Can you reserve a site at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Yes, Cook Lake Rec Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Cook Lake Rec Area have?

35 sites in total, of which 15 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Cook Lake Rec Area?

99 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area.

Are campfires allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area?

Campfires are allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Cook Lake Rec Area — 15 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

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.

Recreation

The forest offers accessible recreation for all ages. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. Approximately 4 miles of hiking and bicycling trails are available at the recreation area. Adjacent to the campground is Cook Lake, an ideal spot for fishing and boating. The lake supports populations of rainbow and brown trout, a variety of sunfish, and catfish. The Cook Lake Trail, along with Loop A, has been closed due to a recent landslide. However there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation of all types in the area.

Facilities

The Cook Lake Recreation Area has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. 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 pier and picnic area as well as walk in access to the lake for small boats (non motorized).

Natural Features

Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers. Mountain lions, although rarely seen, also call this area home.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.

Nearby Attractions

A hike to Warren Peak Lookout Tower makes a scenic day trip for guests.

Devils Tower National Monument is also a great location to visit. Established as the first United States National Monument on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt, this unique geological formation is valued for its natural, cultural, and recreational significance.

Charges & Cancellations

No refunds will be given for weather or related events.

The facts

15 bookable sites
35 sites in total, including non-bookable
Vehicles up to 99 ft
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: COOK, MANAGEMENT SITES

Site types

20 Management
15 Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

35 campsites at Cook Lake Rec Area

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
019	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	46 ft	8	🐾
020	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	48 ft	8	🐾
021	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	48 ft	8	🐾
022	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
023	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	45 ft	8	🐾
024	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	56 ft	8	🐾
025	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	49 ft	8	🐾
026	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	38 ft	8	🐾
027	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	45 ft	8	🐾
028	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	60 ft	8	🐾
029	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	46 ft	8	🐾
030	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	45 ft	8	🐾
031	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
032	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
033	COOK	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	50 ft	8	🐾
01	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
010	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
011	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
012	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
013	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
014	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
015	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
016	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
017	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
018	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
02	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
03	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
04	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
05	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
06	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
07	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
08	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
09	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
XXX	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	Back In	Gravel	99 ft	8	🐾
XXX19	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—

Getting there

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.

44.59472, -104.40861 · 44°35'41.0"N 104°24'31.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 75°F in Jul, down to 30°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	32	30	39	46	55	65	75	74	65	50	39	30
Low °F	15	15	23	28	38	47	53	52	44	33	23	16
Precip in	1.6	2.0	2.6	3.6	3.9	2.9	2.4	1.9	1.7	3.1	1.8	1.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Cook Lake Rec Area

Can you reserve a site at Cook Lake Rec Area?: Yes, Cook Lake Rec Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Cook Lake Rec Area have?: 35 sites in total, of which 15 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Cook Lake Rec Area?: 99 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area?: Yes, pets are allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area.
Are campfires allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area?: Campfires are allowed at Cook Lake Rec Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Cook Lake Rec Area

Sundance 10.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Reuter Campground 11.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cliff Swallow Trailhead (Trail #91) less than 0.1 mi · Facility
Cook Lake Trailhead (Trail #88) 0.5 mi · Facility
Blacktail Trailhead 3.9 mi · Facility
Bearlodge Campground 5.8 mi · Campground
Carson Draw Trail System Trailhead (Trail #87) 6.2 mi · Facility
Warren Peak Fire Lookout 8.4 mi · Facility
Ogden Creek Trailhead 9.1 mi · Facility
Sundance Trail System Trailhead (Trail #93) 10.9 mi · Facility
Reuter Trailhead 11.7 mi · Facility
Northwestern Hills - Sundance 12.9 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-16.

Cook Lake Rec Area