Bartlett Lake Guide

Boating, fishing, and where to buy your Tonto Pass on the way.

Where to buy on the wayOfficial USFS Page
  • $8/day at vendors, $12 on-site
  • Annual passes accepted, watercraft +$4

Buy a Pass Before You Go

Every Bartlett Lake day-use area and boat launch requires a Tonto Pass: Rattlesnake Cove, SB Cove, Jojoba, Bartlett Flat, the marina, all of it. Grab the $8 day pass at a vendor in Cave Creek before you turn onto Bartlett Dam Road; the $80 annual pass and America the Beautiful also work.

There are no vendors on Bartlett Dam Road, so buy before you leave Cave Creek.

From Scottsdale

via Cave Creek Rd — last vendors before the lake

From East Valley

via Beeline Hwy (AZ-87) through Fountain Hills

See every vendor on the map

Boating & Fishing

Rent the whole setup at the marina, or launch your own boat and fish the coves.

Marina RentalsPontoons, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards, plus a fuel dock and small store with basics.Reservations recommended
Multiple Launch RampsBartlett is quieter than Saguaro or Canyon Lake, with plenty of room to spread out on the water.PWC allowedTonto Pass required at all launch areas

Fishing

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Crappie
  • Catfish
  • Sunfish

One of the better bass lakes near Phoenix. Best fishing in spring and fall. Bank fishing at several day-use areas, or take a boat into the coves. Check azgfd.com for current reports and stocking schedules.

Water Level & Conditions

Check before you go

Managed by Salt River Project. Levels fluctuate seasonally and low water affects boat launch access. Limited shade at the lake, so check the forecast before you go in summer.

View current levels

Access Points

All four fill on holiday weekends. Arrive early Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Pass required

Rattlesnake Cove

Ramadas and shoreline access. Popular spot.

Directions
Pass required

SB Cove

Boat launch and day-use area.

Directions
Pass required

Bartlett Flat

Larger day-use area near the dam.

Directions
Pass required

Jojoba

Picnic tables and lake access.

Directions

About Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake is a 2,815-acre reservoir on the Verde River in Tonto National Forest, about 48 miles northeast of Phoenix. The drive out Bartlett Dam Road takes you through rugged Sonoran Desert — saguaros, mesquite, and open sky. Quieter and more remote than Saguaro or Canyon Lake, it draws anglers, boaters, and anyone looking for space, with multiple coves, a marina, and several day-use areas along the shore.

Bartlett Dam Road is paved and scenic all the way to the marina. Some secondary spur roads past the marina, like those to Bartlett Flat and Horseshoe Dam, are unpaved.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Bartlett Dam Road is paved to the marina. Some secondary roads past the marina (Bartlett Flat, Horseshoe Dam) are unpaved.
  • Cell service drops off quickly past Cave Creek. Download offline maps and share your plans with someone before you go.
  • Buy your Tonto Pass in Cave Creek or Carefree. There are no vendors on Bartlett Dam Road.
  • Arrive by 7am on summer weekends and holidays. Day-use areas and launch ramps fill early.
  • Bring plenty of water. There's limited shade at the lake and summer temps regularly exceed 105°F.
  • Gas up in Cave Creek or Carefree. The nearest fuel at the lake is the marina dock (boats only).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a Tonto Pass for Bartlett Lake?
Yes. A Tonto Pass is required to park at all Bartlett Lake day-use areas and boat launches. On-site fee machines charge $12/day; buying from a vendor in Cave Creek or Carefree beforehand costs $8.
How do I check Bartlett Lake water level?
Bartlett Lake water levels are managed by Salt River Project (SRP). Check the SRP Daily Water Report at watershedconnection.com for current elevation, storage, and boat ramp depths. Levels fluctuate seasonally and affect launch access.
Can you rent boats at Bartlett Lake?
Yes. Bartlett Lake Marina rents pontoons, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. The marina also has a fuel dock and small store. Reservations are recommended on weekends.
Is Bartlett Dam Road paved?
Yes. Bartlett Dam Road is a paved, scenic road all the way to the marina and main recreation areas. Some secondary spur roads past the marina (to Bartlett Flat, Horseshoe Dam) are unpaved.
Where can I buy a Tonto Pass near Bartlett Lake?
The closest vendors are in Cave Creek, about 20 miles from the lake. Gas stations and convenience stores sell the $8 daily pass. Buy one before you head down Bartlett Dam Road. There are no vendors once you leave town.

Find a Tonto Pass Vendor Near You

Buy before you head out. $8/day required at all Bartlett Lake parking areas and boat launches.

Find nearest vendor