Cook Lake Rec Area
Quick Facts
4,770 ftPrice
$28/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
33 campsites
Season
Open May 21, 2025, t...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Quick Facts
4,770 ftPrice
$28/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
33 campsites
Season
Open May 21, 2025, t...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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What Campers Say
Satisfactory
Based on 72 reviews
36 Google reviews
Most mentioned
Some mention
"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."
Campground Map
Cook Lake Rec Area
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
Best Time to Camp at Cook Lake Rec Area
The Black Hills reveal their ever-changing personality through the seasons at Cook Lake. Early summer mornings greet campers with crisp temperatures hovering in the high 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, while nights invite cozy campfire gatherings as thermometers dip into the 30s. Spring arrives with dramatic flair, painting the landscape with occasional snow flurries and refreshing rain showers that awaken the forest floor. As summer fully blooms, the skies clear to brilliant blue, and the weather settles into a comfortable, dry pattern that beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore every corner of this mountain paradise.
Peak season for fishing, hiking and kayaking; reviews highlight summer activity despite flies and generator noise.
Likely pleasant for scenery and fewer pests; limited specific fall review data and season ends early Sept.
Opens May 21; early season has cool mornings and fewer services, plus possible lingering closures.
Campground closed outside May 21–Sep 7 window; winter stays not supported.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 21 - Sep 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 21, 2025, to Sep 7, 2025, with reservations starting from Jun 24, 2025.
- Current Alerts: Cook Lake Trail and Loop A are closed due to a landslide.
About Cook Lake Rec Area
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