Cook Lake Rec Area
COOK LAKE REC AREA
Part of Black Hills National Forest
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.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.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.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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.Important Notices
FYI: During the off season (from 10/01 until 12/15) the USFS operates this campground. Their information is listed below:
Late September – Mid May
Black Hills National Forest / Bearlodge Ranger District
101 S. 21st Street, Sundance, WY 82729
Phone (307) 283-1361 www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills
Daily Fee is $15.00 per First Come First Served campsite of which there are 15 available. There is a $5.00 Day Use Fee.
Self-Pay at all open campgrounds. The stay limit is 14 days in a 28 day period.
B Loop is open. All other loops are Closed!
Parking Spur Length is 45 ft.
Drinking water is NOT available. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Vault toilets are also available.
Garbage and Trash "Pack It In Pack It Out" at all times.
Please note that roads are not maintained during the off-season. Sites are open until weather prohibits access or closed on the date noted above. (This campground closes on 12/15/2026 this year)
The information listed below is pertinent during the open season from May 15th to September 30th.
In accordance with standard industry practices, ExplorUS will be assessing an additional vehicle fee of $5.00 per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.
These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. 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.
Notifications and Alerts
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will remain in effect on all National Forest lands in the Bearlodge and Hell Canyon Ranger Districts on the Black Hills National Forest in the State of Wyoming beginning 12:00 p.m., September 24, 2026. This order supersedes BKF-194-2026 prohibiting the same or similar acts in both Wyoming and South Dakota.
Alert Start Date: September 24, 2026
Alert End Date: December 15, 2026
Order Number: BKF-198-2026
FYI: Off Season Information for this campground can be found in the "Need To Know" Section.
Please note that NOT ALL Campgrounds are open during the Off Season, some are closed.
During the Off Season the Campgrounds that are open are operated by the US Forest Service and are all First Come First Served.
Available Activities
- Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking - Hiking
- Fishing - Fishing
- Camping - Camping
- Boating - Boating
- Biking - Biking
- Day Use Area - Day Use Area
- Photography - Photography
- Picnicking - Picnicking
Directions
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.<br /><br /> OR<br /><br /> 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.
Cancellation Policy
<p>No refunds will be given for weather or related events.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: (307)283-1361
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 024, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 031, Loop COOK, Type Standard Nonelectric
