Camper submitted image from Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground - 2
Official
Camper submitted image from Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground - 3
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground is located in Wyoming

Detail location of campground

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

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Spearfish Quarry

Spearfish Quarry

53 min away

Timon Campground

Timon Campground

1 hr 31 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

67%
34%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2023

Lovely campground

I was here just before labor day weekend and almost had all to myself. If you drive from Sundance, follow USFS directions; Google maps tried to direct me up a dead end road. Road from Aladdin side is better and easier. Nice trail (Cliff Swallow trail) that I was able to start on right next to my site. Toilets were clean. Take your own water; pump is down by the host site. Looked like most sites had some shade during the day.

Site23
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Leslie B., September 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Leslie B., September 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Leslie B., September 1, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

B

Okbxvb Zzzuuu Kiuiiolpos.iu.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed May. 15, 2021

Fishing, hiking, & camping

Great little campground! You have to drive a looong way down dirt roads through the Black Hills Nat'l Forest. There is a camp host to check in with & pay the camping fee. There is water, but the Forest Service does not really want campers using it. It is down by the camp host & he has to get a handle to work the spigot. The toilets are vault & they stink. My kids love to fish the lake. I love to do the Cliff Swallows Trail (3.7 mile loop). Beautiful scenery.

Site24
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Molly , May 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Molly , May 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Molly , May 15, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2019

Lake and hiking miles down gravel roads

The drive down miles of gravel roads is beautiful. I certainly didn’t expect to find this though. A large lake is big enough to swim, kayak and fish. Many drove in just to picnic here. Only one camping loop was open. 

Curl around the lake and climb a bit to find the loop. The sites vary in makeup. One has a concrete pad for a perfect accessible site. Some are larger and some are more private, choices abound. This campground takes reservations and they are needed for weekends and holidays. 

Before you cool off in the lake, why not hike the trail that goes right out of camp. Plenty of picnic tables are in the day use area that will give you options for your picnic lunch. Swim or paddle and it makes a wonderful day in the Black Hills.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Art S., June 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Art S., June 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground by Art S., June 29, 2019
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities can I do at Cook Lake in Wyoming?

Cook Lake offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors. The large lake is suitable for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the Cliff Swallow trail, which is accessible directly from the campground. Many visitors come just for day use activities like picnicking along the lakeshore. For those who prefer more solitude, dispersed camping options are available throughout the surrounding forest area, providing a more private outdoor experience.

What amenities are available at Cook Lake Recreation Area campground?

Cook Lake Recreation Area campground offers basic amenities including fire rings, a water source (though campers are discouraged from using it extensively), and a staffed camp host who handles check-ins and fee collection. The campground features one main camping loop with varied site sizes and levels of privacy. While facilities are limited, the natural setting compensates with beautiful surroundings. For those needing more amenities, consider bringing your own water supply as access to the campground water is restricted.

How do I get to Cook Lake Recreation Area in Wyoming?

To reach Cook Lake Recreation Area, be prepared for a long drive on gravel/dirt roads through Black Hills National Forest. If coming from Sundance, follow the official USFS directions rather than GPS navigation, which may direct you to impassable roads. The approach from the Aladdin side is noted as better and easier to navigate. The remote location requires some patience but rewards visitors with a secluded lake setting. The campground is positioned around the lake after a slight climb up from the water.

Are there any photos of Cook Lake Recreation Area to view before visiting?

While no specific photo gallery is mentioned in the information provided, visitors can typically find photos of Cook Lake Recreation Area on the Black Hills National Forest official website and various outdoor recreation platforms. The area features picturesque scenes of a mountain lake surrounded by forest, camping sites that curl around the water, and hiking trails with scenic views. To get the most current visual impression before your trip, check with the Forest Service office managing the Cook Lake area.