Blue Ridge Reservoir - C.C. Cragin Reservoir Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 7, 2026.

Blue Ridge Reservoir, officially named C.C. Cragin Reservoir, is a narrow, canyon-bound lake in the Coconino National Forest along Arizona's Mogollon Rim. Surrounded by steep forested slopes at roughly 6,700 feet, the reservoir is especially popular for kayaking, canoeing, small-boat recreation and rainbow trout fishing. Limited shoreline access and the lake's winding shape give it a distinctly remote character compared with many other Arizona lakes. Rock Crossing Campground provides developed camping nearby, while Forest Road 751 leads to the reservoir, boat launch and day-use access when seasonal road conditions permit.

• Reservoir Overview
• Fishing
• Boating And Kayaking
• Camping
• Things To Do
• Wildlife And Scenery
• Best Time To Visit
• Planning Your Trip
• Directions
• Area Map
• FAQ

Blue Ridge Reservoir Arizona Overview

C.C. Cragin Reservoir, still widely known as Blue Ridge Reservoir, is a long, narrow reservoir formed within the steep canyon of East Clear Creek. Its shape resembles a winding river more than a typical open lake, with forested canyon walls dropping sharply toward the water and relatively little accessible shoreline.

• Official name: C.C. Cragin Reservoir
• Common name: Blue Ridge Reservoir
• Located in the Coconino National Forest
• Elevation approximately 6,695 feet
• Narrow, canyon-shaped reservoir
• Rainbow trout fishery
• Popular for kayaking and canoeing
• 10-horsepower maximum gasoline motor
• Electric motors permitted
• Limited shoreline access
• Vault toilets at the reservoir recreation area
• No potable water at the reservoir itself

Things To Do At Blue Ridge Reservoir

• Kayaking: Paddle the reservoir's narrow canyon arms and forested shoreline.
• Canoeing: Explore quiet water away from the main launch area.
• Fishing: Fish for stocked rainbow trout from a boat, kayak or accessible shoreline.
• Small-Boat Recreation: Use electric motors or gasoline engines of 10 horsepower or less.
• Camping: Stay at nearby Rock Crossing Campground.
• Hiking: Explore surrounding forest roads and trails.
• Mountain Biking: Ride designated forest roads and nearby routes.
• Wildlife Viewing: Watch for elk, mule deer, osprey and bald eagles.
• Photography: Capture narrow canyon water, forest reflections and mountain scenery.
• Scenic Driving: Explore the Happy Jack and Mogollon Rim area.

Fishing At Blue Ridge Reservoir

Blue Ridge Reservoir is managed primarily as a cold-water rainbow trout fishery. Arizona Game & Fish stocks rainbow trout when water and hatchery conditions permit, and boat or kayak anglers generally have an advantage because the reservoir's steep canyon walls provide relatively little easy shoreline access.

• Rainbow Trout: The primary managed sportfish and regularly stocked when conditions permit.
• Green Sunfish: An invasive species with no harvest limit; Arizona Game & Fish encourages removal when caught.
• Golden Shiner: Another invasive fish currently identified in the reservoir by Arizona Game & Fish.
• Boat Fishing: Provides access to deeper water and more of the reservoir's canyon shoreline.
• Kayak Fishing: Especially well suited to the reservoir's narrow shape and limited shore access.
• Shore Fishing: Possible in accessible locations but restricted by steep terrain around much of the reservoir.

Fishing conditions and stocking schedules can change with water levels, weather and reservoir operations. Check current Arizona Game & Fish reports and regulations before each trip.

Boating, Kayaking And Canoeing At Blue Ridge Reservoir

The reservoir's winding canyon shape makes kayaking and canoeing especially popular. Small fishing boats are also permitted, but current Forest Service regulations restrict powered boats to a single electric motor or a single gasoline engine of 10 horsepower or less.

• Kayaks and canoes are ideal for exploring the narrow reservoir.
• Small fishing boats are permitted.
• Gasoline engines are limited to 10 horsepower or less.
• A single electric motor is permitted.
• The boat launch is currently listed as open by the Forest Service.
• Water levels can affect the ease of launching trailered boats.
• Parking is permitted only in designated spaces along restricted portions of Forest Road 751.
• Swimming and wading are prohibited within 50 feet of the boat ramp or dock.
• Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device while boating or paddling.

Reservoir levels can change substantially, so verify current boat-launch conditions before hauling a trailered boat to the lake.

Rock Crossing Campground Near Blue Ridge Reservoir

Rock Crossing Campground is approximately two miles from C.C. Cragin Reservoir and provides the primary developed camping option for lake visitors. The campground sits among ponderosa pine and oak at approximately 7,316 feet and accommodates tents, trailers and recreational vehicles.

• 31 individual family campsites
• Two double campsites
• Picnic tables
• Campfire rings
• Cooking grills
• Tent pads
• Bear-resistant food-storage lockers
• Seasonal drinking water
• Vault toilets
• Trash collection
• Campground hosts during the operating season
• No electric, water or sewer hookups
• No showers

Campground opening dates and services vary by season and weather. Check current Recreation.gov or Coconino National Forest information before traveling.

Wildlife And Scenery Around Blue Ridge Reservoir

The ponderosa pine and oak forests surrounding C.C. Cragin Reservoir provide habitat for a variety of high-country wildlife. Elk and mule deer are frequently found throughout the surrounding forest, while bald eagles, osprey and other birds may be seen around the reservoir and nearby waterways.

• Observe wildlife from a safe distance.
• Never feed wild animals.
• Keep pets leashed or otherwise restrained.
• Store food securely when camping.
• Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for wildlife viewing.
• Pack out fishing line and other trash.
• Watch for wildlife along forest roads, especially near dawn and dusk.

Best Time To Visit Blue Ridge Reservoir

• Spring: Access improves as snow melts and Forest Road 751 reopens; rainbow trout stocking may also begin.
• Summer: Popular for kayaking, boating, camping and escaping lower-elevation Arizona heat.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures, changing forest colors and trout fishing make this an appealing season.
• Winter: Forest Road 751 normally closes because of snow and winter road conditions, making the reservoir inaccessible by vehicle.

Exact access dates vary from year to year. Check current Forest Service road status rather than relying on fixed seasonal opening or closing dates.

Planning A Trip To Blue Ridge Reservoir

• Check Forest Road 751 status before traveling.
• Check current boat-launch conditions and reservoir levels.
• Bring drinking water because potable water is not available at the reservoir recreation site.
• Reserve or confirm campground availability before an overnight trip.
• Review current Arizona fishing regulations and stocking information.
• Check current wildfire and campfire restrictions.
• Bring warm layers even during summer.
• Prepare for afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season.
• Park only in designated spaces.
• Expect limited shoreline access because of steep canyon walls.
• Keep dogs leashed or restrained.
• Pack out all trash and fishing line.

Tips For Visiting Blue Ridge Reservoir

• Arrive Early: Parking and access can be limited during peak season.
• Bring Supplies: Services are limited near the reservoir.
• Check Road Conditions: Forest roads may be rough or muddy after storms.
• Plan for Weather: Conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
• Respect Quiet Setting: Help preserve the peaceful atmosphere.

Directions To Blue Ridge Reservoir

From Flagstaff: Travel approximately 55 miles south on Lake Mary Road to Clint's Well. Continue northeast on State Route 87 for about four miles to Forest Road 751. Turn southeast onto Forest Road 751 and continue approximately six miles to C.C. Cragin Reservoir.

From Payson: Travel north on State Route 87 toward Clint's Well. Turn southeast onto Forest Road 751 and follow the road approximately six miles toward Rock Crossing Campground and the reservoir.

Forest Road 751 is gravel and is generally suitable for passenger vehicles in favorable weather, but snow, heavy rain or maintenance can affect conditions. The road normally closes during winter.

Location Map To Blue Ridge Reservoir

Blue Ridge Reservoir And Rock Crossing Campground Map

Blue Ridge Reservoir Fishing Video

Nearby Mogollon Rim Lakes To Explore

• Woods Canyon Lake: A developed Mogollon Rim lake with trout fishing, boating, camping and marina services.
• Willow Springs Lake: A convenient Highway 260 lake popular for fishing, boating and kayaking.
• Knoll Lake: A forest lake offering fishing, paddling and camping farther east along the Mogollon Rim.
• Chevelon Canyon Lake: A remote hike-in fishing lake known for its rugged canyon setting.
• Bear Canyon Lake: A smaller remote lake popular for trout fishing, kayaking and primitive camping.

Blue Ridge Reservoir Arizona FAQ

Is Blue Ridge Reservoir the same as C.C. Cragin Reservoir?
Yes. Blue Ridge Reservoir is the traditional and widely used name for the reservoir now officially known as C.C. Cragin Reservoir.

Where is Blue Ridge Reservoir?
C.C. Cragin Reservoir is located in the Coconino National Forest along Arizona's Mogollon Rim between Payson and Flagstaff, near Clint's Well and Happy Jack.

What is the elevation of Blue Ridge Reservoir?
The Forest Service lists the reservoir at approximately 6,695 feet above sea level.

What fish are in Blue Ridge Reservoir?
The reservoir is managed primarily as a rainbow trout fishery. Green sunfish and golden shiner are invasive species currently identified by Arizona Game & Fish.

Is Blue Ridge Reservoir stocked with trout?
Yes. Arizona Game & Fish stocks rainbow trout when water, weather and hatchery conditions allow.

Can you kayak on Blue Ridge Reservoir?
Yes. Kayaking and canoeing are among the reservoir's most popular activities because of its narrow canyon shape and limited shoreline access.

Are motorboats allowed?
Yes. Boats may use a single electric motor or a single gasoline engine of 10 horsepower or less.

Is the boat launch open?
The Forest Service currently lists the boat launch as open, but water levels can affect launching conditions. Verify current status before bringing a trailered boat.

Can you fish from shore?
Yes, but shoreline access is limited because steep canyon walls surround much of the reservoir. Boats and kayaks provide access to substantially more fishing water.

Can you camp near Blue Ridge Reservoir?
Yes. Rock Crossing Campground is approximately two miles from the reservoir and provides developed campsites during its operating season.

Does Rock Crossing Campground have drinking water?
Seasonal drinking water is provided at Rock Crossing Campground when campground services are operating. Potable water is not available at the reservoir recreation site itself.

Does Rock Crossing Campground have RV hookups?
No. The campground does not provide electric, water or sewer hookups.

Is Blue Ridge Reservoir open in winter?
Forest Road 751 normally closes during winter because of snow and road conditions, preventing vehicle access to the reservoir.

What is the best time to visit Blue Ridge Reservoir?
Late spring through fall generally provides the most dependable access for fishing, kayaking, boating and camping.

Are dogs allowed at Blue Ridge Reservoir?
Yes. Pets must be restrained or kept on a leash.

Can you swim at Blue Ridge Reservoir?
Swimming is permitted in appropriate areas, but swimming and wading are prohibited within 50 feet of the boat ramp or dock.

More Blue Ridge Reservoir And Mogollon Rim Information

• Payson Area Lakes
• Flagstaff Area Lakes And Fishing
• Payson Arizona
• Flagstaff Arizona
• Woods Canyon Lake
• Willow Springs Lake
• Knoll Lake
• Bear Canyon Lake
• Arizona Fishing Lakes
• Arizona Lakes

Arizona Lakes