Camping › New Mexico › Stargazing
Dark-sky camping in New Mexico
471 camps in New Mexico under the darkest skies (class 1–2 on our 9-step scale, from NASA night-lights).
Best areas for stargazing
- Around Angel Fire195 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
- Around Dixon40 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
- Around Gila Hot Springs40 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
- Around San Cristobal39 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
- Around Cañon20 camps for stargazing within 25 miles
Questions
How many campgrounds in New Mexico are good for stargazing?
471 camps under the darkest skies (class 1–2 on our 9-step scale, from NASA night-lights); 81 of them are free.
When is the best time to go?
The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 80°F and lows near 51°F.
What else can you do there?
Of these camps, 11% also offer hiking, 9% also offer fishing, 7% also offer horseback riding.
Every camp, with a 3D fly-over, weather, cell signal and the drive.
Open stargazing in New MexicoThis week's picks
A different handful each week.
- El Porvenir CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
Beautifully situated in a mixed conifer forest next to Beaver Creek near the base of Hermit's Peak.
View camp → - Cimarron CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · No cell signal
Cimarron Campground is located in the scenic Valle Vidal within Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, at an elevation of 9,300 feet. The sites are tucked among spruce, aspen and…
View camp → - Bighorn CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · 4,813 ft · Cell signal
Convenient campground within walking distance to the town of Glenwood.
View camp → - Iron Gate CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · No cell signal
Important Note: The campground is OPEN to the public but visitors may encounter a closed gate on Forest Road 223 before the campground. This gate is for livestock management. Please feel…
View camp → - Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky SanctuaryFederal campground · Free · 5,364 ft · Cell signal
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…
View camp → - Three Rivers CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
This rustic style campground has 12 sites set at the base of southern New Mexico's tallest mountain. A portion of the site is designed for Group Camping. Three Rivers is a great place to go…
View camp → - Borrego Mesa CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
The Borrego Mesa Campground is located close to several trailheads leading into the north half of the Pecos Wilderness. Amenities include picnic tables, firepits, and small corrals at each…
View camp → - E.V. Long CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · No cell signal
Situated next to Gallinas Creek among big Ponderosa Pines and mixed conifers, E.V. Long Campground provides a rustic-type camping experience.
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Free camps for stargazing
- Cuchilla CampgroundDispersed / primitive · Free · No cell signal
Cuchilla Campground. USDA Forest Service Photo.
View camp → - Trout Lakes CampgroundDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal
Trout Lakes contains 12 primitive campsites and access roads within the campground. Sites are best suited for tent camping and small campers/camp trailers. Three lakes provide fishing…
View camp → - James Canyon CampgroundFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
James Canyon Campground offer 5 sites along US 82 just west of Mayhill, NM. The lower elevation of 6,800' means this small site is usable longer than most Sacramento Mountain area…
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