How much does camping cost at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Camping fees at Cook Lake Rec Area range from $28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cook Lake Rec Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Cook Lake Rec Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cook Lake Rec Area before I book?

Yes! Cook Lake Rec Area has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cook Lake Rec Area?

Cook Lake Rec Area is open April 15 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Cook Lake Rec Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Fire policies at Cook Lake Rec Area: 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. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cook Lake Rec Area have?

Cook Lake Rec Area has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Cook Lake Rec Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Popular activities at Cook Lake Rec Area include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cook Lake Rec Area

4.07

72 reviews

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping South Dakota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds South Dakota RV Camping South Dakota +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,770 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,770 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc Official Website

Get Directions

Cook Lake Rec Area

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $28.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(307)283-1361

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745, USA

Cook Lake Rec Area

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745, USA

Nearby places

Sundance, WY (approx. 18 miles, ~30-minute drive)

Aladdin, WY (approx. 9 miles, ~20-minute drive)

Driving directionsInterstate 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.

Weather at Cook Lake Rec Area

Current alerts(8)

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.
Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest.
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.
Non-reservable sites may be available on a first come, first served basis

Best Time to Camp at Cook Lake Rec Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Cook Lake's water-based activities — swimming, boating and shore fishing — plus long, warm days for hiking and biking. Expect daytime highs typically in the 70s–80s°F with crisp mornings (40s–50s) and cool nights that can dip into the 30s–40s at 4,770 ft; this makes lake afternoons comfortable while evenings stay pleasantly cool. Weekends can be busy during July–August, and reservations become important in late June, but crowds are spread out by the campground Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; summer reviews highlight fishing, hiking and paddling as strong draws.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 21, 2025, to Sep 7, 2025, with reservations starting from Jun 24, 2025.

About Cook Lake Rec Area

Cook Lake Rec Area sits in the Black Hills National Forest near Hill City, South Dakota, operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc. This mid-elevation forest campground offers tent and RV sites with direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors hike and bike surrounding trails, watch wildlife, and enjoy a quieter alternative to busier Black Hills destinations.

The campground accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites range from secluded to open, with a focus on natural surroundings rather than luxury amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Cook Lake's water-based activities — swimming, boating and shore fishing — plus long, warm days for hiking and biking. Expect daytime highs typically in the 70s–80s°F with crisp mornings (40s–50s) and cool nights that can dip into the 30s–40s at 4,770 ft; this makes lake afternoons comfortable while evenings stay pleasantly cool. Weekends can be busy during July–August, and reservations become important in late June, but crowds are spread out by the campground Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4770 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground wraps around Cook Lake, a small alpine lake surrounded by mature ponderosa pines and native grasses. The understory stays relatively open, giving most sites clear views of either the water or the surrounding ridges. The lake itself is calm and clear, good for swimming and non-motorized boating. Granite outcrops and scattered boulders break up the terrain. At this elevation, the pines thin out enough to let in plenty of light, and the forest floor stays walkable without dense brush. The setting feels more park-like than wild, which some campers appreciate and others find less secluded than expected.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabins or other types of lodging accommodations are not mentioned in the authoritative data or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights consecutive stay allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site not explicitly stated.

Groups

Group sites are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov (online, app, and contact center).

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible amenities, including an accessible fishing pier, picnic areas, and walkways. However, accessibility details, such as site-specific features, are limited.

Site SizeSites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs but are not described in specific dimensions.

PrivacyThe campground provides a mix of secluded and open campsites. Some sites are widely spaced, offering privacy through separation rather than vegetation, while others are snug along a hillside.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites above the lake are ideal for views; sites near the hillside provide improved privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 022, 023, and 033 get frequent mentions in reviews for better seclusion, lake views, and easier RV access. Some lakeside sites offer direct water views, while hillside spots sit higher with more separation from neighbors.

Need help booking Cook Lake Rec Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Cook Lake Recreation Area provides a range of basic amenities suitable for tent, trailer, and RV camping. "The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water; however, electrical hook-ups are not available." There is also an accessible fishing pier, accessible picnic areas, and walk-in access to the lake for small, non-motorized boats. While the amenities are functional, some user reviews highlight issues with cleanliness and maintenance. For example, one reviewer mentioned, "Bathrooms were dirty with no TP and you had to walk through tall grass or another campsite to get to it."

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cook Lake Recreation Area offers a diverse range of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, and OHV riding on moderate terrain. The lake supports fishing for rainbow and brown trout, sunfish, and catfish. "The fishing was somewhat of a disappointment," noted one user, while others highlighted the experience as varied. Hiking trails, approximately 4 miles in length, are available but partially closed due to landslide damage. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

72 reviews

Satisfactory

Cook Lake Rec Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide a mixed picture of the Cook Lake Recreation Area. While many appreciate the serene setting and recreational opportunities, others mention issues like lack of cleanliness, noise from generators, and limited cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 72 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and range of activities. "A hidden gem," said one reviewer. "Quiet area," mentioned another, while one noted, "Wonderful experience over...

Based on 72 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from generators, cleanliness issues in the bathrooms, and challenges with the remote location. "So. Many. Generators. Running basically nonstop," said one user....

Based on 72 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near Loop Cook are mixed in reviews; for example, site 33 was praised for accommodating large trailers, while site 28 had complaints about loud generators.

Based on 72 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing cash for fees, arriving during daylight due to difficult navigation, and using directions from the U.S. Forest Service rather than GPS.

Based on 72 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular, with many reviews highlighting outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and kayaking. However, generator noise and flies are noted as seasonal nuisances.

Based on 72 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground was clean and nicely wooded." - Debra R. "No cell service. Very pretty area." - Kelly "The fishing was somewhat of a disappointment." - Christopher B.

Based on 72 reviews