Starting April 7, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service will be removing hazard trees in the park. This project may continue for several months. During this time, please excuse the noise from saws and work crews in the camping loops.

 

Due to low water levels, both boat launch ramps are closed. Due to historic low water levels, fishing docks may also be completely out of the water. Kayaks and personal vessels must be launched and carried by hand.

 

May 27 - May 31: The west side of the park will be closed for an event.

 

The park entrance gate opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. Campers with current reservations coming after hours will need to enter the gate code on the PIN pad to gain access. The gate code is included with your camping reservation confirmation.

About Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

In 1879, Thomas Jefferson Adair moved into the area with the intention of farming. The locals joked that only a fool would try and farm the place. The name stuck! The tiny town of Adair has long since been covered by the lake, but it was Adair who was responsible for the name Fool Hollow.

The park along the lake, located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, opened in 1994 as a result of cooperation between the U.S. Forest Service, Arizona State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish and the city of Show Low in partnership with Arizona Public Service and McCarty Construction Company. Today, visitors can camp among the tall pines and hike along the lake at a cool 6,300 feet in elevation. Year-round camping, fishing, picnicking, boating and wildlife viewing opportunities make Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area a popular place. 

Explore Fool Hollow Lake

Camping and RVs

Imagine camping any time of the year among beautiful ponderosa pine trees by a quiet lake. Fool Hollow State Park offers these recreational opportunities and more at this oasis in the forest.

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Boating

Whether its fishing, boating, or paddling, Fool Hollow's peaceful waters give everyone a chance to enjoy the lake. Rent a paddle watercraft from our on-site concessionaire.

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Programs & Events

Black Bears

Saturday, June 13, 2026 7:30 p.m.

Chronicles the life of a black bear in the form of a story of a black bear that visited Fool Hollow. Explores how to keep bears from being habituated and staying safe in bear country.

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Nature Walk at Fool Hollow Lake

Fridays, June 5 and 19, 2026 9 a.m.

Join a U.S. Forest Service ranger for a walk at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area! Learn about the park and spot birds and wildlife along the way.

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Children's Program: Trees

Saturday, June 20, 2026 4:00 PM

Ponderosa are more than just a trees, they affect every aspect of White Mountain habitats. What is a ponderosa pine? Why does the Southwest have the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world?

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Children's Program: Rats and Bats

Saturday, June 27, 2026 4 PM

Rodents and bats can seem weird, but can be very beneficial wildlife to both people and the environment. There are a wide variety of rodents at Fool Hollow, including the two largest rodents in North America!

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Wings Over Water

Saturday, June 27, 2026 7:30 p.m.

Join Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area for an hour-long evening program about the bald eagles and ospreys of Fool Hollow Lake.

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4th of July Celebration at Fool Hollow Lake

Saturday, July 4, 2026 6-8:30 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day with us on July 4th, 2026, at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area! Enjoy family activities and enjoy a beautiful day in the pines. Free entry into the park to see the fireworks is available starting at 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. This is an Outdoors250 event.

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Park and Facility Hours

Park is open year-round

November - March

Gates open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

April - October:

Gate open 5:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m..

*Camping guests with current reservations arriving after 8:00 p.m. must enter the gate code on the PIN pad to gain access. Codes are included in the reservation confirmation email.

Day Use

8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. daily

Visitor Center/Park Store

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily

Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: Contact station is closed. Please use self-pay stations.

Park Entrance Fee

Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
Individual/bicycle: $5.00

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