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Cook Lake Rec Area in South Dakota
Hard to BookNational Forest

Cook Lake Rec Area

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

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Check campsite availability for COOK LAKE REC AREA

High Demand

Next Open Dates

Aug 26Aug 27Aug 28

13 sites open on Aug 26 at Cook Lake Rec Area. Check your own dates above, or set a watch and we will alert you when one frees up.

Notices from Recreation.gov

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. This fee is payable to the camp host upon arrival

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.

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on August 25, 2026. Check Cook Lake Rec Area on Recreation.gov

Stay and booking rules

Taxes applyReservations close: 2 day(s) prior to arrival

Published by Recreation.gov for Cook Lake Rec Area, read on August 25, 2026.

Cook Lake Rec Area Facts

  • As of August 2026, Cook Lake Rec Area is a campground in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota with 35 campsites.
  • Cook Lake Rec Area is booked through Recreation.gov.
  • PermitSnag checks Cook Lake Rec Area for availability and alerts watchers when a site opens up.
  • Cook Lake Rec Area is located at 44.5947° N, 104.4086° W.

At a Glance

🚐
Best For
RV Camping
🌊
Setting
Mountain
🏕️
Sites
35

Things to Do

🎣Fishing
🚤Boating
🥾Hiking
🚴Biking
🦌Wildlife
📷Photography
🏎️Offroad
🐴Horse Riding

Frequently Asked Questions

Cook Lake Rec Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

Site Types

📍
Standard
15 sites

Amenities

🚻restrooms💧potable water

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