Ruddy Duck Campground sits at 6,302 feet on the shores of Fool Hollow Lake in Arizona's White Mountains, offering 111 sites split between tent-only areas and RV spots with full or partial hookups. The campground stays open year-round with friendly hosts, clean facilities, and concrete pads, though some sites border steep cliffs and require careful backing in. Summer weekends fill fast, so reserve ahead.
Combination campground with tent-only non-hookup sites, electric RV sites (some with sewer), and reservable group day-use areas.
Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best window for lake recreation, with daytime highs around 70–85°F and nights cooling into the mid-40s to low 50s. It's a legitimate escape from desert heat, and gate hours run longer from April through October to maximize daylight for boating and fishing. Elk and waterfowl sightings peak during these months. July and August bring afternoon monsoon thunderstorms that can roll in quickly. The campground operates year-round, but some loops close seasonally in winter and gate hours shift to a shorter November–March schedule.
Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines shade most of the campground, with the lake's surface reflecting clouds that drift across the White Mountain sky. Elk graze along the shoreline in early mornings and evenings, and their bugling echoes through camp at night during fall. Waterfowl glide above the water, and the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest provides a quiet backdrop of pine-scented forest. Some lakeside sites offer wide views across the water, while others tuck into the trees for more shade and privacy. The tradeoff: exterior sites near the cliff edge require extra caution when maneuvering RVs past rocks and trees.
Geological RegionArizona's White Mountain region
Scenic ViewsLakeside views and forested surroundings; some campsites are located near cliffs and rocky ledges overlooking the water.