When you want to capture an incredible view of the night sky in the Land of Enchantment, there are many wide-open spaces you can visit. However, there is one year-round campground that is considered one of the best places to capture magical and enchanting night views — Cosmic Campground in New Mexico. Located just north of Alma, New Mexico, and located off of U.S. Highway 180, this year-round campground in New Mexico is not only where you can go to enjoy a little fresh air, but it is also one of the first international dark sky sanctuaries in North America.
Cosmic Campground may not seem like much upon arrival. This is a primitive campground with a few amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and toilets.
Bobby Meisenbech/Google
Tent and trailer camping is allowed at Cosmic Campground and there is no fee to stay. It is entirely a first-come, first-serve basis so depending on the time of year you choose to visit, you may want to arrive pretty early in the day.
Jennifer Meyer/Google
Consider bringing your own shade on your camping adventure. This year-round campground in New Mexico has very little shade and can get quite hot during the warmer months of the year.
Jennifer Meyer/Google
While spending your time in the outdoors is wonderful and relaxing, what really sets this campground in New Mexico apart is its certification as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
John Rummel/Google Cosmic Campground is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands in North America and is one of only 14 in the entire world.
This means that when you visit this campground, you will have picture-perfect views of the night sky. The lack of trees provides unobstructed views of the sky and the nearest artificial light is more than 40 miles away in Arizona.
United States Forest Service Official Website
In Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary in New Mexico, you will find four telescope and observation pads. These are the ideal locations to sit and capture some of the most breathtaking night sky images.
Shayne Martin/Google
The spring, fall, and winter seasons are the best times to visit Cosmic Campground, as well as during the dark phase of the moon each month. You definitely will not want to miss the 360-degree views. It’s remarkable.
United States Forest Service Official Website
To learn more about Cosmic Campground in New Mexico, click here. You can also learn more about international dark sky areas by visiting the International Dark-Sky Association.
Bobby Meisenbech/Google
Jennifer Meyer/Google
John Rummel/Google
Cosmic Campground is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands in North America and is one of only 14 in the entire world.
United States Forest Service Official Website
Shayne Martin/Google
Have you ever visited this dark sky campground in New Mexico? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. If you have any pictures of the night sky during your stay, we’d love to see those as well!
New Mexico is home to some pretty incredible sights. In fact, did you know that White Sands National Park was named as one of the best places to view sunsets in the entire country? Check out our article to learn more!
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Address: Cosmic Campground, 33.4792463100206, -108.92268895185092, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Natural Beauty Of New Mexico November 04, 2022 William Suphan What are the most beautiful natural wonders in New Mexico? New Mexico has some truly otherworldly landscapes to admire. Shiprock, the namesake of the nearby town, is an utterly gorgeous rock structure that juts out from the surrounding landscape. The Navajo refer to it as Winged Rock, and it stands 7,000 feet tall, visible from 50 miles away. Carlsbad Caverns is an expansive cave system consisting of 119 different caves. Carved from sulphuric acid, this massive set of caves is stunning to look at and fun to explore. The alien-looking rock formations in the Bisti Wilderness are an intriguing and fascinating part of the overall De-Na-Zin Wilderness near Four Corners. You might think you’ve been transported to a sci-fi movie or a video game. What are the most scenic hiking trails in New Mexico? New Mexico is absolutely filled with beautiful places to enjoy a nice hike. The Cave Creek Trail in the Pecos Wilderness is filled with small caves that are each mysterious and beautiful. The creek itself is soothing and lovely as well. If you want some breathtaking views, the Dripping Springs Trail near Las Cruces will hit the spot. As you walk the trail you’ll see vast vistas of intricate rock formations and little waterfalls. Paliza Canyon near Jemez Springs is riddled with hoodoos, which are strangely shaped rock spires that some refer to as goblins. What are the most scenic drives in New Mexico? There is so much beauty to explore in New Mexico and it’s always lovely to take a day trip along the state’s various scenic drives to take it all in. The El Camino Real National Scenic Byway has a lot of historical sites along the way and a landscape that will make you wish you were in the passenger’s seat so you could really soak in the views. You’ll probably make many photo stops along the way. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is especially gorgeous during the fall, where vast swaths of multicolored trees are a feast for the eyes, especially with how they’re interspersed with evergreens, making a complex palette of colors. It passes through some of the most picturesque towns as well, such as Taos, Questa, and Eagle Nest.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Natural Beauty Of New Mexico
November 04, 2022
William Suphan
What are the most beautiful natural wonders in New Mexico? New Mexico has some truly otherworldly landscapes to admire. Shiprock, the namesake of the nearby town, is an utterly gorgeous rock structure that juts out from the surrounding landscape. The Navajo refer to it as Winged Rock, and it stands 7,000 feet tall, visible from 50 miles away. Carlsbad Caverns is an expansive cave system consisting of 119 different caves. Carved from sulphuric acid, this massive set of caves is stunning to look at and fun to explore. The alien-looking rock formations in the Bisti Wilderness are an intriguing and fascinating part of the overall De-Na-Zin Wilderness near Four Corners. You might think you’ve been transported to a sci-fi movie or a video game. What are the most scenic hiking trails in New Mexico? New Mexico is absolutely filled with beautiful places to enjoy a nice hike. The Cave Creek Trail in the Pecos Wilderness is filled with small caves that are each mysterious and beautiful. The creek itself is soothing and lovely as well. If you want some breathtaking views, the Dripping Springs Trail near Las Cruces will hit the spot. As you walk the trail you’ll see vast vistas of intricate rock formations and little waterfalls. Paliza Canyon near Jemez Springs is riddled with hoodoos, which are strangely shaped rock spires that some refer to as goblins. What are the most scenic drives in New Mexico? There is so much beauty to explore in New Mexico and it’s always lovely to take a day trip along the state’s various scenic drives to take it all in. The El Camino Real National Scenic Byway has a lot of historical sites along the way and a landscape that will make you wish you were in the passenger’s seat so you could really soak in the views. You’ll probably make many photo stops along the way. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is especially gorgeous during the fall, where vast swaths of multicolored trees are a feast for the eyes, especially with how they’re interspersed with evergreens, making a complex palette of colors. It passes through some of the most picturesque towns as well, such as Taos, Questa, and Eagle Nest.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
New Mexico has some truly otherworldly landscapes to admire. Shiprock, the namesake of the nearby town, is an utterly gorgeous rock structure that juts out from the surrounding landscape. The Navajo refer to it as Winged Rock, and it stands 7,000 feet tall, visible from 50 miles away. Carlsbad Caverns is an expansive cave system consisting of 119 different caves. Carved from sulphuric acid, this massive set of caves is stunning to look at and fun to explore. The alien-looking rock formations in the Bisti Wilderness are an intriguing and fascinating part of the overall De-Na-Zin Wilderness near Four Corners. You might think you’ve been transported to a sci-fi movie or a video game.
What are the most scenic hiking trails in New Mexico?
New Mexico is absolutely filled with beautiful places to enjoy a nice hike. The Cave Creek Trail in the Pecos Wilderness is filled with small caves that are each mysterious and beautiful. The creek itself is soothing and lovely as well. If you want some breathtaking views, the Dripping Springs Trail near Las Cruces will hit the spot. As you walk the trail you’ll see vast vistas of intricate rock formations and little waterfalls. Paliza Canyon near Jemez Springs is riddled with hoodoos, which are strangely shaped rock spires that some refer to as goblins.
What are the most scenic drives in New Mexico?
There is so much beauty to explore in New Mexico and it’s always lovely to take a day trip along the state’s various scenic drives to take it all in. The El Camino Real National Scenic Byway has a lot of historical sites along the way and a landscape that will make you wish you were in the passenger’s seat so you could really soak in the views. You’ll probably make many photo stops along the way. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is especially gorgeous during the fall, where vast swaths of multicolored trees are a feast for the eyes, especially with how they’re interspersed with evergreens, making a complex palette of colors. It passes through some of the most picturesque towns as well, such as Taos, Questa, and Eagle Nest.
