Catch the sky on fire this December in the darkest corner of Texas.
Big Bend After Dark is hosting our first annual Geminids Meteor Shower Campout, running three nights from December 11th through 14th, 2026 at Camp After Dark. If you have ever wanted to experience the cosmos without a trace of light pollution, this is your front-row seat.
The Main Event: Geminids 2026
The Geminids are widely celebrated as the most reliable, prolific meteor shower of the year. Radiating from near Castor in the constellation Gemini, this display comes from debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
The shower peaks during the night of December 13th into the early morning hours of December 14th, with maximum activity hitting around 2:00 a.m. local time when the radiant sits highest overhead. Under pristine, pitch-black skies, observers can witness up to 120 bold, multicolored meteors per hour.
2026 brings near-perfect viewing conditions: A slim waxing crescent moon sets early in the evening, leaving the sky ink-black long before midnight. That means zero moonlight interference during the peak hours of late-night and pre-dawn viewing.
What’s Included
Situated in the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve—the largest dark sky reserve on the planet—our campout combines remote wilderness camping with guided astronomical exploration:
Nightly Deep-Sky Telescope Tours: Peer through high-powered optics at distant star clusters, emission nebulae,galaxies, and planetary nebulae.
Laser-Guided Constellation Navigation: Learn how to read the night sky and locate major celestial landmarks on your own.
Astrophotography Workshops: Free lessons for both smartphone and dedicated camera users, covering long exposures, night sky framing, and live deep-space imaging.
Daily Solar Telescope Tours: Observe solar flares, prominences, and active sunspots safely during the day with our specialized Hydrogen-Alpha solar scope.
Prime Daytime Location: Camp just 20 minutes from the entrance to Big Bend National Park—ideal for hiking the desert trails, exploring Big Bend Ranch State Park, and resting up before the night sky awakens.
Campsite Options & Pricing
To maintain an uncrowded atmosphere and ensure everyone gets quality eyepiece time, capacity is strictly limited.
Group Campsite ($550): Accommodates up to four guests. Only 10 spots available.
Solo Traveler Campsite ($350): Dedicated individual site. Only 5 spots available.
Note: This is primitive-style desert camping far from highway noise and light domes. Guests must bring their own camping gear, tent, food, and plenty of drinking water.
Reserve Your Spot
Spaces fill up quickly for peak meteor showers. Submit your request for tickets today. Clear skies and see you all soon!
