If you’re looking for year-round camping in Arizona, Fool Hollow Lake is right up your alley. A hidden gem perched high up in the White Mountains, this placid oasis is surrounded by a lush forest of evergreen pines. Offering all sorts of outdoor activities in the water and on land, the lake is worth a visit no matter the season.

Tucked away in the lush Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Show Low, Fool Hollow Lake is a true hidden gem.

Arizona State Parks This is one of the Show Low Lakes that is a true nature lover’s paradise, offering year-round camping, as well as fishing, picnicking, boating, and wildlife viewing.

A pristine oasis, the lake features deep blue waters that contrast starkly against the surrounding evergreen pines.

Arizona State Parks The area sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, so it’s the perfect escape from the oppressive Arizona summer heat.

Snow often covers the ground in the winter, but that doesn’t keep visitors away from this ideal spot for winter camping in Arizona.

Facebook/Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area If anything, the park is even more popular during the colder months. After all, it looks like a frozen fairytale!

Given how far the lake is from civilization, the night skies are absolutely spectacular.

TripAdvisor management After pitching your tent and getting a fire going, lay back and marvel at the trillions of stars glittering in the cosmos.

Both tent and RV campsites are available, and nearly all of them offer direct waterfront views.

TripAdvisor/Courtkneelvira2018 Reservations can be made online at the Arizona State Park website. Please note: there is a $5, non-refundable fee per reserved site.

Picture yourself sitting here, the cool, northern Arizona breeze whipping the pine leaves around and dancing across your skin.

TripAdvisor/TheHappyCampers227 Deer and elk frolic through the forest, and the placid lake waters shimmer in the sunlight. We can’t imagine a better weekend getaway - no matter the season.

Want to get a good idea of what it’s like to stay at the Fool Hollow Lake Campground? Check out this video for a complete tour and review.

Arizona State Parks

This is one of the Show Low Lakes that is a true nature lover’s paradise, offering year-round camping, as well as fishing, picnicking, boating, and wildlife viewing.

The area sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, so it’s the perfect escape from the oppressive Arizona summer heat.

Facebook/Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

If anything, the park is even more popular during the colder months. After all, it looks like a frozen fairytale!

TripAdvisor management

After pitching your tent and getting a fire going, lay back and marvel at the trillions of stars glittering in the cosmos.

TripAdvisor/Courtkneelvira2018

Reservations can be made online at the Arizona State Park website. Please note: there is a $5, non-refundable fee per reserved site.

TripAdvisor/TheHappyCampers227

Deer and elk frolic through the forest, and the placid lake waters shimmer in the sunlight. We can’t imagine a better weekend getaway - no matter the season.

Visit the park’s website or Facebook page for more information, such as park entrance fees.

Have you ever camped at Fool Hollow Lake? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. For more year-round camping in Arizona, check out our previous article.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low, AZ 85901, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Fool Hollow Lake January 19, 2023 Libby Monson Where can I find a beautiful lake in Arizona? Fool Hollow Lake is a beautiful lake in Arizona, but there are so many more to explore. So pack up the camping gear, kayaks, and fishing poles and head out to one of these beautiful spots. 

Canyon Lake Roosevelt Lake Patagonia Lake Watson Lake Saguaro Lake Peña Blanca Lake Willow Springs Lake Crown King Basin Water Users Recreation site Lake Pleasant Lake Powell Alamo Lake Woods Canyon Lake

  What are some great hikes near water in Arizona? In a desert state like Arizona, it’s essential to have a few go-to hikes near water. The lush vegetation, peaceful sounds, and increased wildlife activity make hiking near water enjoyable, whether you are solo hiking or bringing the family along. So give these hikes a try for a fun adventure. 

Bell Trail at Wet Beaver Creek Canyon Creek Dorsey and Kelsey Springs Trails Horton Creek Trail #285 Thompson Trail #629 Waterfall Trail at Fossil Creek West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108

  Where should I stop to eat when I visit the Show Low Lakes? Hiking, fishing, boating, and camping in the beautiful Show Low Lakes can make you hungry! Luckily, the towns of Show Low and Pinetop have some great restaurants to refuel you for your next adventure. So, give the following local spots a try.

The House in Show Low, Arizona Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Show Low, Arizona Guayo’s El Rey in Show Low, Arizona Charlie Clark’s in Pinetop, Arizona Darbi’s Cafe in Pinetop, Arizona

 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Fool Hollow Lake

January 19, 2023

Libby Monson

Where can I find a beautiful lake in Arizona? Fool Hollow Lake is a beautiful lake in Arizona, but there are so many more to explore. So pack up the camping gear, kayaks, and fishing poles and head out to one of these beautiful spots. 

Canyon Lake Roosevelt Lake Patagonia Lake Watson Lake Saguaro Lake Peña Blanca Lake Willow Springs Lake Crown King Basin Water Users Recreation site Lake Pleasant Lake Powell Alamo Lake Woods Canyon Lake

  What are some great hikes near water in Arizona? In a desert state like Arizona, it’s essential to have a few go-to hikes near water. The lush vegetation, peaceful sounds, and increased wildlife activity make hiking near water enjoyable, whether you are solo hiking or bringing the family along. So give these hikes a try for a fun adventure. 

Bell Trail at Wet Beaver Creek Canyon Creek Dorsey and Kelsey Springs Trails Horton Creek Trail #285 Thompson Trail #629 Waterfall Trail at Fossil Creek West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108

  Where should I stop to eat when I visit the Show Low Lakes? Hiking, fishing, boating, and camping in the beautiful Show Low Lakes can make you hungry! Luckily, the towns of Show Low and Pinetop have some great restaurants to refuel you for your next adventure. So, give the following local spots a try.

The House in Show Low, Arizona Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Show Low, Arizona Guayo’s El Rey in Show Low, Arizona Charlie Clark’s in Pinetop, Arizona Darbi’s Cafe in Pinetop, Arizona

 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Fool Hollow Lake is a beautiful lake in Arizona, but there are so many more to explore. So pack up the camping gear, kayaks, and fishing poles and head out to one of these beautiful spots. 

  • Canyon Lake
  • Roosevelt Lake
  • Patagonia Lake
  • Watson Lake
  • Saguaro Lake
  • Peña Blanca Lake
  • Willow Springs Lake
  • Crown King Basin
  • Water Users Recreation site
  • Lake Pleasant
  • Lake Powell
  • Alamo Lake
  • Woods Canyon Lake

 

What are some great hikes near water in Arizona?

In a desert state like Arizona, it’s essential to have a few go-to hikes near water. The lush vegetation, peaceful sounds, and increased wildlife activity make hiking near water enjoyable, whether you are solo hiking or bringing the family along. So give these hikes a try for a fun adventure. 

  • Bell Trail at Wet Beaver Creek
  • Canyon Creek
  • Dorsey and Kelsey Springs Trails
  • Horton Creek Trail #285
  • Thompson Trail #629
  • Waterfall Trail at Fossil Creek
  • West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108

Where should I stop to eat when I visit the Show Low Lakes?

Hiking, fishing, boating, and camping in the beautiful Show Low Lakes can make you hungry! Luckily, the towns of Show Low and Pinetop have some great restaurants to refuel you for your next adventure. So, give the following local spots a try.

  • The House in Show Low, Arizona
  • Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Show Low, Arizona
  • Guayo’s El Rey in Show Low, Arizona
  • Charlie Clark’s in Pinetop, Arizona
  • Darbi’s Cafe in Pinetop, Arizona