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New Mexico · Federal campground

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

7 mi north of Alma, NM · Verizon 4G · T-Mobile 5G

Federal campgroundtype
Freeto camp
5,364 ftelevation
Apr–May & Sep–Octbest months

About Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one of only 14 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies, light pollution, or the [International Dark Sky Association](https://www.darksky.org/). The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky for exceptional stargazing opportunities. This site is situated where there nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away, and across the state line in Arizona. Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. If you look at white light from either your flashlight or your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders…

  • Season: Year round
  • Managed by: USFS - Gila National Forest
  • Where: 7 mi north of Alma, NM · 33.47995, -108.92288

Things to do:

Stargazing

Official page for this camp (fees, closures, booking)

Weather by month

57°
23°Jan
60°
26°Feb
67°
30°Mar
74°
35°Apr
82°
42°May
91°
51°Jun
91°
58°Jul
89°
57°Aug
85°
50°Sep
76°
39°Oct
64°
28°Nov
56°
22°Dec

Typical daily highs and lows (°F), 1991–2020 NOAA normals. Best months: Apr–May & Sep–Oct (comfortable days, mild nights, little rain). Nights below freezing: Nov–Mar.

See Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary from above

Fly over it in 3D, check today's weather and fire news, plan the drive and print a trip plan.

Fly over in 3D Directions

Trails near camp

TrailOpen toFrom campLength
Cosmic Camp GroundATV roadat camp0.9 mi
Spurgeon MesaATV roadat camp0.9 mi

Straight-line distance from camp, from Forest Service, BLM, state and OpenStreetMap trail data.

Good to know

Cell signal

Verizon 4G · T-Mobile 5G

From the carriers' FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous.
Night sky: Pristine

The Milky Way casts shadows and the sky is crowded with stars.

Class 1 of 9, from NASA/NOAA night-light data.
RV essentials

Propane: 11.6 mi

Nearest of each within 25 miles, straight-line.

Camps nearby