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52 reviews
Cook Lake Rec Area is a peaceful and well-maintained campground, with clean facilities and a friendly host, Mike, who is helpful and attentive. Many visitors enjoyed activities like paddleboarding and fishing, appreciating the quiet atmosphere and spacious sites. While some faced issues with reservations and access to the lake, overall, guests expressed a desire to return and highly recommend the location.
Based on guest feedback
4.3
Based on 52 reviews
Showing 52 reviews
August 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.
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August 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 mi (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!
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August 11, 2023 Stayed at: 023, Loop: COOK
This is the second time we camped here. Such a beautiful peaceful place. We will be back .
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June 13, 2023 Stayed at: 022, Loop: COOK
Nice secluded area. Host was great
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June 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.
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September 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!
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August 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.
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August 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.
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August 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!
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August 23, 2022 Stayed at: 021, Loop: COOK
Quiet campsite in as beautiful area. Camp host was helpful and kind.
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Forest Recreation Management, Inc, Hill City, SD 57745 United States
Elevation: 1,449 ft
Interstate I-90 to exit 199 (Aladdin). North on Rt 111 for 4 mi, left on Farrall Road (Rt 843) for 10 mi to Cook Lake.
OR
From Sundance, WY, take US 14 west or exit 185 off Interstate 90 to US 14 west, for 1.4 mi to Cook Lake Recreation Area sig...
Interstate I-90 to exit 199 (Aladdin). North on Rt 111 for 4 mi, left on Farrall Road (Rt 843) for 10 mi to Cook Lake.
OR
From Sundance, WY, take US 14 west or exit 185 off Interstate 90 to US 14 west, for 1.4 mi to Cook Lake Recreation Area sign at Forest Route 838. Turn right onto FR 838 and go 12.9 mi to FR 843. Turn right and go 5.4 mi to another Cook Lake Recreation Area sign on FR 842. Turn left and go 1.1 mi 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.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Population: 834
Nearby city: Rapid City, SD
Approx. 68 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,980 ft
Hill City, SD
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