Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, Show Low, Arizona

Arizona parks are always a delight to visit because of their well-kept campgrounds and desert scenery. Just about two hours southeast of Flagstaff you will find this pine forested campground featuring over 100 campsites. Ninety-two of those sites have hookups, while the other thirty-one are tent only sites. Fool Hollow has a pretty lake that, during our stay, was very low, making it almost unusable to motor boats. The lake was so low that boat launches, fishing docks, and fishing platforms no longer had access to the water's edge. Kayaking and canoeing, as well as shore fishing were all available, but scope out the area first. Some areas of the shoreline are very rocky and more difficult to access. Campsites here are about as good as they come. There are no bad sites. All sites have a cement paved pad, firepit, picnic table, and those with hookups have a nicely appointed hookup station including sewer at most. Some sites are double occupancy and allow for two rigs at each site. These are great for families or friends wanting to camp closely together, although you still each get you own fire pit, picnic table, bbq, and hookups. Sites are nicely spaced from neighbors and offer plenty of space to spread out chairs or a game of corn hole. It was very quiet here even though the campground was fairly full. Maybe the fresh mountain air soothed everyone's soul. We seldom heard anything other than the wind in the trees and the honk of Canadian geese passing overhead. There are several different loops here, so check that your site has the amenities you are looking for. The tent only sites in the Osprey, Bald Eagle, and Harrier loops all have outstanding views of the lake and spectacular rock formations. Accessing the water's edge from these sites is more challenging. Many sites in the Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, and Mallard loops have beautiful lake views and access. The Redhead loop has a couple of sites with lake views and access, but most instead have rocky outcrops that create smaller campsite areas, but interesting rock formations. There is a day use area, camp hosts, amphitheater, showers, restrooms, and a small playground. Ice, wood, and sodas are available for sale. There is a small store selling bait, snacks, and kayak/paddleboard rentals, but it was not open during our mid April (2021 - Covid) stay. Around the lake you will find a short, easy walking path where you can observe Canadian geese and a variety of ducks, including mallards. 

Best Sites:

  • Redhead-11-12
  • Mallard-2, 3, 5-11
  • Ruddy Duck-1-7
  • Cinnamon Teal-13-27
  • Osprey-All
  • Harrier-All
  • Bald Eagle-All

Poor Sites: None
Hookups: Electric, Water & Sewer
Potable Water: Yes
Dump Within Facility: Yes

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