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…
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…
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…
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