Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.
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 . 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 of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes. In order to respect your fellow star gazers the Forest Service recommends: • No parking on the observation/telescope pads • No camp fires on observation pads • Use a red filter over your flashlight lens • Try to arrive before dark so that your headlights won’t distort your night vision • Quiet times (no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CCIDSS is a primitive campground with minimal site amenities including an information kiosk, a pit toilet, and four concrete telescope/observation pads. Currently, there is very minimal shade available however, future planning developments intend to erect a shade pavilion as well as improve individual campsite amenities as funding comes available.
Before you go
Season
Year round
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Fees
No fee for this campground
Hours
Courtesy suggestions include arriving and setting up camp prior to dusk and discourages the use of bright lights/campfires when other visitors are enjoying the night sky.
Restrictions
No parking on the telescope observation pads. • No campfires on the telescope observation pads. • Use a red filter over your flashlight lens • Try to arrive before dark to minimize light pollution from headlights • Quiet hours are (recommend no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.