Established Camping
Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground
Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground, near Sundance, Wyoming, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a beautiful lake nearby, it’s perfect for fishing, swimming, and kayaking, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor lovers alike.
The campground offers a laid-back vibe with sites that provide some shade during the day. Visitors have mentioned the Cliff Swallow Trail, which starts right next to the campground, as a great way to explore the area. While there are no electric hookups or showers, the camp host is available to assist with check-ins and camping fees, ensuring a smooth experience.
Campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area, with many noting the privacy and natural beauty surrounding the sites. One reviewer highlighted the homemade fire rings and the variety of camping options available, making it easy to find a spot that suits your needs. If you’re up for an adventure, the drive through the Black Hills National Forest is scenic and well worth it.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Cook Lake Campground offers a solid base for enjoying the great outdoors. Just remember to bring your own water and be ready for a bit of a trek down those dirt roads to reach this lovely spot.
Description
US Forest Service
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.
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.
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 (605) 574-4402.
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.
Location
Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground is located in Wyoming
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. 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.
Coordinates
44.5947222 N
104.4086111 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Rapid City
- 3 hrs 16 min from Casper
- 4 hrs 36 min from Billings
- 5 hrs from Bismarck
