When I first saw pictures of Blue Ridge Reservoir on the Mogollon Rim of northeastern Arizona, I thought someone made a mistake with their photo captions. I was sure I was looking pics from northern California or Oregon. I was wrong.
“How could a gorgeous, narrow lake that winds for miles through a pine-covered canyon possibly exist in Arizona?”
I had so many questions before I went. It’s likely you do also. In this post I’ll do my best to answer some of the most common questions that come up about Blue Ridge Reservoir.
Questions about Blue Ridge Reservoir I’ll answer in this post:
- Where is Blue Ridge Reservoir?
- When is the best time to go?
- Is Blue Ridge Reservoir open?
- Do I need a pass or permit?
- How much does it cost?
- Is camping allowed?
- Any tips for first time visitors?
Video: Glimpse of Blue Ridge Reservoir on Arizona’s Mogollon Rim
About Blue Ridge Reservoir
Originally named Blue Ridge Reservoir, the name of the dam and reservoir was officially changed to C.C. Cragin in 2004 as part of the the Arizona Water Settlement Act. Most people still refer to it as Blue Ridge.
Cragin served as General Superintendent of the Salt River Project (SRP) utility company in the 1920s and 1930s. He’s remembered for his vision of using SRP’s water management system to generate hydroelectric power.
- Blue Ridge Reservoir, officially renamed C.C. Cragin Reservoir in 2014, is a fresh water lake about 9 miles from the “town” of Clint’s Well, AZ on the Mogollon Rim
- Created in 1965 when a dam was built to meet the water needs of the town of Payson and Gila County
- East Clear Creek is the primary water source for the reservoir
- Measures 8-miles from end to end
- Average depth is 147 feet (44 m)
- Sits at elevation of 6,720 feet (1.1 km)
- Stocked with rainbow and brown trout
- Boating is restricted to human-powered craft such as canoes and kayaks and motors 10 horsepower or smaller
- Freezes over in the winter, unlike most Arizona lakes
Where is Blue Ridge Reservoir?
Blue Ridge Reservoir is located on the Mogollon Rim of Arizona in the vicinity of the “populated place” of Clint’s Wells, AZ.
Getting there
It’s a stop on Highway 87 not even big enough to be considered an unincorporated town. There’s basically and a small convenience store with gas pumps, a restaurant and a trailhead. I couldn’t even get cell service on T-mobile.
My point? It’s out in the sticks. See Blue Ridge Reservoir on a large Google map.
When is the best time to go to Blue Ridge Reservoir?
Unless you want to go ice fishing, May through September are the best months to visit Blue Ridge Reservoir. The water is pretty cold and only suitable for contact with skin during the summer months.
Is Blue Ridge Reservoir open?
Even though the water in Blue Ridge Reservoir sometimes gets drawn down to very low levels, it rarely gets closed to access by the public.
If you want to sure the lake is open before you go, check the status on the U.S. Forest Service website. You can also get the latest water level and percentage of full on the SRP streamflow website.
Low water levels can make it difficult to access the lake; especially if you normally launch your kayak or small boat with a trailer. But if you’re able to carry your craft down to the shoreline, you’ll still be able to paddle around on the lake as long as it’s open.
Do I need a pass or permit to access Blue Ridge Reservoir?
No. This is one of the most remarkable things about Blue Ridge Reservoir. Unlike many of the other beautiful locations with unmatched natural wonder around Arizona, no pass or permit is required to access the lake.
How much does it cost to access Blue Ridge Reservoir?
Nothing. No pass or permit is required. There is no charge to launch boats either.
If you decide to camp in nearby Rock Crossing Campground, which I highly recommend, you’ll need to pay a nominal fee per night. But reservations are not required – or allowed. Keep scrolling for more info about camping.
Is camping allowed at Blue Ridge Reservoir?
There isn’t an actual campground at the reservoir itself. That said, there are ample camping opportunities in the area.
Related: Free Camping Near Me? How to Find Free RV Camping Site
Camping options at Blue Ridge Reservoir
- Rock Crossing Campground is a well-maintained campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service located two miles from the boat launch ramp at the lake. Each campsite has a picnic table, tent pad and fire ring. There are several vault toilets and water spigots located throughout. At the time of this post the cost was only $8 nightly. You can pay cash upon arrival. Reservations are not accepted.
- Dispersed camping options exist along nearby forest roads in great supply. You’ll see some along FR 751, after you turn off Hwy 87. If those are occupied or you want a little more privacy, take a left on FR 751B at the second message board and head north a mile or so. You can set up camp in any of the established sites. Campfire rings made of stone are the only “facilities” you can expect with dispersed camping.
- Camping on the lake shore requires a little more thought and planning. Basically, you load your camping gear and supplies in your boat, kayak or canoe and head out on the water in search of a spot to do your thing. There are no established sites, so this option is as primitive as it gets. Given the delicate nature of the forest, it’s important to leave your campsite exactly as you found it.
Regardless of where you decide to camp, please adhere to the number one rule of Leave No Trace ethics: Pack out anything you pack in.
Any tips for first time visitors to Blue Ridge Reservoir?
I have three key tips for anyone considering visiting Blue Ridge Reservoir for the first time:
- Go as soon as you possibly can, before access to the area is restricted by permits or fees. That’s what tends to happen over time as areas become more popular.
- Plan your trip during the week to avoid crowds. The boat ramp can get pretty busy on weekends. So busy that Forest Service workers often close the entrance gate when the main lot gets full. They allow one car at a time to enter when one car leaves.
- Build in time to explore the Arizona Trail. There’s a small parking area along FR-751 about 2 miles before you reach Blue Ridge Reservoir. Head north or south for as far as you want to see why people travel to Arizona from around the world to check this trail off their bucket lists.
Ready to go check out Blue Ridge Reservoir for yourself? Tap the map below.
Just came from there, wanted to get more info…exceptionally well written with legit info. So had to type here and say thanks Paul.
I really fell in love with Blue Ridge at first sight. Planning to be in the Greer area in September. The pics I’ve seen remind me of Colorado.
That’s how I feel, too. I love CO, so perhaps that is why I liked Greer so much as a kid.
Looks like a beautiful lake. I’d not heard of it. Growing up, we did a lot of fishing in the NE part of AZ, around Pinetop and Greer. I haven’t explored the Payson area as much.
Do one need a 4×4 vehicle to get access to the reservoir?
Is there a kayak rental place near the reservoir that is easy and accessible?
4-wheel-drive is not needed to get to the lake. There is no marina or other services at the lake. If you need to rent a kayak, you’d be best off renting town and hauling it up with you.
4 wheel drive is not needed, but high clearance is definitely recommended. It’s groomed gravel that turns into larger rocks and ruts as you descend to the lake. Any SUV should be fine. Passenger cars, not so much.