Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

4.44

217 reviews

Hwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8 Glenwood, NM 88309

Stargazing

Featured in:Primitive Camping New Mexico Best Campgrounds New Mexico Pet-Friendly Campgrounds New Mexico

Quick Facts

5,364 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,364 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at this site is free; however, permits are required for commercial or organized uses.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(575) 539-2481

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 217 reviews

188 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwell-maintained

"User reviews overwhelmingly highlight the campground's stunning night skies and its designation as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Many reviewers praised the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the peaceful, remote atmosphere. However, the lack of amenities such as potable water, shade, and trash disposal were common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Hwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8 Glenwood, NM 88309

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Hwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8 Glenwood, NM 88309

Driving directionsThe campground is located 8 miles north of Alma, NM off US Highway 180, between mileposts 37 and 38. There is a brown Forest Service sign opposite the entrance; and there are two other signs along US Highway 180 indicating the campground is ahead. Turn, cross the cattle guard, and drive about 1.3 miles.

Accessible by gravel road. The road is described as smooth and well-maintained, suitable for any size rig, but some reviews mention it being bumpy and poorly kept in parts. Vehicles with higher clearance are recommended for dispersed camping areas beyond the main campground.

Nearby places

Alma, NM: 8 miles

Nearby supplies

Glenwood, NM, located approximately 8 miles south of the campground, offers limited supplies. Visitors are advised to bring all essentials, including food and water, as there are no nearby grocery stores or fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The high desert climate here dances between extremes, creating a dynamic backdrop for your celestial adventures. Summer days blaze with intensity across the exposed landscape, where shade becomes a precious commodity, before giving way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for exploration. Winter brings its own stark beauty, occasionally dusting the desert floor with snow and offering crystal-clear viewing conditions for those brave enough to bundle up. For the optimal stargazing experience, plan your visit between late May and late October, when warm evenings and stable atmospheric conditions create ideal circumstances for witnessing the cosmos in all its splendor.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Hot, exposed days in summer but stargazing nights remain excellent.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors; within peak stargazing window (late May–Oct).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Mild weather often ideal, though reviewers warn spring can be very windy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; cold nights and possible wind but skies can be clear for stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May to late October are considered the best times for stargazing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Imagine a place where the night sky reveals itself in all its ancient glory, untouched by the glow of civilization. Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary stands as North America's first certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary and one of only 14 such pristine locations worldwide. Here, the cosmos unfolds above you in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, where countless stars, distant galaxies, and the luminous band of the Milky Way create nature's greatest light show. Whether you're an avid astronomer, a passionate photographer, or simply someone who yearns to reconnect with the universe, this remarkable sanctuary offers an unparalleled window to the heavens.

Cosmic Campground offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. There are official sites for both tents and RVs, as well as dispersed camping opportunities along the access road.

Historical SignificanceThis sanctuary represents more than just a camping destination—it's a beacon of hope in humanity's fight against light pollution. As a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Cosmic Campground serves as both a scientific treasure and a cultural landmark, preserving one of Earth's most endangered resources: a truly dark night sky. Here, astronomers conduct critical research, photographers capture the universe's majesty, and visitors from around the globe gather to experience a connection to the cosmos that our ancestors took for granted. This designation places the campground among an elite group of locations worldwide committed to protecting our view of the universe for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here dances between extremes, creating a dynamic backdrop for your celestial adventures. Summer days blaze with intensity across the exposed landscape, where shade becomes a precious commodity, before giving way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for exploration. Winter brings its own stark beauty, occasionally dusting the desert floor with snow and offering crystal-clear viewing conditions for those brave enough to bundle up. For the optimal stargazing experience, plan your visit between late May and late October, when warm evenings and stable atmospheric conditions create ideal circumstances for witnessing the cosmos in all its splendor.

ElevationPerched at 5,364 feet above sea level, this remarkable outpost occupies a sweet spot in the high desert where thin, dry air becomes your window to infinity. At this elevation, you've climbed above much of Earth's atmospheric interference, where water vapor and dust typically blur celestial objects. The result is extraordinary clarity that transforms stargazing from a simple activity into a profound experience, allowing you to see deeper into space with the naked eye than most people ever imagine possible.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape here speaks in whispers of space and silence. Sparse desert vegetation dots the terrain, creating an almost otherworldly environment that seems designed by nature specifically for sky watching. By day, the minimalist beauty of the high desert stretches in every direction, but the true magic begins at twilight. As darkness falls, the surrounding ring of mountains transforms the campground into a natural amphitheater, cradling visitors in what many describe as nature's own planetarium. This unique topography not only blocks distant light pollution but creates an intimate cosmic viewing chamber where the universe feels close enough to touch.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Gila National Forest, Cosmic Campground occupies a unique position in one of the Southwest's most pristine wilderness areas. This high desert sanctuary benefits from its remote location, where the nearest significant light sources lie far beyond the horizon. The Gila's rugged terrain and sparse population have preserved this pocket of darkness, creating optimal conditions that attract astronomers and night sky enthusiasts from across the globe. Here, the ancient geology of the desert meets the infinite expanse of space, offering visitors a profound connection to both Earth's history and the cosmos beyond.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is recommended before dark to preserve night vision.

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit applies.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to two vehicles per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground has 6 RV sites and 6 tent sites. Dispersed camping is available outside the main campground.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. Dispersed camping is available if sites are full.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable as sites are first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include relatively flat campsites and a vault toilet. However, some areas outside the campground require high-clearance vehicles.

Site SizeCampers describe the sites as accommodating both tents and RVs. There are six back-in RV spots and six tent sites.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; some dispersed camping sites offer more seclusion, but some official campsites are close together.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites farther back in the campground provide more privacy according to user reviews. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The primary activity at Cosmic Campground is stargazing, as it is a certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Additional activities include hiking in nearby areas such as the Catwalk Recreation Trail, wildlife observation, and photography.

HikingHiking opportunities are available offsite, with the Catwalk Recreation Trail being a popular choice. The trail features waterfalls and scenic views.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as raptors and other birds can be observed in the area. Coyotes and cattle are also present.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors should be cautious of biting ants and flies, especially during warmer months. Reviews also mention cattle grazing near the campground and occasional high winds.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are prohibited on telescope observation pads. Fire pits are available at campsites, but fire bans may be in effect during certain times.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesGlenwood Ranger District, 18 Ranger Station Rd., Glenwood, NM 88309, Phone: (575) 539-2481. Closest hospital or emergency services are not specified.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available onsite. Campers must pack out all their trash.

Water FeaturesNo water bodies nearby; visitors must bring their own water.

Camp HostNo campground host is specified; ranger visits occur to maintain vault toilets.

Weather at Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Reviews

4.4

217 reviews

Recommended

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews overwhelmingly highlight the campground's stunning night skies and its designation as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Many reviewers praised the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the peaceful, remote atmosphere. However, the lack of amenities such as potable water, shade, and trash disposal were common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 217 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen." - "Stunning night skies, perfect for stargazing." - "Peaceful and remote, excellent for getting away." - "Well-maintained sites, even the dispersed ones." -...

Based on 217 reviews

Common Concerns

- "No potable water, so bring your own." - "Lack of shade during the day." - "Rough, bumpy entrance road." - "No trash disposal facilities available." - "Flies and ant colonies at campsites." - "Some...

Based on 217 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- "Bring plenty of water and pack out all your trash." - "Use red flashlights to preserve night vision and respect others." - "Arrive before dark to set up camp and avoid disrupting others." - "Visit...

Based on 217 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Spring: "Mild weather and clear skies make spring an ideal time to visit." - Summer: "Hot and exposed during the day; stargazing is still excellent at night." - Fall: "Cooler temperatures and fewer...

Based on 217 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Great free campground! Very neat and well maintained." - "This is an amazingly quiet and hidden campground." - "The views of the Milky Way are like one out of a magazine." - "Enjoyed the seclusion...

Based on 217 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Sites near the vault toilet are popular for convenience. - Dispersed sites offer more privacy but may require high-clearance vehicles. - Telescope pads are highly rated for astronomy enthusiasts.

Based on 217 reviews

Accessibility Features

- "Accessible vault toilet and relatively flat campsites." - "Some dispersed campsites are harder to reach without a high-clearance vehicle."

Based on 217 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

- "Pets are allowed but must be leashed." - "Be cautious of ants and other wildlife around pets."

Based on 217 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 13, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in New Mexico

Campgrounds

Gila National Forest

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary