Arizona lakes for fishing boating camping and water recreation

Fool Hollow Lake - Show Low, Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 13, 2026.

Fool Hollow Lake in Show Low, Arizona is a scenic high-country recreation area surrounded by ponderosa pine forest in the White Mountains. Located only minutes from downtown Show Low, the lake offers year-round fishing, camping, paddling, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing at an elevation of about 6,300 feet. Its convenient access, developed campground and productive fishery make Fool Hollow Lake a popular destination for families, anglers and visitors looking for an easy outdoor getaway in eastern Arizona.

Lake Overview
Fishing
Best Fishing Areas
Boating & Water Access
Camping & Amenities
Things To Do
Wildlife Viewing
Best Time To Visit
Directions
FAQ

Fool Hollow Lake surrounded by ponderosa pine forest in Show Low Arizona

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

Fool Hollow Lake is a favorite among the White Mountain Lakes for visitors looking for convenience and variety, offering well-maintained facilities and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Its proximity to Show Low and combination of fishing, camping, and water activities make it one of the most accessible and enjoyable lakes in the White Mountains.

Lake Size. The water surface of Fool Hollow is about 150 acres with an average depth of 23 feet.

Fish Variety. The lake has a self-sustaining population of Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Sunfish and Carp. The lake is stocked with catchable size Rainbow Trout during the spring and summer.

Fishing at Fool Hollow Lake is one of the main attractions, offering year-round opportunities for multiple species in an easy-access setting.

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. Anglers commonly target rainbow trout, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, sunfish and catfish. 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.

Fishing highlight: Fool Hollow Lake has produced trophy-size walleye. Arizona's current state-record records list a 33-inch walleye caught at Fool Hollow Lake, reinforcing the lake's 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.

Fool Hollow Lake shoreline and recreation area near Show Low Arizona

Boating And Water Access

Fool Hollow Lake is popular with kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and small fishing boats. Because lake levels and boat-ramp access can change, visitors bringing trailered boats should check the current Arizona State Parks conditions before traveling.

Nonmotorized watercraft are especially well suited to the lake's relatively compact size and protected coves. All watercraft users should follow current Arizona boating regulations and life-jacket requirements.

Current boating advisory: Arizona State Parks currently reports that both Fool Hollow Lake boat-launch ramps are closed because of low water levels. Watercraft that can be launched by hand are permitted to use the ramp areas. Check current park conditions before arriving because lake levels and ramp availability can change.

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. Reservations are recommended for busy summer weekends, holidays and fall-color periods.

Day-use and camping fees apply. Because fees, campsite availability and facility conditions can change, check the official Arizona State Parks website before your visit.

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, changing foliage and generally comfortable hiking and fishing conditions make autumn an excellent time to visit.
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 catfish, 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.

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 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.