Cosmic

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations or fees. Standard Gila National Forest 14-day stay limit per 30-day period applies.

About

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary designated on National Forest System lands and in North America, and one of only 14 certified IDA Sanctuaries worldwide. Located in the remote Gila National Forest between the Gila Wilderness and the Blue Range Primitive Area, this 3.5-acre site offers exceptional natural darkness, with the nearest significant artificial light source more than 40 miles away across the Arizona state line. This primitive free campground provides minimal but purposeful amenities designed to preserve the night sky experience: an information kiosk, vault toilet, and four concrete telescope observation pads. The site offers a complete 360-degree unobstructed view of the heavens and regularly hosts star parties organized by Friends of the Cosmic Campground. To maintain optimal stargazing conditions, visitors are expected to follow dark sky protocols including using red-filtered flashlights, avoiding white light from phones or headlights, refraining from campfires or parking on observation pads, and observing quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. when generators are prohibited. The campground is accessed via a 1.3-mile gravel road off Highway 180, located 8 miles north of Alma and 12 miles north of Glenwood. While currently offering minimal shade, future improvements may include a shade pavilion and enhanced campsite amenities as funding becomes available. Standard Gila National Forest camping limits apply: 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period.

Directions

Located 8 miles north of Alma, NM off Highway 180 between mileposts 37 and 38. Look for brown Forest Service signs and turn at the sign opposite the entrance. Cross the cattle guard and drive 1.3 miles on gravel road to reach the campground.

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