Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates15 total sites
RV Sites
15 sites
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 (46)
What Guests Are Saying
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.
What Guests Are Saying
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.
Review Summary
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!
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
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.
Elevation: 1449 feet
93 mi drive to downtown Hill City (about 2 hr 1 min)
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
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Last updated: September 4, 2026
