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Cosmic Campground is one of many sites on the Gila NF where night sky photography is at it's best. Late May - late October are the best times to see the Milky Way and get some premium photos.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one of only 10 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies or the International Dark Sky Association -http://www.darksky.org/. The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, and often hosts “star parties” in cooperation with the partner group “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.” This site is situated where there nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away, and across the state line in Arizona. . Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. If you look at white light from either your flashlight or your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes. In order to respect your fellow star gazers the Forest Service recommends: No parking on the observation/telescope pads No camp fires on observation pads Use a red filter over your flashlight lens Try to arrive before dark so that your headlights won’t distort your night vision Quiet times (no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CCIDSS is a primitive campground with minimal site amenities including an information kiosk, a pit toilet, and four concrete telescope/observation pads. Currently, there is very minimal shade available however, future planning developments intend to erect a shade pavilion as well as improve individual campsite amenities as funding comes available.
The campground is located 8 miles north of Alma, NM off US Highway 180. There is a brown Forest Service sign opposite the entrance; and there are two other signs along US Highway 180 indicated the campground is ahead. Turn, cross the cattle guard, and drive about 1.3 miles. Cosmic CG Locator Map
Parking:
Please do not park on the telescope pads.
No reservations are necessary. First come, first served. All Gila NF camping is subject to the 14-day stay limit.
My friend and I decided to drive up here and it was worth every minute! The views along the way were breathtaking. This campground has one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve experienced in my life. It had to be since it’s one the top 10 darkest places in the world! They have done such a great job keeping up with this sanctuary. The bathrooms are very clean and jt felt very safe in the area.
I suggest to go hiking up a place called catwalk about 20ish min away. Nice hike and beautiful waterfall.
BEAUTIFUL, STUNNING NIGHT SKY!!
You suffer with very little shade until the sun goes down.
Set your alarm--get up between 1 & 3am. You will be treated to a celestial sky.
Hubby and I were like 2 kids, jumping around our campsite in our pajamas----star gazing.
There's not much around to keep you busy during the day.
(visit Mogollon or Cat Walk for another equally exciting time)
Well worth the stop, can't wait to do it again
Campground has 6--back in RV spots. Tent sites.
Bathrooms are available (pit toilets)
NO POTABLE WATER AVAILABLE!
Great free campground! Very neat and well maintained and the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen. Surprisingly, we were all alone for the two nights we spent here in early February. I did do some star photography though unfortunately the nights were a bit cloudy when we visited. Beautiful 360 degree views though! While you're in the area, don't miss the catwalk, too.
Spent two nights here right at the edge of the official "Cosmic Campground" simply because the restrooms are nearby. But if you have a decently high clearance and don't mind being jostled around a bit if you don't drive slowly, you can get to other campsites marked by fire pits. As the name suggests, it's super dark. If you don't have a red headlamp, save a picture of a bright red color, use it as your lock screen, and turn the brightness up. It'll save your night vision.
Cosmic Campground was waaay cooler than what I expected. I watched a lot of YouTube videos before we came and none of them did justice to the actual experience of being there. We stayed right outside the actual campground since it was pretty busy Memorial Day weekend. Although the moon was really bright, we were lucky enough to see the Starlink two nights in a row and it was AMAZING. I liked how the campground is ringed by mountains and it gives the sky this cool dome effect, feels like you’re at a planetarium. We also took a day trip to the Catwalk and that was totally worth it, as well!
