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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Blue Ridge Reservoir

Blue Ridge Reservoir, near Happy Jack, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and want to escape the hustle and bustle. This area offers a unique experience with plenty of dispersed camping options, allowing you to find your own slice of nature to set up camp.

Visitors rave about the stunning scenery and the peaceful atmosphere. Many have enjoyed fishing in the beautiful lake and exploring the surrounding woods, with one camper noting, “We felt like we were in Colorado.” The area is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

The lack of facilities means you’ll need to come prepared, but that’s part of the charm. Campers appreciate the privacy and seclusion, with numerous spots tucked away in the trees. As one reviewer put it, “There are so many random spots you can stop at to camp.” Just remember to pack out what you bring in and leave the area better than you found it.

For those looking to get active, kayaking and paddleboarding on the reservoir are popular activities, and the nearby trails offer great hiking opportunities. Whether you’re fishing, exploring, or just soaking in the views, Blue Ridge Reservoir is a perfect getaway for anyone wanting to connect with nature.

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Location

Blue Ridge Reservoir is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.55466152 N
111.20721228 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

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Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Blue Ridge Reservoir needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

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7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 22, 2022

Good dispersed camping on FR 751B

About a few miles above the reservoir boat launch area. FR 751B has tons of dispersed areas with fire rings and good privacy. Good location for an overnight camp spot.

Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Julie S., August 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Julie S., August 22, 2022
Reviewed May. 10, 2022

Beautiful Backcountry Wilderness

What an awesome area with an endless amount of spots to set up camp at. Like others my wife and I drove way past the turn to the dispersed camping area and made our way down to the water. But like Boss Ross always said, that turned out to be a happy mistake because it was so beautiful down there. We felt like we were in Colorado. We went to the end and turned around and ended up finding a camping spot in a very secluded area that over looked the cliff. Also, I did not know the Arizona Trail goes right through this area. RAD!! Over all, an epic spot and we will be back. Next time we will try and find that overlook spot of the view of the reservoir.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Michael B., May 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Michael B., May 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Michael B., May 10, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2021

Incredible camping with some work

One of the best sites in all of Az. This is specific to dispersed camping around the lake as that is what we took part in. Lots of available areas where you can find seclusion and quiet surrounded by a beautiful area. We spent two nights off the lake that took some hunting to find but well worth it.

No facilities so please pack out everything you bring in and keep it better than how you found it. There are facilities around but if you’re dispersed they won’t necessarily be there for you.

Fishing was great and the lake was beautiful. Primo spot and area.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Alex S., June 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Alex S., June 28, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 20, 2021

Beautifully Natury

Absolutely loved it up here. Saw a group of elk, and paddle boarded on the reservoir! Lots of camp sites some big some small, highly recommed everyone experience this!

Siteno labeled sites, but near the Arizona State Trail
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jan. 10, 2021

Cozy spot in the woods

Heavily wooded area with tons of space for dispersed sites. Road is in great shape and easy for our travel trailer to make it in. Camping spots are towards the beginning of the road you turn off of, so don’t drive all the way down to the water like we did lol

  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Alex H., January 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Alex H., January 10, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

When in Doubt, Kayak it Out...

Stunning. This is one of the most peaceful places I’ve been to in Arizona. It’s serene, not too many people, didn’t see a motorized boat in sight, and it’s a great place to chill. We brought our kayaks here and stayed one night a few hours out into the water. There are so many random spots you can stop at to camp, and several places to explore. Guaranteed Zen.

  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Jenn L., July 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Jenn L., July 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Jenn L., July 21, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2019

A hidden gem

There are a few things I wish I'd have known before this trip. The parking lot is pretty small, once you drop your kayak/canoe/small boat, you have to drive up a steep little dirt incline to park your car near the restrooms. You can also follow along a rough trail along the ridge with steep drop offs and go down to the dam where the road ends, if you want to explore some. The road from 87 to the water is pretty rough and rattled a rip into our jeep soft top. You will be shaken all the way down. 

Go early, the few camp spots along the river fill up quickly. There are a lot of canoe and kayak campers who make their camp early in the day and then set out to fish, so by the time we head downs stream to find a spot on a Saturday round 6 or so it was very full. We found about the very last camp spot along the river, 4 miles down from the boat dock. Some parts of the river are just craggy rock jutting straight down in the river and then high up into the sky, making for great views but little room for camp spots. The camp spots that are around are secluded, grassy and gorgeous. If it hadn't been raining on the one random day it decided to rain this month, we'd have had more fun that evening, taking in the sights, sounds and hanging out by the waterside. 

There are a a few maintained campgrounds around, Rock Crossing seemed to be the popular one but it is not ON the water. I think you may be able to hike down to the water from the campsite, however. There are dogs everywhere! Does in canoes, dogs in kayaks, dogs on the shore, it was a puppy party! There are also plenty of fish. Where we camped at the water's end there were little baby fish that we caught, but all the bigger fish were splashing along the deeper areas. There are also places to jump from the rocks and swim. There is zero cell service down in the water. In fact, I didn't get any service until getting up near the one gas station kinda by Happy Jack on 87. If you're down on the water there is quite a ways before you reach a gas station with any kind of anything you may need, but for a gas station they're pretty stocked with fishing and camping gear. So much fun to be had!

SiteAt the very end
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Kaysha R., June 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Kaysha R., June 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Reservoir by Kaysha R., June 25, 2019
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Blue Ridge Reservoir?

    Blue Ridge Reservoir is located at 7005 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Blue Ridge Reservoir?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Blue Ridge Reservoir, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.