Cosmic Campground

The Cosmic Campground is 12 miles north of Glenwood and 25 miles south of Reserve.

A sign on Hwy 180 points to its access road. It is on Gila National Forest land, easily accessed via a gravel road, one mile off of Hwy 180.

The site has one of the darkest natural night skies on earth. The distant horizon offers an unobstructed 360° view. The low hills surrounding the site help obstruct unnatural light. Data qualifies the site’s natural night sky as ranking with world class observatories. Latitude/Longitude of the observing area: 33.4793, -108.9271.

The elevation is 5318 feet. With its current facilities, it is perfect for star parties, camping, viewing the Milky Way, and enjoying the natural dark night sky. It is an easy and beautiful drive from Phoenix, Santa Fe, El Paso, and places between. June 4, 2016 is the next Star Party and a celebration of the Cosmic Campground’s Designation by the International Dark Sky Association. The Cosmic Campground is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in North America.

Facilities as of November 2015: Gravel road Observing Area 4 pull-through RV spaces 4 telescope pads Vault toilet Line-of-sight Verizon cell tower There is no electricity, water, or trash pick up. Please Pack it In and Pack it Out. Funding is being sought to complete the site. Please visit: http://cosmiccampground.org

Glenwood Ranger District: 575-539-2481 https://youtu.be/mzFkAv4Lahk