RV Sites
Aaron S
VerifiedJuly 27, 2025 Stayed at: 020, Loop: COOK
Clean and nice camp sites
Helpful
About Cook Lake Rec Area
Situated in a heavily forested area adjacent to Cook Lake, this campground is a peaceful setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in the Black Hills National Forest in Wyoming.
Some sites in the campground are widely spaced and open up to views overlooking the lake, and others sit snugly along a hillside. Separation,
rather than vegetation, provide visitors with a sense of privacy. Tall mature trees and grass underbrush give the campground a groomed character.
Available sites
15 total sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Nov 1
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Lake Access
Missing information?
Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
15 Sites Available
🚐
019, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 48 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
020, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 53 × 16 ft · Gravel
🚐
021, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 55 × 18 ft · Gravel
🚐
022, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 55 × 16 ft · Gravel
🚐
023, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐
024, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 65 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐
025, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 65 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐
026, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 38 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
027, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 58 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
028, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 65 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
029, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 51 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐
030, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 51 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐
031, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 59 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐
032, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 55 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
033, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 55 × 13 ft · Gravel
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
0 more sites below
Site Details
Select a site to view details
15 Sites Available
Site
Price
🚐
019, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 48 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
020, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 53 × 16 ft · Gravel
🚐
021, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 55 × 18 ft · Gravel
🚐
022, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 55 × 16 ft · Gravel
🚐
023, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐
024, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 65 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐
025, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 65 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐
026, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 38 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
027, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 58 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
028, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 65 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
029, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 51 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐
030, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 51 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐
031, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 59 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐
032, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 55 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐
033, Loop: COOK
RV
Pet Friendly · 55 × 13 ft · Gravel
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
52 reviews
Summary
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
Overall rating
Based on 52 reviews
5 stars
67.3% (35)
4 stars
9.6% (5)
3 stars
11.5% (6)
2 stars
5.8% (3)
1 star
5.8% (3)
Showing 52 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
Sarah D
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2025 Stayed at: 023, Loop: COOK
Camp host was attentive and pleasant. Bathrooms were very clean. Nice, quiet campground.
Helpful
Larry S
VerifiedDecember 22, 2025 Stayed at: 027, Loop: COOK
Beautiful hidden gem tucked into the hills. Our family had a great time there and it felt like we had the campground, lake, and rope swing all to ourselves. Gorgeous hike right out of the campground. We will definitely be back.
Helpful
Lincoln K
VerifiedJune 18, 2026 Stayed at: 028, Loop: COOK
It would be nice if there was a few more areas where the lake could have fishing and swimming access without having to go through the cattails.
Helpful
Deric F
VerifiedJune 22, 2026 Stayed at: 022, Loop: COOK
Quiet, clean campground. The host was friendly. Short walk to the lake with fun fishing for kids. We've stayed here before and will stay again!
Helpful
Elizabeth D
VerifiedJune 26, 2026 Stayed at: 026, Loop: COOK
Beautiful campground. Quiet during the week. Coming in on 10 mi of a dirt road (Farrall Rd) was bumpy in a 29 ft class C, but manageable.
Helpful
Brian S
VerifiedJune 27, 2026 Stayed at: 026, Loop: COOK
I had a great time at Cook Lake. Campsites were in the trees with plenty of space between sites. Campground host was genial and helpful. Went on the cliff sparrow trail for a good hike through lots of diverse landscapes. Forest service roads to the site were in good shape. Note: google maps routed me to the site from the north. This is not correct. Follow directions from the southwest on the rec.gov website or a google maps route from the east.
Helpful
Alex M
VerifiedJuly 5, 2026 Stayed at: 031, Loop: COOK
Facilities were extremely clean. Camp guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend going here!
Helpful
JaAnna M
VerifiedJuly 10, 2026 Stayed at: 023, Loop: COOK
No showers. The company that handles reservations is impossible to contact.
Helpful
christine h
VerifiedJuly 16, 2026 Stayed at: 027, Loop: COOK
Nice little campground hood fishing at the lake too. Enjoyed our stay.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Cook Lake Rec Area
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, Hill City, SD 57745 United States
Elevation: 1,449 ft
Getting There
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.
Highway access
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.
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: October 22, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Explore Hill City, SD
Population: 834
Nearby city: Rapid City, SD
Approx. 68 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,980 ft
Hill City, SD
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the USDA Forest Service