Cosmic Campground – Unique Free Camping Site In New Mexico

New Mexico abounds with amazing places to camp. One of the most unique free campsites that’s we’ve found in New Mexico is the Cosmic Campround International Dark Sky Sanctuary, (CCIDSS), near Alma, NM, in the Gila National Forest. Cosmic Campground is unique in that it’s the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary on National Forest System lands and also in North America. Because of where it’s located, there is little man-made light pollution and the night skies here are some of the darkest in North America.

On our visit in June of 2021, we found the CCIDSS full, and decided to dispersed camp about a mile away, on forest land. If you do choose to dispersed camp near CCIDSS, be sure to follow rules regarding light pollution. We called the Glenwood ranger district, at 575-539-2481 just to be sure our campsite was allowed before setting up. If you’re able to camp at the campground, you’ll find it well-maintained, with pit toilets, pad sites for telescopes and fairly roomy campsites.

Because it tends to get very hot there in the summer, the Glenwood ranger district advises that the best time to visit is spring, fall and winter. During the dark phases of the moon, the star viewing is at its best.

Rules For The Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

No parking on the telescope observation pads.
No campfires on the telescope observation pads.
Use a red filter over your flashlight lens
Try to arrive before dark to minimize light pollution from headlights
Quiet hours are (recommend no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

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Tips For Camping At Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Watch out for red harvester ants, which have a very painful bite. There are lots of ant mounds around the Cosmic Campground, and in the nearby dispersed camping area.
Don’t let your vehicle’s automatic lights cause light pollution. If you can’t keep your dome light, etc., from coming on each time you open a door, place dark tape over them.
Bring lots of water. There’s no source of water nearby. Stock up on food in a larger town, since the local store at Alma has a very limited selection.
Bring shade. It gets hot here, especially in summer. Bring a tarp or sun shelter to set up if spending the day at CCIDSS.
There may be biting gnats. Bring bug repellent.
It’s about 5,500′ elevation and can get quite cool at night. Bring appropriate clothing for cool weather star gazing.
Star parties are often held here, where the public can look through powerful telescopes. Check with the ranger district at 575-539-2481 for more info.
Bring a good pair of binoculars or your own telescope.
Learn how to take a long exposure of the night sky with your camera, as the skies are spectacular at night.
If you bring your dogs camping, as we do, be sure to pick up after them. Watch that they don’t get stung by harvester ants and be careful of their feet, as there are lots of thorny plants and stickers and the ground can be hot in summer months.
Cell service is limited here. Our Verizon hotspot had one bar of signal strength, but we had no service on AT&T.

Directions To Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

CCIDSS is located 8 miles north of Alma, NM off US Highway 180. You’ll see signs for the campground ahead. After turning, cross the cattle guard, and drive about 1.3 miles to the campground. You’ll also see some dispersed camping sites off to the left as you’re driving in.

Just south of the CCIDSS is the turn off to the Mogollon Ghost Town. For more about visiting this unique time-capsule of a town, see our post about it here.