Fool Hollow Lake, Arizona – Fishing, Camping & Boating

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 9, 2026

Fool Hollow Lake near Show Low, Arizona is a scenic 150-acre mountain lake offering fishing, lakeside camping, boating, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing in the White Mountains. Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines at an elevation of approximately 6,300 feet, the lake is located just minutes from downtown Show Low. Visitors enjoy developed tent and RV campgrounds, convenient shoreline fishing, peaceful coves, picnic areas and beautiful seasonal scenery, including colorful autumn foliage. Fool Hollow Lake is a popular year-round destination for families, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring eastern Arizona.

• Lake Overview
• Fishing
• Fish Species
• Best Fishing Areas
• Boating & Kayaking
• Camping & Amenities
• Things To Do
• Wildlife Viewing
• Best Time To Visit
• Swimming
• Map & Directions
• FAQ

Fool Hollow Lake Overview

Fool Hollow Lake is located less than two miles from central Show Low in eastern Arizona's White Mountains. The recreation area lies within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and combines a developed lakeside park with ponderosa pine scenery and convenient access from town.

The park sits at approximately 6,300 feet elevation and is open year-round. The name Fool Hollow dates to pioneer Thomas Jefferson Adair, who settled in the area in 1885 and attempted to farm the rocky ground. Local residents joked that only a fool would try to farm there, and the name endured.

Fool Hollow Lake covers roughly 150 acres and provides fishing, boating, camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife-viewing opportunities throughout the year.

Why Visit Fool Hollow Lake

One of Fool Hollow Lake's greatest attractions is its combination of forest scenery and convenient visitor facilities. Unlike more remote White Mountains lakes, Fool Hollow offers developed camping, shoreline fishing, picnic areas and walking trails only a short drive from Show Low. Visitors can enjoy a quiet morning on the water, spend an afternoon exploring the pine forest or stay overnight at a lakeside campsite without traveling far from restaurants, shopping and other services.

Lake Size: Fool Hollow Lake covers approximately 150 acres, with an average depth of about 23 feet.

Fish Variety: Anglers target rainbow trout, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, sunfish and catfish. Trout stocking and fish populations vary with seasonal conditions.

Fishing At Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow Lake is one of the more accessible fishing lakes near Show Low and supports a mix of cold-water and warm-water species. Rainbow trout are stocked periodically, while several warm-water species reproduce naturally in the lake.

Shore fishing is convenient around the developed portions of the recreation area, making the lake especially suitable for families and beginning anglers. Trout are often targeted with bait, small spinners and spoons, while bass and walleye respond to jigs, soft plastics, crankbaits and other lures worked around rocky structure and deeper water.

Arizona currently requires a valid fishing or combination license for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 and older fishing public waters. Fishing regulations and daily limits can change, so check current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before your trip.

Fish Species In Fool Hollow Lake

Anglers commonly target rainbow trout, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish and channel catfish. Fish populations and stocking schedules can change with lake conditions, so anglers should check current Arizona Game and Fish information before visiting.

Fishing highlight: Fool Hollow Lake has produced trophy-size walleye. The lake has a long-standing reputation as one of the White Mountains' better walleye fisheries.

Best Fishing Areas At Fool Hollow Lake

• East-Side Fishing Piers: Convenient shoreline access for rainbow trout, sunfish and other species, especially for families and beginning anglers.
• Dam Area: Deeper water can attract trout and walleye, particularly during cooler periods.
• North-Shore Rocky Structure: Productive habitat for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye.
• Campground Coves: Protected shoreline areas can hold sunfish, catfish and bass during warmer months.
• Deeper Open-Water Structure: Boat and kayak anglers can explore deeper water for walleye and seasonally suspended trout when access conditions permit.

Anglers visiting the area often also explore nearby lakes such as Show Low Lake and Rainbow Lake.

Boating, Kayaking & Water Access

Fool Hollow Lake is popular with anglers and visitors using kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and small fishing boats. The lake has a 10-horsepower maximum for gasoline-powered boat motors, making it especially appealing for quieter fishing and paddling activities. Its sheltered coves and scenic ponderosa pine shoreline provide enjoyable opportunities to explore the water.

Boat-launch facilities are available within Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, although low water levels can restrict access for trailered boats. Hand-launched kayaks, canoes and other small watercraft may be practical alternatives when conditions permit. All boaters should follow current Arizona boating regulations, motor restrictions and life-jacket requirements.

Boat-Ramp Conditions: Water levels and launch access can change throughout the year. Before bringing a trailered fishing boat, check the official Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area website for current ramp availability, boating restrictions and park advisories.

Camping And Amenities At Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area offers developed tent and RV camping among the ponderosa pines close to the shoreline. Many RV campsites provide water and electric hookups, while tent sites offer a more traditional high-country camping experience.

Park amenities include restrooms, showers, drinking water, picnic areas, fishing access, boat-launch facilities, a dump station and group-use areas.

Day-use entrance fees and overnight camping fees apply. Campsite reservations are recommended during summer weekends, holidays and popular fall-color periods. For current fees, campsite availability, reservations, park rules and seasonal facility information, visit the Arizona State Parks Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area page.

Things To Do At Fool Hollow Lake

• Fishing: Cast for rainbow trout, walleye, bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish.
• Kayaking & Paddling: Explore coves and pine-lined shoreline with hand-launched watercraft when lake conditions permit.
• Camping: Stay overnight in developed tent or RV campsites close to the lake.
• Hiking: Walk lakeside trails through ponderosa pine habitat.
• Picnicking: Use lakeside picnic areas and ramadas for family outings and group gatherings.
• Wildlife Viewing: Watch for elk, deer, waterfowl and other White Mountains wildlife.
• Photography: Photograph lake reflections, pine forest, wildlife, summer storms and seasonal fall colors.

Wildlife At Fool Hollow Lake

The ponderosa pine forest surrounding Fool Hollow Lake supports a variety of White Mountains wildlife. Elk are among the most noticeable large animals in the area and are often most active around dawn and dusk. Deer, small mammals, songbirds, raptors and waterfowl may also be seen around the recreation area.

Observe wildlife from a respectful distance, never feed wild animals and keep food secured while camping. Early morning and evening are often the best times for wildlife watching and photography.

Best Time To Visit Fool Hollow Lake

• Spring: Cool weather, improving fishing conditions and seasonal trout stocking make spring popular with anglers.
• Summer: Warm days and cooler high-country temperatures make this the busiest season for camping, paddling, hiking and family recreation.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures, golden aspen foliage, colorful deciduous trees and pleasant hiking and fishing conditions make autumn one of the most scenic times to visit Fool Hollow Lake. Fall colors typically vary with elevation, weather and seasonal conditions.
• Winter: The park remains open year-round, offering cold-weather fishing, hiking and occasional snowy scenery when conditions permit.

Swimming At Fool Hollow Lake

Swimming is permitted at Fool Hollow Lake, but there is no designated swimming beach and no lifeguard on duty. Swimmers should remain close to shore or their watercraft, avoid boat ramps, docks and the dam, and be prepared for cold water temperatures away from the shallows.

Water shoes are useful because portions of the shoreline are rocky. Children and inexperienced swimmers should be supervised closely, and all swimming is at the visitor's own risk.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Information

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Show Low, Arizona
Phone: 928-537-3680

The park is open year-round, although gate hours, facility availability, fire restrictions, lake levels and boat-ramp conditions can change seasonally. Check Arizona State Parks for current conditions before traveling.

Directions To Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is located just northwest of central Show Low, Arizona. From Show Low, follow Old Linden Road west and follow signs to the recreation-area entrance. The lake is only a few minutes from downtown.

Visitors arriving from Payson can follow Arizona Highway 260 east toward Show Low. Travelers arriving from Holbrook and Interstate 40 generally use Highway 77 south into Show Low before continuing toward Old Linden Road and the lake.

The recreation area has paved vehicle access and designated parking near developed day-use, camping and lake-access areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fool Hollow Lake

Where is Fool Hollow Lake Arizona?

Fool Hollow Lake is located in Show Low, Arizona, in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The recreation area is only a few minutes from downtown Show Low.

Is Fool Hollow Lake good for fishing?

Yes. Fool Hollow Lake supports rainbow trout, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, sunfish and other fish species, with shoreline and pier access suitable for both beginning and experienced anglers.

Do I need an Arizona fishing license at Fool Hollow Lake?

Arizona currently requires a valid fishing or combination license for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 and older fishing public waters. Check current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing.

Can you boat on Fool Hollow Lake?

Yes. Boating and paddling are popular at Fool Hollow Lake, although lake levels and boat-ramp availability can change. Check current park conditions before bringing a trailered boat.

What size boat motor is allowed on Fool Hollow Lake?

Fool Hollow Lake has a 10-horsepower maximum for gasoline-powered boat motors. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and small fishing boats are popular choices. Check current Arizona State Parks regulations before launching.

Does Fool Hollow Lake have camping?

Yes. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area offers developed tent and RV camping along with restrooms, showers, picnic areas and other visitor facilities.

Can you reserve campsites at Fool Hollow Lake?

Yes. Campsite reservations are available through Arizona State Parks. Reservations are recommended for busy summer weekends, holidays and popular fall-color periods. Check the official park website for current availability and fees.

Can you swim in Fool Hollow Lake?

Yes. Swimming is permitted, but there is no designated swimming area and no lifeguard on duty. Swimmers should remain clear of boat ramps, docks and the dam.

Is Fool Hollow Lake open year-round?

Yes. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is open year-round, although gate hours, weather conditions and individual facilities can vary by season.

What wildlife can you see at Fool Hollow Lake?

Elk are frequently seen in the surrounding ponderosa forest, especially near dawn and dusk. Visitors may also see deer, waterfowl, raptors, songbirds and smaller mammals.

What is the elevation of Fool Hollow Lake?

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area sits at approximately 6,300 feet elevation in Arizona's White Mountains.

---

Arizona Lakes