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Blue Ridge Reservoir
Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Camping at Blue Ridge Reservoir
Blue Ridge Reservoir, officially named C.C. Cragin Reservoir, is a narrow, winding mountain lake located on Arizona’s Mogollon Rim in Coconino National Forest. Built in 1965, the reservoir sits at approximately 6,695 feet and is surrounded by steep, pine-covered canyon walls. Its shape makes it look more like a slow-moving river than a traditional lake, creating a unique setting for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing.
Rent Before Driving to Blue Ridge Reservoir
Redline Rentals & Sales is located in Mesa, Arizona—not at Blue Ridge Reservoir. There is no Redline rental booth or equipment pickup location at the lake. Customers must reserve and pick up their kayak or paddleboard from Redline before driving to the Mogollon Rim.
Redline provides paddles, life jackets and transportation equipment and will help load and secure the rental to your vehicle. Planning a longer Blue Ridge Reservoir camping and paddling trip? Rent for two days and get the third day free, giving you more time to camp, fish and explore the reservoir’s peaceful, pine-covered canyon shoreline.
Paddling Blue Ridge Reservoir
Because Blue Ridge Reservoir is more remote and reached by several miles of gravel forest road, it often feels quieter and more secluded than Arizona’s larger recreation lakes. The lake has calm, narrow waterways and no large sandy beaches, allowing paddlers to explore forested shorelines, steep canyon walls and hidden bends. Boats are limited to electric motors or gasoline engines of 10 horsepower or less, which helps create a more peaceful paddling experience.
The reservoir has a developed boat ramp, but parking is limited. Forest Road 751 is generally suitable for passenger vehicles during good weather, although it closes during the winter. Vehicles longer than 22 feet—and vehicle-and-trailer combinations longer than 50 feet—are restricted on the final access road.
Camping Near Blue Ridge Reservoir
There is no designated camping directly at the reservoir. Rock Crossing Campground, located about two miles from Blue Ridge Reservoir, is the closest developed paid campground. It has 31 single-family sites, two double sites, drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, trash service and bear-resistant food lockers. Some campsites may be reserved, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free dispersed camping is also available in designated areas along Forest Road 751.
Blue Ridge Reservoir Map
