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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15 Sites Available
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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
Rachel L
VerifiedAugust 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: COOK
Quiet campsite in as beautiful area. Camp host was helpful and kind.
Christopher B
VerifiedJuly 29, 2022 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: COOK
This is somewhat of a hidden gem. The good and bad news is it’s 9 miles on a dirt road. Takes about 20 minutes to get to the camp site. You are completely out of cell range. The camp sites are above the lake amongst the pines and it is very peaceful. The other campers were respectful and only used generators when needed, even though you could run them from 0600-2200 hours.
The lake is set in a valley and the lake is like glass most times. Good walking path around lake. There is a trail that takes you to the top of the ridges and around is a good brisk hike.
The fishing was somewhat of a disappointment. Caught about 100 pan fish the size of a minnow. Only caught 1 small rainbow trout from shore. There is a good boat launch on lake, but I believe you cannot use gas motors.
This is a must stop and camp if you’re in the area.
Tye M
VerifiedJuly 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: COOK
Only two things bothered me. No cell phone service and cliff swallow trail needs to signs posted around half point. Someone could get lost.
Terry A
VerifiedJuly 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: COOK
We love Cook Lake, but this time was was not so good, due to no camp host. I reserved 2 sites, 1 was not posted at all, there other posted wrong. When hosts from another campground showed up days later, they were VERY rude.
Justin R
VerifiedJuly 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: COOK
Quiet area. Brian is a great camp host.
Steven E
VerifiedSeptember 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: COOK
We had a very quiet week and the fishing and kayaking was great. I didn't agree with fires in fire pits because the smoke drifts into other campers camp. The new dam looks great and I've been coming to Cook Lake since the 60s. It was very different then and I also disagree with not opening the lower area to camping.
SCOTT B
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: COOK
Great place to camp with kids. The lake is a blast to swim and kayak in. Good fishing for blue gill and catfish
Kathleen P
VerifiedJuly 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: COOK
Not enough swimming area
Kris H
VerifiedJuly 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: COOK
Lovely little campground in the Black Hills. Host was on-site and checked us in. The campground was clean and nicely wooded.
Aubrey T
VerifiedJuly 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: COOK
An excellent location with a wonderful park like feel throughout. The site was well kept and in excellent condition structurally.
A great find for us who only live 3 hrs. away. Jim is a great and caring host.
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
