Need Help - Joshua Tree

[RobUrban]

Hey Everyone, looking for casual stargazing in Joshua Tree.  I WAS planning to go April 25th weekend Airbnb there, but more friends can most likely go April 18th.  I’m a noob in knowing the impact of the moon, but do understand that more moon = less stars.  Would 18% waning moon diminish the experience vs a near new moon on the April 25th weekend.  I keep seeing photos online on Joshua tree, hoping to get something close to that, pending good weather. Note we are casual, maybe simple telescope/binoculars at the most, probably just more open eyes gazing, looking for the Milky Way.  Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Whistlin Bob]

Rob an 18% moon world have a small effect, but more importantly does not rise until 4 in the morning. I suspect you'll be fine on your preferred date.

[Ships and Stars]

Check out mooncalc.org, very helpful for planning this sort of thing, I use it frequently.