Fool Hollow Lake and Recreation Area in Show Low, Arizona, with kids is an affordable outing for families exploring the White Mountains.
If you’re staying in Show Low or Pinetop-Lakeside (this area is known as the White Mountains), this is an easily accessible Arizona State Park for families to enjoy many options of outdoor recreation, from boating to fishing, hiking to picnicking, this state park has it all (including the cleanest bathrooms we’ve ever encountered in a park).
Keep reading for how to maximize a day at Fool Hollow Lake with your family!
We went in early August and stayed for a half day–the only reason we left was that there wasn’t a lot of shade, so I was being sun cautious because I hadn’t brought our pop-up shade.
XO,
Amy
Where is Fool Hollow Lake?
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is in Show Low, Arizona, and is in the heart of the town.
If you’re staying in town (or in Pinetop-Lakeside), this state park isn’t more than a 20 minute drive, and it’s easy to get to no matter the type of vehicle you have.
There’s options at this park for dry land and water activities; we’ll break them down below.
There’s also camping sites here, but we have not stayed in them. (For our favorite Arizona hiking spots, check out this post). Or, if you’re new to camping, check out Arizona State Park’s family camping program that provides tents and training for families to camp for the first time.
What is there to do at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area that’s on dry land?
Head straight to Meadowlark area after passing through the guard station. It’s the best “home base” for the day with kids for dry land activities.
It’s near the ultra-clean bathrooms (at least the day we visited!), the playground, fishing dock, picnic area and the 1.8 mile hike.
The playground here is a typical one that you’d find in your local city park, but there is a super tall slide that’s noteworthy. We started our day at the playground and ended our day here as well.
Next, head down to one of the fishing docks for kids to cast a line. (We love this safe, kid fishing pole that doesn’t require hooks, worms, etc.) The ranger told us at this lake, it’s easier fishing (or just casting, like we do with the kids poles), off the docks–it ensures poles aren’t catching plants, getting stuck in rocks, etc.
There’s one hiking trail here, and it’s quite flat and kid-friendly. We didn’t do the full 1.8 mile walk, but the portion we did was very doable for my four-year-old. It would also be easy for baby wearing or a stroller (after you get the stroller down stairs).
Heads up on the hike: it’s not a loop, so plan to backtrack and log the same mileage to get to your starting point when you decide it’s time to turn around.
Is Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area good for kids?
Yes! From it being a short, easy drive to get to the recreation area, to there being so many ways to play, it’s a good activity to fill the day while staying in the White Mountains.
My son loved going from fishing to the playground to wading into the water, back to fishing, etc. all in such close proximity so I could say yes to all these things.
What to bring for a day at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area?
I brought a camping chair and set it up by the shore while my son waded in the water and played on the shoreline for a few hours. I brought our basic beach/sand toys that we bring to parks or the Salt River (buckets, shovels, etc.) and a few small water squirters. I also brought my son’s lifejacket for him to wear while wading on the shore.
Next time, I’d bring a pop-up shade tent to spend more time here. The sun was full force, and along the shoreline, there isn’t much opportunity for shade at all. Rashguards and hats are a must.
We packed a picnic lunch, and I’d absolutely recommend planning to eat there. The ramadas near Meadowlark offer beautiful views of the lake (and they have charcoal grills if you want to grill).
If you own paddle boards or kayaks, bring them! There’s a little rental shop as well if you want to rent by the hour (very reasonable prices).
What is the entrance fee for Fool Hollow Lake?
Pricing differs on different days of the week:
- Mon – Thurs per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00
- Fri. – Sun. and holidays per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $10.00
- Individual/bicycle: $3.00
I also appreciated that admission allows for in-and-out privileges for the full day.
