Cook Lake Rec Area

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, Hill City, South Dakota, United States
Check Availability
Cook Lake Sign
Cook Lake Day Use
Cliff Swallow
Cook Lake Dock
Cliff Swallow Trail

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 sites
RV Sites 15 sites Check Availability

Seasonal 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

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

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

Reviews

52 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Write a review
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: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Christopher B

Verified

July 29, 2022 Stayed at: 022, Loop: COOK

This is somewhat of a hidden gem. The good and bad news is it’s 9 mi 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.

Helpful

Tye M

Verified

July 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.

Helpful

Terry A

Verified

July 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.

Helpful

Justin R

Verified

July 4, 2022 Stayed at: 025, Loop: COOK

Quiet area. Brian is a great camp host.

Helpful

Steven E

Verified

September 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.

Helpful

SCOTT B

Verified

August 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

Helpful

Kathleen P

Verified

July 20, 2021 Stayed at: 028, Loop: COOK

Not enough swimming area

Helpful

Kris H

Verified

July 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.

Helpful

Aubrey T

Verified

July 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.

Helpful

Tristan R

Verified

June 30, 2021 Stayed at: 028, Loop: COOK

Really nice sites and friendly host! Great swim area and awesome fishing at dusk.

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...

Nearest town

Hill City, SD - 93 mi

About over 2 hr (121 min) to downtown

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

Sundance
Instant Book

Campground / RV park

Sundance

Hill City, SD

Sundance Horse Camp, situated at the base of Bear Lodge Mountain Range, is popular for horse enthusiasts and offers a perfect spot for recreation in Black Hills National Forest. The campground features expansive grassy areas with scenic views and ...

8 RV Sites
8 Tent Sites
4.4 (37)

Campground / RV park

Screaming Eagle Campground

Hulett, WY
5.0 (5)

Campground / RV park

Mountain View Campgrounds

Sundance, WY
5.0 (5)

Nearby destinations

Explore destination

Hulett

11 mi away

Day trip
Explore destination

Sundance

13 mi away

Day trip
Explore destination

Devils Tower

14 mi away

Day trip

Last updated: October 22, 2026

Message us

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

Learn more about Hill City

From our Travel Guides

View all guides
USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service