Quick Answers
- Show Low Lake is a 100-acre city-operated lake at 6,500 feet — the best walleye fishery in Arizona with multiple state record fish
- The on-site Show Low Lake Campground has 75 sites with some electric hookups, year-round access, and a seasonal boat rental store
- Woodside RV Resort, K-Bar RV Resort, Encore Venture In, and Ponderosa RV Resort serve the Show Low commercial RV park market
- Private land near Show Low through Hookhub starts at $29 per night with full hookups and no self-containment requirement
- Summer weekends fill fast — most Show Low RV parks and campgrounds book out from May through October
Not every Arizona lake gets its own state fishing record. Show Low Lake has five of them — all walleye, the most recent tipping the scales at 16 pounds, 2 ounces. For a 100-acre high country lake sitting at 6,500 feet in the heart of the White Mountains, that is an outsized reputation, and it draws anglers who know that the fishing here punches well above the lake’s size.
Show Low Lake is operated by the City of Show Low off Show Low Lake Road, about a mile south of Highway 260. The surrounding ponderosa pine and juniper forest, the easy access from the city’s commercial corridor, and the campground sitting right on the water make it the most town-adjacent lake camping experience in northern Arizona — a place to stay rather than just a place to stop.
What Is Show Low Lake?
The City of Show Low operates Show Low Lake through a management contract on the city’s southern boundary, adjacent to the Pinetop-Lakeside community. The lake covers 100 acres at 6,500 feet elevation — 200 feet higher than nearby Fool Hollow Lake, adding another degree of cool air in summer and an extra consideration for winter visits when snow is possible on Highway 260.
Average depth runs 33 to 50 feet, deep enough for walleye to hold structure and cold enough to support trout year-round without the complete seasonal die-off that lower-elevation Arizona lakes experience. The Arizona Game and Fish Department supplements the native populations with stocked rainbow trout, and the natural walleye fishery is what separates Show Low Lake from every other White Mountain lake for serious anglers. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill round out a full species list that keeps different types of anglers busy across different seasons and conditions.
Boating is permitted on electric boats and gas-engine vessels limited to a maximum of 10 horsepower — the same restriction as at Fool Hollow Lake, one valley over, which keeps the water calm and navigable for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards alongside the small motorcraft.
What Can You Do at Show Low Lake and in the White Mountains?
Fishing at Show Low Lake: Walleye fishing peaks in spring and fall on rocky bottom structures and near the dam. Stocked trout respond to Power Bait and night crawlers from shore — the lake doesn’t go weedy, so shoreline access is consistent year-round. Bass anglers work the shallows at dawn and dusk. A fish-cleaning station at the campground handles the practical side of a successful day.
Boating and watercraft: The convenience store at the campground rents boats and sells bait and tackle during the summer months. Kayaks and canoes access the quieter coves. The 10-horsepower limit keeps the lake peaceful even during busy summer weekends.
White Mountain recreation nearby: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest surrounds the Show Low area, offering over 100 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails through the White Mountain Trail System. The national forest’s Lakeside Ranger District maintains trails beginning within a short drive of the lake. Pinetop-Lakeside sits a few miles southeast of Show Low, adding additional trails and lake access. The Mogollon Rim is accessible south of town — Heber-Overgaard is about 30 miles via Highway 260 for travelers who want a full day of rim country driving and viewpoints.
In Show Low, Deuce of Clubs, Show Low’s main commercial strip, has restaurants, grocery stores, hardware, and outdoor supply within a few miles of every campground and RV park near the lake. The White Mountain Aquatic Center provides indoor recreation for families on days when the weather limits outdoor fun.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Show Low Lake?
The fishing calendar runs year-round, but the camping experience peaks from late spring through early fall. May through October is the standard open season for the convenience store, boat rentals, and shower facilities at the Show Low Lake Campground. Summer weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day fill the campground and most commercial RV parks in Show Low well in advance — this is the high country’s primary escape window for Phoenix-area travelers.
September and October are the most underrated months. Walleye and bass fishing improve as water temperatures cool, crowds drop from summer peaks, and the fall color in the mixed pine and oak forest brings a scenic dimension that summer does not offer. Spring offers the best stocked trout action as the convenience store reopens and boat rentals come back online.
Winter camping is available but rustic. Shower facilities close seasonally. Snow is possible at 6,500 feet. Self-contained rigs with reliable heating are the practical requirement for cold-weather stays at Show Low Lake.
RV Parks Near Show Low Lake — Commercial Options
Show Low has one of the most developed commercial RV park corridors in the White Mountains, which reflects its position as the region’s primary city and the gateway for most Phoenix-area visitors heading to the high country.
Show Low Lake Campground is the most direct option — 75 sites on the lake itself, some with electric hookups, and the rest as dry camping within a few hundred feet of the water. A dump station and restrooms serve the campground year-round. Shower facilities operate seasonally. A picnic table and fire ring come with every site. The campsite experience here is straightforward and lakeside — the proximity to the water is the primary draw, not the amenities. The campground is open all year, and reservations are recommended for summer weekends.
Woodside RV Resort at 3850 Vacation Village is Show Low’s newest all-ages full-service RV park. The resort is located in the White Mountains on 12 acres of pine forest, with 84 full-hookup sites—30-amp and 50-amp service, water, Wi-Fi, and sewer at every site. Propane fire pits are on-site. The resort is pet-friendly and open year-round. One important note: Woodside has no public bathrooms or showers — all rigs must be self-contained. No tent camping is permitted. Woodfield, their sister 55+ RV and park model community, is nearby for guests who prefer an age-restricted environment.
Encore Venture In on North Clark Road is the Encore-branded RV resort in Show Low — part of the broader Encore network of campgrounds and the only chain-affiliated park in the immediate area.
K-Bar RV Resort on North 16th Avenue is a long-standing Show Low option, offering full-hookup sites close to town. It caters to both short-term travelers and longer seasonal stays.
Ponderosa RV Resort in Lakeside is a 55+ community that also accommodates overnight RV visitors when sites are open. It functions more like a mobile home park with a strong sense of community than a traditional RV resort — with structured daily activities and an unhurried, community-oriented atmosphere. Cable TV, spacious sites, and a close-to-town location in the Pinetop-Lakeside corridor make it a preferred choice for snowbirds and long-term summer residents. The park features planned activities for all ages within its 55-plus demographic and is generally open year-round. Sites are back-in and pull-through on gravel with good spacing between neighbors.
Good Sam members should confirm current affiliated discounts directly with each park before booking — affiliate status and discount availability change.
Private Land Near Show Low — Hookhub Options
These three listings are on Hookhub, which produced this guide. Each offers a private land alternative to the commercial RV park corridor.
Secluded Space w/ Full Hookups is the most affordable at $29 per night — a pull-through site on the outskirts of Show Low, heading toward Vernon, with full hookups (including sewer), an outdoor area, and pets allowed. The site is surrounded by juniper trees and positioned for the kind of seclusion that no in-town commercial campground can replicate. Sites are 15 feet wide by 30 feet long. Monthly, yearly, and storage bookings are available. The listing specifically notes it as suitable for hunting base camp use in addition to recreational stays.
GreatSky CampRanch is a working farm property in Show Low with full hookups on two sites — water, electric, and sewer — at $73 per night. Host Kim keeps farm animals on the property, including goats and chickens. The Valentin review mentions fresh eggs available during their stay and notes that the listing’s location is convenient for traveling between Show Low and Snowflake. WiFi is included, fires are allowed, and instant booking is enabled. A dump station on Deuce of Clubs is seven minutes away, with grocery stores within 10 minutes.
Beautiful Mountain Getaway in Lakeside offers a forested single site at $63 per night, with water and electric hookups, on a gravel driveway under towering ponderosa pine trees. Host Trish has a 4.8 rating. The Adria review notes the quiet atmosphere and the property’s position between Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside — meaning Show Low Lake is a short drive in either direction. Monthly, yearly, and storage options are available for longer stays.
Search current private RV parking near Show Low to check live availability across all three listings.
Practical Trip Planning
Fuel: Deuce of Clubs in Show Low has multiple fuel stations within a few minutes of every campground and private land listing in the area. Plan to fill up in Show Low before heading south on Highway 260 toward Pinetop-Lakeside if your rig runs heavy.
Groceries: Multiple grocery options along Deuce of Clubs in Show Low. The GreatSky CampRanch listing confirms grocery stores 10 minutes from the property.
Dump station: Available at Show Low Lake Campground year-round. A dump station on Deuce of Clubs is seven minutes from GreatSky CampRanch per the listing. Most commercial full-service RV parks near Show Low also have on-site dump access.
Cell coverage: Show Low has reliable multi-carrier coverage throughout the commercial corridor. Coverage holds well at the lake and extends into the national forest road network for most major carriers.
Weather: At 6,500 feet, Show Low receives measurable snowfall from November through March. Summer temperatures are cool by Arizona standards — highs typically in the mid-70s even during July. Check highway conditions on Highway 260 before winter trips from Phoenix.
FAQ
Is Show Low Lake the best walleye lake in Arizona?
Yes, by record. The last five Arizona state walleye records have all come from Show Low Lake, with the standing record at 16 pounds, 2 ounces. The lake’s average depth of 33 to 50 feet and consistent cool water temperature at 6,500 feet support a naturally reproducing walleye population that most Arizona lakes cannot maintain. Walleye fishing is strongest in spring and fall on rocky structure near the dam and along the deeper channel areas. Trout, bass, and catfish round out a full-species fishery that keeps the lake productive across multiple seasons.
Do Show Low RV parks have full hookups with sewer?
Most commercial RV parks in Show Low offer full hookup sites with sewer. Woodside RV Resort has sewer at all 84 sites. The Show Low Lake Campground has some electric hookup sites, but no individual sewer connections — a dump station serves the campground. The Hookhub listings near Show Low include full hookup options with sewer starting at $29 per night and no self-containment requirement at properties with on-site bathrooms.
How far is Show Low Lake from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest trailheads?
Show Low Lake sits inside the general Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest corridor — the forest boundary essentially surrounds the city. The White Mountain Trail System trailheads are within 15 miles of the lake. The Lakeside Ranger District office manages the trails closest to Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside. For the full 100-plus miles of the trail system, the Show Low area is the most central and accessible entry point in the region.
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