A LITTLE HISTORY
About Blue Ridge Reservoir, Arizona
Blue Ridge Reservoir, officially C.C. Cragin Reservoir, was built in 1965. It sits at about 6,695 feet on Arizona's Mogollon Rim in Coconino National Forest, a narrow, winding lake between steep, pine-covered canyon walls.
Its shape makes kayaking and paddleboarding on Blue Ridge Reservoir feel more like paddling a slow river than a typical lake. Launch from the developed ramp and camp at Rock Crossing Campground or in the free dispersed sites along Forest Road 751. Rent your kayak or paddleboard at Redline in Mesa, about 2 and a half hours from the reservoir.
Where to paddle
- –Developed ramp
- –Limited parking, go early
- –Paddle the winding canyon
- –About 2 miles from the reservoir
- –Water, vault toilets and bear boxes
- –Free dispersed camping along FR 751
PLAN YOUR TRIP
More about Blue Ridge Reservoir
Getting to Blue Ridge Reservoir
The reservoir is reached by several miles of gravel on Forest Road 751, generally fine for passenger cars in good weather. The road closes in winter, and vehicles over 22 feet or vehicle-and-trailer combos over 50 feet are restricted on the final stretch.
Camping near Blue Ridge
There’s no camping at the reservoir itself. Rock Crossing Campground, about two miles away, has 31 single and 2 double sites with drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, trash service and bear-resistant food lockers. Free dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas along Forest Road 751.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard for Blue Ridge
Every rental from Redline includes paddles, life jackets, foam roof blocks and tie-down straps, and we help you load up. No roof rack needed. Rent 2 days and the 3rd day is free. See rental rates or read our rental FAQs.
Good to know
RENT FOR THE LAKE
Paddleboards $35 · Kayaks $40
Per day. Rent 2 days, get the 3rd free. Pick up in Mesa and you're at Blue Ridge Reservoir in about 2 and a half hours.
SALES
Looking to buy a paddleboard for Blue Ridge Reservoir?
100's of boards to choose from. Many shapes, sizes and prices. FREE seat with every purchase.
Shop paddleboards
