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