Bartlett Lake
A scenic desert lake offering fishing, boating, camping, and hiking, just an hour from Phoenix.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, good fishing
Bartlett Lake
Best Time
Pleasant weather, good fishing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic desert lake offering fishing, boating, camping, and hiking, just an hour from Phoenix.
"Beautiful lake and surroundings. Great place to bring your family to, camping sites, BBQ, boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking."
🎯 Check Lake Status First
Always confirm Bartlett Lake is open before you go; closures can happen. :information_source:
💰 Tonto Pass Required
Purchase your Tonto Pass at a Circle K for $8. Bring cash for convenience. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bass Fishing Hotspot
Throughout the lake
Anglers rave about consistent catches, especially for largemouth bass. It's a prime spot for both experienced and novice fishermen.
+2
Scenic Camping & Picnics
Shoreline and recreation areas
Enjoy camping right by the water with covered picnic tables offering stunning desert lake views. Perfect for families and pets.
Watersports Adventures
Main lake area
Rent boats, jet skis, or paddleboards for a refreshing escape from the heat. The clear waters are ideal for a day of aquatic fun.
+1
Horseshoe Dam Waterfall
Near Bartlett Lake
A unique spillway creates a temporary 'waterfall' you can walk behind when water is released. Check flow rates before visiting.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check for Closures Before You Go
Tonto Pass & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Lake Status First
Always confirm Bartlett Lake is open before you go; closures can happen. :information_source:
💰 Tonto Pass Required
Purchase your Tonto Pass at a Circle K for $8. Bring cash for convenience. :ticket:
🎣 Bass Fishing is Popular
Many visitors report successful bass fishing, especially in spring.
💧 Water Levels Vary
Lake levels can be low after dry periods. Check conditions if water activities are your priority.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Lake Status First
Always confirm Bartlett Lake is open before you go; closures can happen. :information_source:
💰 Tonto Pass Required
Purchase your Tonto Pass at a Circle K for $8. Bring cash for convenience. :ticket:
🎣 Bass Fishing is Popular
Many visitors report successful bass fishing, especially in spring.
💧 Water Levels Vary
Lake levels can be low after dry periods. Check conditions if water activities are your priority.
🚗 Easy Drive from Phoenix
Just an hour from Phoenix, it's a convenient escape for a day trip or weekend.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Outing
Bring your furry friends! Many visitors enjoy hiking and picnicking with their dogs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bartlett Lake is praised for its beautiful desert scenery, clean facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors appreciate the ample shoreline and picnic areas, making it a great family-friendly destination. Some note that fishing can be inconsistent, and water levels may be low at times, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile escape close to Phoenix.
"Beautiful lake and surroundings. Great place to bring your family to, camping sites, BBQ, boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. The restrooms are clear. There are lots of covered picnic tables with gorgeous views. Right now, flowers are blooming. Don't miss this opportunity to take amazing pictures."
Suzy
"First time at this lake. Ride up was nice. Would be nice if the machines that give you your pass would include the military discount. We went up to rattlesnake cove. Went to the bathroom and was shocked at how clean it was. Actually the whole area we went to was very clean. Didn't catch any fish. Which was pretty depressing. 😆 A bad of fishing is better than a good day at work. The lake was pretty low. We'll be going again when the weather warms up."
Izzy Sanchez
"I went out there on a Thursday, no crowds, water was great. Beautiful Desert lake, plenty of shoreline camping. Me and my dog had a great day."
Jeff Singer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bartlett Lake is approximately an hour's drive north of Phoenix. Take I-17 North to Exit 221 (AZ-74 E) towards Cave Creek. Continue on AZ-74 E, which will eventually turn into N Carefree Highway. Turn right onto N 56th Street, which becomes N Bartlett Lake Road. Follow this road to the lake.
Yes, Bartlett Lake is accessible by car via well-maintained roads for most of the journey. The final stretch leading to the lake is generally navigable by sedans, though checking road conditions after heavy rain is advisable.
The closest town to Bartlett Lake is Cave Creek, Arizona, which is about 17 miles away. This offers amenities before or after your visit.
Yes, a Tonto Pass is required for entry into the Bartlett Lake Recreation Area. These can be purchased at nearby Circle K convenience stores for $8.
Bartlett Lake features a good, long, and wide boat ramp, making launching easy. Specific directions to the main ramp are available on site upon arrival at the recreation area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bartlett Lake is generally open year-round, but specific hours for the recreation area and facilities can vary. It's always best to check the official Tonto National Forest website or call ahead for the most current information, especially regarding potential closures.
Entry to Bartlett Lake requires a Tonto Pass, which costs $8. This pass covers access to the recreation area for a day.
Some visitors have noted that the machines for issuing passes may not always include military discounts. It's recommended to inquire directly at the point of purchase or with park rangers if available.
Yes, Bartlett Lake can experience temporary closures. One Reddit user mentioned hearing about a month-long closure, so it's crucial to verify its operational status before your visit.
The most convenient way to purchase a Tonto Pass is at a Circle K convenience store located near the lake or on your route. It's advisable to bring cash for a quicker transaction.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Boating
Bartlett Lake is known for its excellent bass fishing, including largemouth bass. Anglers also frequently catch catfish (channel and flathead) and carp. Crappie fishing is also possible. +8
Absolutely! Bartlett Lake is a popular spot for bass fishing, with many visitors reporting consistent catches, even if not always large. Topwater lures and dropshots are noted as effective techniques. +2
Yes, boat rentals are available at Bartlett Lake, including options for pontoons and jet skis. This allows visitors to fully enjoy the lake's waters.
Bartlett Lake has a good, long, and wide boat ramp, making it easy for visitors to launch their own watercraft.
While specific spots can vary, many anglers find success throughout the main lake area. The water clarity can be quite good, offering visibility up to 10-12 feet in some areas.
🎫 🏕️ Camping & Recreation
Yes, Bartlett Lake offers shoreline camping and designated campground areas. Many sites have covered picnic tables and beautiful views, making it a great spot for overnight stays.
Restrooms are available at Bartlett Lake and are generally reported to be clean, contributing to a pleasant experience for visitors.
Besides fishing and boating, you can enjoy swimming, hiking on nearby trails, paddleboarding, and picnicking. The surrounding desert landscape also offers scenic views.
Bartlett Lake is a good option for families, offering swimming and beach areas. However, it's always wise to check if it's open and consider water conditions for young children.
Yes, Bartlett Lake is pet-friendly, and many visitors enjoy bringing their dogs for hikes and to relax by the water.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
Bartlett Lake is a beautiful desert lake surrounded by hills, offering scenic views. During spring, wildflowers can add to the picturesque landscape, making it ideal for photography.
A unique photographic opportunity is Horseshoe Dam, located near Bartlett Lake. When water is released, a 'waterfall' forms that you can walk behind, creating a dramatic scene.
Sunset paddles offer a magical experience with golden light and soft water, perfect for capturing stunning photos. Early mornings also provide beautiful light and fewer crowds.
Yes, there are hiking trails around the recreation area that offer elevated views of the lake and surrounding desert. These trails provide excellent vantage points for capturing the landscape.
To photograph the Horseshoe Dam 'waterfall,' you need to check the water release schedule from Horseshoe Reservoir. The flow is not constant, so timing is key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🎣 Budget-Conscious Anglers
+8 Bringing your own snacks and drinks from a nearby store like Circle K can also help keep costs down. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Sunset paddles offer a chance for stunning golden hour photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fishing at Bartlett Lake: A Local's Guide
+2 Common targets include largemouth bass, catfish (channel and flathead), carp, and crappie. Anglers often use techniques like topwater lures and dropshot rigs for bass, with reports of catching numerous fish in a single outing. For catfish, bait like corn has proven effective.
While some trips might yield smaller catches, the general sentiment is that a day spent fishing at Bartlett Lake is always a good day. Tips for a Successful Fishing Trip
* Bait: Experiment with live bait for catfish and various lures for bass.
* Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons are often prime fishing times.
* Gear: Ensure you have appropriate gear for the species you're targeting.
* Conditions: Water levels can fluctuate, so check them if planning extensive boating or fishing near the shore.
Boating and Watersports: Making a Splash
The lake spans over 2,800 acres, providing ample space for exploration and recreation. Beyond motorized rentals, paddleboarding is also a popular choice, with services like Paddle Cove offering rentals and experiences.
Sunset paddles are particularly recommended for their serene atmosphere and beautiful lighting. Rental and Activity Options
* Boat Rentals: Pontoons and other recreational boats are available.
* Jet Ski Rentals: For a faster-paced experience.
* Paddleboarding: Rent boards for a unique way to explore the lake.
* Kayaking: Another excellent option for enjoying the water at your own pace.
Camping and Recreation: Desert Oasis
Beyond camping, the recreation area provides opportunities for hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The restrooms are generally kept clean, adding to the overall positive visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit