Campground Overview:
Tucked in the Coconino National Forest about 10 miles north of Blue Ridge Reservoir, this small, secluded campground offers a peaceful retreat among tall pines and canyon views. The reservoir—narrow and winding like a river—makes for a stunning backdrop to fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water. Anglers will find rainbow, brown, and brook trout in the cold, clear waters.
Beyond fishing, the area is perfect for wildlife watching, hiking, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the serene forest setting. Whether you’re exploring the canyon uplands or relaxing in the shade with the squirrels for company, Blue Ridge offers a quiet escape from city life.
Campsites:
Blue Ridge Campground features 10 designated campsites tucked beneath a mix of ponderosa pine, oak, and quaking aspen. Each site includes:
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Picnic table
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Fire ring with grill
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Drinking water
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Vault toilets
The campground is well-maintained and ideal for tent camping or small RVs.
Getting There:
Blue Ridge Campground is located off Forest Road 138, about 1 mile east of Highway 87 near milepost 298.8. It lies approximately:
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Developed |
Season: |
May to September |
Nearby City: |
Payson |
Fishing: |
Blue Ridge Reservoir |
Campground Website: |
Blue Ridge Campground |
Campground Map: |
N/A |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir
This narrow, winding body of water looks more like a canyon-bound river than a lake. Nestled between forested canyon walls it provides picturesque water recreation in a secluded, wooded setting. If fishing is your cup of tea, you can catch rainbow, brown or brook trout here, stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If your taste runs to other types of recreation, the sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking here in the canyon-carved uplands of the Mogollon Plateau will make you glad you chose to visit this out of the way lake.
In 2018, C.C. Cragin Reservoir will become an important water source for the town of Payson, Arizona. Forest thinning and prescribed burning in the area under the Cragin Watershed Protection Project will help protect this valuable water source and improve forest health in the area. C.C. Cragin Dam was built in 1965 by Phelps Dodge, and later transferred to the Salt River Project.
Nearby hiking trails also provide exceptional recreational opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape: Rock Crossing Trail No. 18, Arizona Trail Passage 28: Happy Jack, and Kinder Crossing Trail No. 19
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
