About Cook Lake Rec Area
Number of accommodations: 15
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Lake Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Reviews (33)
What Guests Are Saying
Cook Lake Rec Area is a beautiful, quiet campground tucked away in the hills, perfect for families seeking a peaceful getaway. Visitors praised the cleanliness of the sites and bathrooms, as well as the attentiveness of the camp host, who provided helpful information about the area. While remote and lacking nearby supplies, the serene environment and scenic hiking trails make it a highly recommended destination for a relaxing stay.
What Guests Are Saying
Cook Lake Rec Area is a beautiful, quiet campground tucked away in the hills, perfect for families seeking a peaceful getaway. Visitors praised the cleanliness of the sites and bathrooms, as well as the attentiveness of the camp host, who provided helpful information about the area. While remote and lacking nearby supplies, the serene environment and scenic hiking trails make it a highly recommended destination for a relaxing stay.
Review Summary
Valerie M
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: COOK
We love Cook Lake! Its quiet and there are no modern irritations to distract you from nature!
Tiffany H
VerifiedAugust 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: COOK
This location used to be really enjoyable……first days/nights there were screaming…… literally screaming kids and people talking loudly until well past the noise ordinance. No camp host.. and the ones that were watching the camp grounds made our kids who stayed camping WITH us that we scheduled to be with us for a day pass. Don’t think we will go back for a very very long time.
Debra R
VerifiedAugust 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: COOK
Nice little campground on a small, pretty lake. Lots of folks taking advantage of tubing, floating, kayaking, fishing, etc.
Our site (33) was fine for our 35' fifth wheel with an easy straight-shot back-in to the site.
Our GPS sent us on a very roundabout way to the campground from State 34 on 15 or more miles of gravel/dirt road, some of which was fairly rough.
A more direct route would be to take Wyoming Highway 111 (between Alva and I-90) and then turn west onto Farrell Road straight to the campground. Farrell Road is paved except for the final 5 miles (approx.) and all of it is in pretty good shape with few holes, ruts, and bumps. It was a much smoother trip OUT of the campground!
Beth T
VerifiedAugust 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: COOK
This is the second time we camped here. Such a beautiful peaceful place. We will be back .
Cale J
VerifiedJune 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: COOK
Nice secluded area. Host was great
Sheila H
VerifiedJune 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: COOK
Only 2 of us in the campground on far side of the lake. It’s very nice and quiet but the bathroom door slams shut waking the dead.
Also no available water on far side. The next night I was alone and loving it until the sky’s opened up and doused me for 6 1/2 hours before I finally gave in and got a motel room. Overall I’d give this one the highest rating possible.
Jane R
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: COOK
Wonderful experience over Labor Day weekend. Quiet and well spaced out campsite to accommodate our 34-foot trailer, family and dog. Walking distance to a gorgeous lake and lots of hiking and biking trails nearby. The camp host, Bryce, is very welcoming and helpful. Easy 30-minute drive to Devil's Tower and a 2.5 hour drive to Mount Rushmore. We saw it all and loved it. I would return here again!
Judy B
VerifiedAugust 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: COOK
Quite a trip up the gravel road and wasn’t sure what to expect after the dry grasslands but then we got into the beautiful pine trees and came to the lake which was so pretty. The camp host was so nice and and very helpful. We had space 27 and it was a bit tight with the trees by the road and the camp spot sign to get a 34 ft 5th wheel in but we did it after several tries. It’s a nice quiet campground with hiking trails, fishing, canoes and small boats on the lake. The camping spots are above the lake so there are great sites that look down on the lake. The restroom was kept super clean as well as the campground. There are day spots for picnicking, swimming and fishing. Would definitely go there again.
Jennifer R
VerifiedAugust 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: COOK
Cook Lake is very remote, quiet, and rustic. If that's what you're looking for, I think you'd enjoy it. The trails were nice and campground host was friendly.
Dale S
VerifiedAugust 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: COOK
Very quiet during the weeknights. Busy but pleasant on the weekend. Camp host was very, very courteous and friendly!
Location Cook Lake Rec Area
Address:
Forest Recreation Management, Inc
Hill City, SD, 57745
United States
Interstate I-90 to exit 199 (Aladdin). North on Rt 111 for 4 miles, left on Farrall Road (Rt 843) for 10 miles to Cook Lake.
OR
From Sundance, WY, take US 14 west or exit 185 off Interstate 90 to US 14 west, for 1.4 miles to Cook Lake Recreation Area sign at Forest Route 838. Turn right onto FR 838 and go 12.9 miles to FR 843. Turn right and go 5.4 miles to another Cook Lake Recreation Area sign on FR 842. Turn left and go 1.1 miles to campground.
Access to Cook Lake Recreation Area is via Interstate I-90, with exit 199 leading to Route 111 and Route 843. Additionally, US Highway 14 provides access from Sundance, WY.
Latitude & Longitude: 44.5947 / -104.409
Elevation: 1449 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run only.
- Non-reservable sites may be available on a first come, first served basis
- A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check in. Pets must be leashed, under control and attended at all times.
- The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that houses the card holder.If multiple sites are reserved on one card, the rest of the camping fee will be collected upon arrival unless another card holder occupies the site!
- Open fires allowed if contained and attended to; be sure that fire is completely extinguished before leaving; check with the local Forest Service Office for fire restrictions
- Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
