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. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies or the International Dark Sky Association - http://www.darksky.org/. The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, and often hosts star parties in cooperation with the partner group Friends of the Cosmic Campground. This site is situated where there is little light pollution and low development. Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. In order to preserve the quality of night sky viewing for fellow star gazers visitors are asked to respect several ground rules including: No parking on the observation pads No camp fires on observation pads No white flashlights recommend using a red filter over the lens Try to arrive before dark, that way your headlights won't distort your night vision We recommend 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. The closest community is Alma, NM about eight miles south of the campground. There is a combination convenience store, gas station and Alma Café there. Silver City, NM is approximately 1.50 hours (60 miles) south of the campground, where there are three grocery stores, multiple gas stations and other amenities. Restrictions: No parking on the telescope observation pads. No campfires on the telescope observation pads. No white flashflights -- recommend using a red filter Try to arrive before dark Recommend no generator use between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.