Cosmic Campground

How cool to just happen upon the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary Campground! We saw it as we were driving back and doubled back. We were so glad we did!

It is small and it fills up fast. We rolled in at 1:30 pm and got the last RV site (I think there were 6) on the Wednesday we arrived. The tent camping eventually filled up the first night we were there (11/11/2020). The sites are close enough to hear your neighbor cough but everyone was respectful and kept the lights, etc., to a minimum.

We tilted our lawn chairs back and took in the cosmos on an exceptionally clear night. We could see Mars very clearly using only binoculars. We also could see Saturns’ rings and Jupiter was very bright. We were using the SkyView app and could even see satellites cruising by in the cosmos. We were on the verge of the start of the Leonides so we saw a few meteors streaking across the night sky. We were also fortunate in our timing as the moon didn’t rise until 4 am so that further aided our night sky viewing.

As far as facilities go, there are telescope pads if you have a telescope. There are also pit toilets. There are no trash cans so come prepared to pack in/pack out.

There are literally hundreds of boondocking opportunities in the area so if you don’t get to camp here, never fear. There are many more options in the area. And there really are no lights around for miles.

Was coming down from Petrified Forest NP on Oct 22, 2020. Stayed here for 3 nights. Get there between 12 and 2 because by 4-5 the 6 RV pad will likely be full. But coming down the gravel road to the fenced and cattle guarded camping area there are a number of places ideal for dispersed camping which is not too much different from CG other than fact the dispersed is more dusty. Also, there is a cattle guard going out the back side and there are dispersed camping locations down the gravel/dusty road (but don’t take big RV bus, just tents and small trailers). There is some website that the “sky-watchers” use to see about organized events. Most on weekends. You won’t get a site then. I liked the area for the back country hiking. Did about 7 miles, round trip one day and 5miles the next. Did see reasonably fresh bear tracks, so take bear spray or carry firearm.

While it's true there are 6 graveled campsites suitable for travel Trailers or tents (sites 1 - 6), there are also another 4 campsites that are tents only, with dedicated parking. Tent sites are not numbered, however all have gravel paths to each site (about 30 feet from parking to each site). Each site includes concrete picnic table, and fire ring. Pit toilets. No Water, No trash service, pack it in, pack it out. Campground is well maintained, clean, and peaceful. Cell service update: Verizon is 3 bars, data no problem, T-Mobile is 3 bars, data no problem. Forest service drives through campground at least once a day. There are dispersed campsites suitable for tents or various lenghts of travel trailers all around, however advise getting out and walking the area prior.

We have a 39' fifth wheel and had no trouble finding a spot. It seems like they have added more back-in spots than what it shows on the satellite image. The main campground is a loop so you just circle around and back in, it's super easy.

We stayed in late February and there were an average of 3-4 other campers while we were here, but the sites are spaced far enough apart that you don't feel crowded. Especially when you look up!

At night the sky is covered in stars from horizon to horizon. If you have never been far away from a city it's hard to believe until you're out here looking around.

Bring supplies, there isn't much around except for a small town about 20 minutes away.

There are fire rings made of rocks at most spots and a pair of vault toilets. I didn't see any trash so the people who stay have taken responsibility and the place seems really clean and well cared for.

We had amazing Verizon service but no AT&T at all (we lost it shortly before entering Gila National Park so it's not just this location, there is no AT&T around here as of February 2020).

It's very quiet and peaceful here and a very unique place!

This was a one night stay for us, I mainly wanted to check it out since I was passing through the area. We walked some of the trails which were typical of a national forest that I've seen. There were a few other camping locations outside the designated campground but nothing which would be easy access for anything except a 4x4. The main campground has what appears to be newly installed cattle guards but the area is not fenced yet so cows strolled freely through the campground which was actually very amusing for my dog. I did meet someone from the state that was there checking on things and saw two vehicles with a NM state seal on the side so this place does get checked up on. The pads for telescopic gear appear to be well built and located in a place where campers won't interfere with the view of the sky. If telescopic night photos is you thing this place should be on your bucket list. Make sure to be prepared to pack in and out everything. There are two vault toilets but no water, electric or trash, still I would stay here again. It was extremely peaceful at night.

This is a campground for people who want to enjoy the night sky. The campground is an official International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Please visit their website and follow the rules for etiquette while camping here. Dirt road access to campground that was a bit rutted, but we just went slow. There are about 6 sites there and they are planning to add more in the future. There is no water, no hook-ups, no trash cans (Pack in and pack out), but they do have pit toilets. They have concrete pads that are built for telescopes and camera equipment in the viewing area. Also, make sure you have a red light flashlight.

We stumbled upon Cosmic Campground, while we were headed to Gila Cliff Dwellings. We were able to meet some of the founders of the park (An Astronomy Professor and his wife) and they showed us a galaxy, a star cluster, a binary star and a ring nebula in their telescope. We were able to practice some night sky photography while we were there too! This was an amazing find and we hope everyone will help to keep this campground clean, quiet, and enjoy the Dark Sky! cosmiccampground.org