Is Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground?

Yes, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground?

Cell phone service at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground have?

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground has 241578 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground?

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground?

Popular activities at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

4.68

126 reviews

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground, Show Low, AZ, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Arizona#3 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Arizona Family-Friendly Campgrounds Arizona +5 more

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,302 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

241578 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,302 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

241578 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground, Show Low, AZ, USA

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground, Show Low, AZ, USA

Nearby places

Show Low (approximately 4 miles), Pinetop-Lakeside (approximately 18 miles), Snowflake (approximately 28 miles)

Weather at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, sunny days and full access to Fool Hollow Lake's water-based activities — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. Boating, swimming, fishing, and family-friendly lakeside camping are at their peak, and the ponderosa-shaded sites stay comfortable even on warm afternoons. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest (expect more boat traffic and full loops), and you should plan hikes for mornings Peak months: June, July, August, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: cool summers (70s–80s) and full access to boating/fishing make summer best.

Planning Tips

About Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground sits in the ponderosa pine forest near Show Low, Arizona, operated by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This very large campground offers full hookups for RVs and tent sites, with direct access to Fool Hollow Lake for boating and fishing. Shaded sites stay comfortable through warm summer days, and the facility includes showers and flush toilets.

The campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including RV camping, tent sites, and areas for group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, sunny days and full access to Fool Hollow Lake's water-based activities — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. Boating, swimming, fishing, and family-friendly lakeside camping are at their peak, and the ponderosa-shaded sites stay comfortable even on warm afternoons. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest (expect more boat traffic and full loops), and you should plan hikes for mornings Peak months: June, July, August, September

Elevation6302 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines dominate the canopy, with junipers and pinyon pines filling out the forest. The lake reflects the sky and hosts Canada geese. Squirrels work the campsites. Deer come down to drink at dusk. One reviewer called it "absolutely beautiful," and the setting does deliver views that contradict the usual Arizona stereotypes. The high elevation keeps things cooler than the desert below.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

Site SizeThe campsites include concrete pads and patios, and are described as being level and spacious. However, some complaints mention 'double' sites being too small to fit two trailers easily.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some are very private, while others are close together, resembling 'buddy sites'. It is important to choose carefully when booking to ensure the level of privacy desired.

Total Campsites241578 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites farther from the lake for privacy; some buddy sites are close together but not facing each other.

Best CampsitesSite 28 gets mentioned for privacy. Mallard Loop has good camp hosts and solid amenities. Beyond that, you'll want to study the map. Privacy varies wildly. Some sites sit close enough to feel like buddy camping whether you want it or not, and a few "double" sites struggle to fit two trailers comfortably.

Amenities available

Electricity, water and sewer are available 5 shower/restroom buildings 2 boat launch ramps Fish cleaning stations 5 ramadas for day use

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides various recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Its serene environment and close proximity to nature make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

126 reviews

Top-Rated

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with reviewers praising its cleanliness, natural beauty, and well-maintained facilities. Some negative feedback highlights privacy concerns and the cramped layout of certain sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 126 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, the stunning views of the lake, and the abundance of recreational activities. The campground's proximity to Show Low and its well-kept...

Based on 126 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention that the 'double' sites are too small to accommodate two trailers comfortably. Others note that certain campsites are too close together, affecting privacy. One user criticized the...

Based on 126 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #28 offers complete privacy. Sites near the lake provide excellent views. Double sites are noted for being overly cramped.

Based on 126 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Select campsites carefully if privacy is important as some are quite close together. Plan visits well in advance, as the campground is very popular. Spring and fall are recommended for visits to...

Based on 126 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late May and early June see thick pine pollen, which may impact enjoyment. Summer is popular for its cooler temperatures compared to other Arizona areas. Winter activities are not specifically...

Based on 126 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The best camping spot we have discovered yet.' - VDDesi. 'Hands down best campground in Arizona in the pines.' - Georgina Lucas. 'Lovely campground, very quiet with tons of tall trees.' - Jenise...

Based on 126 reviews