Cook Lake Campground charges $28 per night and accepts reservations through the US Forest Service for its May 18 to September 8 season. Located within Black Hills National Forest near Sundance, Wyoming, the campground requires a long drive on gravel forest roads to reach its lakeside setting.
The single camping loop curves around Cook Lake and climbs slightly above the water level. Sites vary considerably in layout and privacy, with one featuring a concrete pad for accessible camping. Most sites provide some daytime shade from the surrounding forest. The lake supports swimming, kayaking, and fishing activities, while a day-use area with picnic tables serves visitors who drive in just for the afternoon. The 3.7-mile Cliff Swallow Trail begins directly from the camping area.
"Take your own water; pump is down by the host site," advises Leslie B., noting that the camp host controls access to the water spigot. Vault toilets serve the campground, though several reviewers mention odor issues. Road access from Aladdin proves easier than the route from Sundance, where GPS directions may lead to dead-end roads.
Reservations become necessary for weekend and holiday visits, though weekday camping often provides more solitude. The campground accommodates RVs up to 99 feet and allows both campfires and pets throughout the grounds.
Description
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 (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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Our facility is experiencing a temporary water outage. Please bring all the water youll need for your visit, including drinking water.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlack Hills National Forest Cook Lake Campground is located in Wyoming near Sundance
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 16 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 36 min from Billings, MT
- 5 hrs from Bismarck, ND
