Quick facts (what to know at a glance)
Event: Beaver Supermoon – the year’s closest/brightest full moon.
When: Wednesday, Nov 5, 2025 (full phase at 7:19 a.m. CST; appears full on Nov 4–5 nights).
Chicago moonrise: ~4:28 p.m. CST on Nov 5 (golden-hour plus moon-on-horizon = dreamy photos).
Why it looks extra big/bright: It’s a full moon near perigee (+brightness, slight size boost); the “moon illusion” at the horizon amplifies the effect.
Wednesday, Nov 5, the Beaver Supermoon rises – here’s your plan for photo-ready, safe November supermoon camping.
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Table of Contents
The Game Plan: A Simple Supermoon Campout Itinerary
Twilight setup (before sunset). Arrive early, scout a foreground (pines, lake, ridgeline, tents), and set your tripod where the moon will rise.
Golden hour → moonrise. Shoot camp scenes in warm light, then capture first-look shots as the moon clears the horizon (that’s when it appears largest to our eyes).
Blue hour walk. Take a short, well-marked loop for moonlit landscape frames; keep headlamps on low/red to preserve night vision.
Hot drinks & stargaze. After moonrise, switch to cozy mode: cocoa, tea, or cider, then try silhouette portraits with lantern backlight.
Sunrise bonus (optional). If clouds spoil the evening, try the pre-dawn look. Still near-full and beautifully bright.
How to Photograph the Beaver Supermoon
Phone basics
Use a tripod + phone clamp; set a 2-3s timer or remote shutter to avoid shake.
Tap to focus on the moon, drag down to lower exposure (prevents a blown-out white blob).
Zoom with your feet: include trees, tents, or people so the moon has scale (and to work with the moon illusion).
Camera settings (starter)
For a crisp moon: try 1/125–1/250s, f/8–f/11, ISO 100–400, manual focus at infinity.
For camp scenes under moonlight: slow shutter (e.g., 5–15s) on tripod; keep subjects still or add a lantern for gentle fill.
Framing ideas
Reflection shots over water.
Tents-as-foreground (lantern inside for a warm glow).
Trail silhouettes during early moonrise.
Best Places to Watch
For the best November supermoon views, aim for wide-open horizons like lakeshores, prairies, beaches, or desert flats. This way the moon clears the skyline without trees or buildings in the way. High vantage points like ridgelines, dunes, or even urban park hills add drama as the moon lifts.
If you want stars after your moon shots, choose a dark-sky campground away from city glow. Midwest readers (Chicago area): be set up by about 4:15 p.m. CST on Nov 5 so you’re ready for the ~4:28 p.m. CST moonrise.
What to Pack
Headlamp with red mode – preserve night vision on trails and at camp.
Camp lantern – soft campsite light for hands-free cooking and portraits.
Tripod + phone mount – sharper photos, time-lapses, and self-portraits.
Extra battery pack, warm layers, thermos, trail spikes (if icy), and a printed map.
Planning a night hike or photo session? Pack a reliable headlamp, tripod/phone mount, and camp lantern –then hop over to my full Camping Lights Guide for picks.
Safety & Leave No Trace at Night
Choose short, familiar trails; mark key junctions and share your plan.
Use low/red light to avoid blinding others; dim lanterns to protect night vibes.
Watch footing near waterlines/ledges; keep wildlife distance; pack out everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nov 5 really a supermoon?
Yes… 2025 has a trio (Oct 7, Nov 5, Dec 4), and November’s is among the closest of the year.
What’s the best time to watch?
Moonrise on Nov 5 (and the evening before/after) for dramatic horizon size and color; the moment of full phase is 7:19 a.m. CST.
Will it really look bigger?
Slightly; brightness is the bigger win. The near-horizon moon illusion makes it seem larger so use foregrounds to enhance it.
