Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Although Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area has only existed as a state park since 1994, the region’s name dates back to 1885. It was then that Thomas Jefferson Adair moved to the area for the purpose of farming the land. That prompted the local inhabitants to jokingly state that only a fool would try to farm the soil in the hollow.
Situated in Arizona’s White Mountains, just 64 miles from the Arizona-New Mexico state line and less than 2 miles from the town of Show Low, the 800-acre Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is part of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Its 6,300-foot elevation means the state park experiences cool weather most of the year — the average high temperature during the hottest summer months is only in the mid-80s, and December and January see highs in the upper 40s. Visitors come here to hike and camp under the beautiful 100-foot ponderosa pines, but the highlight for many is undoubtedly Fool Hollow Lake, a 150-acre man-made reservoir with self-sustaining fish populations.
Spring 35-84 F
Summer 51-86 F
Fall 22-68 F
Winter 22-57 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Many Fool Hollow Lake visitors opt for the coziness and ease of sleeping in an RV after spending the day boating, fishing, and hiking. If you don’t have your own rig, consider browsing through the rental options on RVshare.
Fool Hollow Lake Campground
Naturally, Fool Hollow Lake Campground is a convenient spot for visitors. The 92 RV sites are roomy (accommodating vehicles up to 40 feet in length) and come with 30- or 50-amp service. However, this campground is popular and can’t accommodate all the RVers who visit. Fortunately, there are other great RV campgrounds nearby.
Double Deuce RV Park
The Double Deuce RV Park is a small 20-site park in Show Low about a 10-minute drive from Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. You’ll love the friendly owners and intimate vibe of this park, which is centrally located in Show Low. Restaurants, stores, a city park, and an aquatic center are within walking distance. Rates start at $210 per week.
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Water hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry room, dog park, barbecue area with fire pit
Arizona High Country Campground
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, look no further than Arizona High Country Campground in Clay Springs, about 15 miles from the state park. Located off Highway 260, the park's 31 RV sites offer a respite from both noise and light pollution. The stargazing is great, and sightings of elk and other wildlife are common. Rates start at $35 per night.
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Water hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes (breed restrictions apply)
• Other amenities: Dump station, community fire pit, dog walk area, laundry, showers
What to Do at
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Inside Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
With its relatively cool mountain temperatures, Fool Hollow Lake is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic by the water or a leisurely stroll under the pines. It gets just warm enough in the summer for a dip in the lake to be refreshing. Plenty of hikers bring binoculars when they set out on the park’s trails; this makes it easier to see area birds and wildlife. The lake is an angler’s dream, with plentiful trout, northern pike, walleye, and bass fishing. Boating is also popular, and there are single-lane boat launch ramps on the east and west side of the lake.
Outside Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area’s location in the White Mountains means there’s still a lot of natural beauty to see once you leave the park. Nearby Show Low is filled with great places to eat and one-of-a-kind shops. There are even some good sightseeing spots just outside the recreation area.
Restaurants
The House
Beyond their award-winning burgers, the menu at The House is filled with unique, eccentric items. Be sure to try the White Mountain Donut Burger, consisting of an eight-ounce patty of fresh beef sandwiched between, you guessed it, two glazed donuts.
Type: Casual Food, American
Location: Show Low, AZ
Show Low Cafe
For comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Show Low Cafe favorites like meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, and biscuits and gravy. This mom and pop restaurant features a cozy, warm ambiance, with large portions served by friendly staff.
Type: Café, Comfort Food
Location: Show Low, AZ
Los Corrales
With its colorful décor, this family-owned restaurant is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The menu features favorites like burritos, generously sized, and fajitas. You can wash all this good food down with their excellent margaritas.
Type: Southwestern, Mexican
Location: Show Low, AZ
What’s Cooking Kitchen & Bakery
From Hillbilly Eggs Benedict to Thai Beef Salad and Jerk Chicken to some amazing cinnamon rolls, you’ll love the variety of items you’ll find on the menu at this popular Show Low spot. It’s a great place to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Type: American, Cafe
Location: Show Low, AZ
Persnikkity’s Cafe
If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, stop in at Persnikkity’s Cafe and enjoy a baked-from-scratch muffin, cupcake, or lemon bar accompanied by an espresso, Italian soda, or smoothie. Their eclectic breakfast and lunch menus include items like Chorizo Eggs Benedict, Jalapeño Popper Toast, and Almond Chicken sandwiches.
Type: Fast Casual, Cafe
Location: Show Low, AZ
Shopping
Books and Treasures
The owners of this quirky used book store invite visitors to drop by and just hang out and play a game of chess if they like, but you can always look around — you never know what you treasure you might stumble upon.
Location: Show Low, AZ
Bear Wallow Antiques and Things
This antique store in nearby Lakeside has an amazing and ever-changing selection of used furniture and vintage items. Whether you’re a collector or you just enjoy a good treasure hunt, you’ll have a good time poking around their shelves.
Location: Lakeside, AZ
The Burly Bear
You just may be so taken with the mountain culture in this part of Arizona that you’ll want to take a bit of it home with you. If that’s the case, plan a visit to The Burly Bear. Located in Pinetop, about 15 miles south of Show Low, the store specializes in rustic furniture and décor. It has an enormous selection of items featuring bear and elk motifs, including wood bear carvings made by chainsaw artists.
Location: Pinetop, AZ
Sightseeing
Sunrise Park Ski Resort
You can stick to traditional downhill skiing or snowboarding at this ski resort, the largest in the state, but why not try a more unconventional pastime like ski biking, tubing, or downhill fat bike racing? Located about an hour from Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, it’s also a fantastic place to visit in the summer months when they offer activities like zip line tours, mountain biking, tubing, and archery. If you’re in the mood for relaxation, take in the amazing White Mountain views as you serenely ride the chair lift to the top.
Location: Greer, AZ
Show Low Museum
You won’t want to leave the area without paying a visit to the Show Low Museum. Not only can you learn about how a card game between two 19th-century ranchers led to the town’s name, but you can also tour 16 themed rooms filled with interesting memorabilia. Admission to the museum is free.
Location: Show Low, AZ
Show Low Bluff Trail
An easy hike for most fitness levels, the Show Low Bluff Trail can be done by anyone, even children — the Show Low city library has even designed a storywalk especially for kids. Walking along this pet-friendly trail, you’ll see pretty meadows, a bridge that crosses Show Low Creek, a wooded bluff, and a disc golf course. Get yourself a fishing license and you can even fish in the creek.
Location: Show Low, AZ
How to Get to
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is located about 1.5 miles off Highway 260 in east-central Arizona.
By Car
Going north on Highway 260, you'll turn right onto West Old Linden Road. After about a half-mile, turn left onto Fools Hollow Road. Continue for another mile to the park entrance.
Highway 260 can be accessed via Highway 87 from Phoenix. You can also connect to it from Interstate 40 using Highway 77.
Entering Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Park is open year round from 8-8pm
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Mon-Thurs : $7.0
per vehicle
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Fri-Sun : $10.0
per vehicle
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Bicycle : $3.0
Whether you make a beeline to this beautiful state park or include it as part of your Grand Canyon vacation, you’ll have a great time. If you were a happy camper while visiting Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, please let RVshare know. Tag RVshare on your posts on social media and share your pictures and stories with the site at [email protected] RVshare may feature these on its blog and social media channels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Skip the crowds by heading to Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area in the spring or fall. The weather will still be warm enough to swim, fish, boat, and check out the hiking trails.
This recreation area is near a high-country elk habitat. You'll even be able to hear these beautiful creatures communicating in the spring. Wildlife enthusiasts also have the chance to spot mule deer, squirrels, beavers, coyotes, raccoons, and various rodents.
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area has 82 RV campsites that come with water and electrical hookups. They can accommodate motorhomes up to 40 feet long. A maximum of 10 people are permitted at one campsite.
Reservations are available through their online portal or by calling the front office. Expect a non-refundable $3.20 reservation fee per campsite. To reserve a spot during holiday weekends like Memorial Day, a minimum stay of three nights is required.
You're welcome to bring your pets along to Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. They must be kept leashed and are not permitted in any buildings. Pets aren't allowed on designated beaches or in ecologically sensitive areas.