Free Camping Collection
Established Camping
Cosmic Campground
About
National Forest
Gila National Forest
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.
Reservation Info
No reservations are necessary. First come, first served. All Gila NF camping is subject to the 14-day stay limit.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Heaven on earth!
We came out here to enjoy NM for the weekend so we stopped here to enjoy the views and the night sky, I’m amazed how few people are out here! If you have this place on your bucket list of places to stop, do it! It’s beautiful.
Great Overnight Stay
We stopped for a quick, one night stay after a day trip to the Gila Catwalk with intentions to return. Very clean and quiet campground with amenities in great condition. We were not prepared for how little shade is available so it was quite warm once the storm passed. Next time we will be sure to plan for that.
Amazing Star Viewing & Camping
Loved camping here! There are about 6 spots when you drive in and around the bathrooms. If you go farther in there are many more sites away from the crowd. It was quiet and peaceful camping spot. All the sites were clean. No camp fires available.
The night sky is amazing. We woke up at 3am for the best Milky Way view.
There are cows that graze the land. They were very vocal.
We didn’t want to stay near the bathrooms. Recommend a camping toilet and traveljanes from Amazon for woman.
Location
Cosmic Campground is located in New Mexico
Directions
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.
Coordinates
33.47961562143566 N
108.92252171645414 W