Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Discover a peaceful mountain retreat in Arizona’s White Mountains.

Under a canopy of old-growth pine trees at an elevation of 6,300 feet, outdoor recreation along Arizona’s Mogollon Rim changes by the season. Located north of Show Low in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Fool Hollow Lake offers year-round outdoor recreation. Explore the waterways and set off into the surrounding forest to explore the beauty of Arizona’s high country.

Get on the Water

The lakes along Arizona’s Mogollon Rim offer some of the best fishing in the state. Rainbow trout are stocked here year-round, while native populations of smallmouth and largemouth bass plus walleye and pike attract anglers. Fish from the shoreline or row out to deeper water to stalk the trophy fish down below. During the day, take a dip in the water or launch motorized and non-motorized watercrafts to explore the area. May through August, a local outfitter sets up shop at one of the two boat ramps to rent kayaks, canoes and mountain bikes and to sell camping and fishing supplies.

Camp Under the Stars

Surrounded by the world’s largest continuous stand of ponderosa pine trees, this mountain paradise overflows with wildlife including elk and deer, coyotes, bobcats and beavers. Pitch a tent or pull an RV into one of the campsites that hug the shoreline of Fool Hollow Lake to soak in the natural beauty. Choose from more than 30 basic sites with fire rings and picnic tables or more than 90 RV sites, which extend the camping season into the cooler months. All sites offer quick access to one of the prettiest lakes in Arizona’s White Mountains.

Take a Scenic Drive

The town of Show Low is just 5 miles south of Fool Hollow Lake. From there, combine three mountain highways to create a scenic loop that winds through the vast White Mountain Apache tribal lands. Highways 260, 73 and 60 take visitors to the charming cities of Pinetop-Lakeside and tribal enterprises such as Hon-Dah Resort Casino. Also plan to visit Fort Apache, a well-preserved military outpost active during the Apache Wars era. Just west of the fort, take a short hike out to an Ancestral Pueblo village at Kinishba Ruins.