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
Aaron S
VerifiedJuly 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: COOK
Clean and nice camp sites
Sarah D
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2025 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: COOK
Camp host was attentive and pleasant. Bathrooms were very clean. Nice, quiet campground.
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.
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.
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!
Elizabeth D
VerifiedJune 26, 2026 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: COOK
Beautiful campground. Quiet during the week. Coming in on 10 miles of a dirt road (Farrall Rd) was bumpy in a 29 ft class C, but manageable.
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.
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!
JaAnna M
VerifiedJuly 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: COOK
No showers. The company that handles reservations is impossible to contact.
christine h
VerifiedJuly 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: COOK
Nice little campground hood fishing at the lake too. Enjoyed our stay.
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 8, 2026
