Arizona is best known for its vast deserts with dramatic canyons, saguaro cactuses, and self-care sanctuaries (such as this luxurious retreat set in Sedona’s “mystical energy vortex”). Its major metropolises, like Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale, where big city amenities are tucked in the Sonoran desert, further amplify this archetypal scenery. But what if we told you there’s a side of the Grand Canyon State that contradicts this sun and succulent ecosystem? As you head east, Arizona’s White Mountains — spanning with 227 soaring summits, thickets of ponderosa pines, and turquoise highland lakes — reveal the state’s lesser-known traits and create a scenic juxtaposition to the arid climate and low-lying terrains that it’s famous for.
While the White Mountains remain a blip for tourists, for locals from Phoenix and Tucson, it’s a go-to hub (around a four hour drive) to beat the heat. Folks heading here can enjoy its serene mountain towns, varied hiking, wildflower-filled meadows, and incredible lakeside camping. These campgrounds make it easy to set a base steps from water, launch your kayak, wake up early for a hike, and see the stars at night — basically, indulge in the best outdoor experiences. Some are even tucked in or near the valleys within high-elevation towns, so you’re never far away from amenities.
After some careful research, we’ve landed on this list of the most scenic lake campgrounds in Arizona’s White Mountains. While any you’d choose would be scenic, the best spots are more than the views.
1. Fool Hollow Lake Campgrounds
Part of the Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area (a scenic lake park that’s a top spot for water recreation), this campground is set beneath the shady woodlands of the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forests, so the ever-present rustling of leaves and birdsongs are a given. The camp loops wind around thickets of pines, and the sites are peppered in a tiered terrain for lake views. Some campers may have to walk a few steps to reach the loch, where activities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and boating are available to boot.
The site scores a 4.7 on the dyrt and 4.8 on Google. One camper wrote, “Probably one of the nicest campgrounds we’ve stayed at, ever. Can’t beat the price, accommodations abundant & well cared for. Lots of shade in the RV campsites, and this place has space to roam. We got the very last spot… I can see why it’s full.” Other park goers resonated, and also appreciated the location right outside the slower-paced town of Show Low, where creature comforts (like restaurants, gear, and local shops) are accessible.
The Fool Hollow Lake Campgrounds has 29 tent-only sites (restricted for RVers) and 82 sites with hookups — including some with sewer hookups. More details of your campsite are on azstateparks.com. Reviewers advise paying attention to avoid booking double sites (intended for a smaller group) if you want privacy. Bathrooms with showers, a dump station, and water are all available on-site, and nightly fees start at $25.