participant's telescope equipment. Most importantly, be prepared to relax and enjoy good company under the night sky.