Cosmic Campground

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is located on the Gila National Forest and was selected by the International Dark Sky Association (now DarkSky International)to be the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the northern hemisphere. It received this designation for being in one of the few locations in the lower 48 U.S. States which has a natural dark night sky.

As of 2024, New Mexico DarkSky is taking on the reporting responsibility for the DarkSky Sanctuary status for the Cosmic Campground.

Location: Cosmic Campground is located 8 miles north of Alma, NM off US 180. A brown Forest Service sign opposite the entrance to CCIDSS is located about half way between mp 37-38 marked by the AAH ‘Friends of the Cosmic Campground’ signs. Turn, cross the cattle guard and drive 1.3 m. Arrive at CCIDSS. Coordinates: 33°28’46.71”N 108°55’22.66”W, elevation 5360 feet.

US Forest Service web site for CCIDSS

DarkSky International web site for CCIDSS

Places to Stay, Fuel, Eat, and More

History of the Cosmic Campground

Science at the Cosmic Campground

Photos of the Cosmic Campground

Current Status Includes:

Some of the Darkest Clear Skies on Planet Earth
All weather Parking and Telescope Area
Cell Phone and Internet Service by a Verizon Tower which is line of site to the Cosmic Campground
Dry Camping. No water is available on site
No trash pickup. Pack it in. Pack it out.
New Toilet is Installed

If you are planning to visit

Sign the visitor log near the observing area. This is very important since the US Forest Service views this as a key indicator of campground usage. The more people that sign in the more likely it is that the US Forest Service will add a Pavilion and other necessary improvements.

You are guests of the Gila National Forest. You are responsible for your children and pets.

Not everyone who visits the site is aware of its special designation as a DarkSky Sanctuary. We need to work together and communicate politely to ensure that visitors treat the nighttime environment and dark sky conditions with respect.

Bring:

Binoculars, or a Telescope if you have one
An open mind to visually explore the natural night sky horizon to zenith.
Food and Water [local markets & restaurants are good but limited hours] If you Need it/Bring it
Full tank of Gasoline [local gas stations close early/fill up on way]
Folding chairs, folding table if you want one, etc
Camping Equipment to stay the night
A red flashlight. If you don’t have one, you can make a red written plastic filter for your flashlight and attach it with a rubber band. You should be able to view star maps etc in a dark area with this arrangement. Your night vision will be at its best if you do not look at a white light for at least 30 min. You need to do the same for your cell phone or keep it off to enable your eyes to see faint objects. If you look at white light from your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes.

Please Respect Your Fellow Stargazers:

NO Headlights or white lights after dark.
Night vision is required to enjoy the Natural Night Sky. If you look at white light from your flashlight or cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes.
NO Parking on the Observing Area
NO Camp fires on observing area or other hardened surfaces
NO Generators from 7PM till Noon.
NO White flashlights
NO Drones

Places to Stay, Fuel,Eat, and More

Businesses in the area

Your Input

The US Forest Service and especially the Gila National Forest is very interested and in part acts on the basis public input. Since most people who enjoy the Cosmic Campground do not provide written input your comments will have a heavy weight. What do you like about the Cosmic Campground? What facilities would you like to see added? Please add any other comments you would like make. You can send your responses to:

District Ranger, Glenwood Ranger District
18 Ranger Station Drive
PO Box 8
Glenwood, NM 88039
[p:575 539 2481]