Located at the base of the Mazatzal Mountains in the Sonoran Desert, Bartlett Lake is a year-round recreation area ideal for both hiking and water-based recreational activities, as it has a boatable surface area of 2,815 acres. The main RV camping areas are Upper Bartlett Lake, Rattlesnake and South Cove. When water levels are low, Jojoba is another area for RV camping, but only for trailers 40 feet and under.
Facilities offered at the lake include flush toilets, four areas with picnic tables and grills and trash-pickup service. There are no showers or drinking water available. Very basic supplies are available at the Bartlett Marina area of the lake. Any other supplies must be purchased outside of Tonto National Forest.
Day visits and camping are only accessible via permit, and reservations are not accepted. The admittance permit fee is $4 per vehicle, though there is an option through the Tonto National Forest to purchase a yearly permit. Visitors with permanent disabilities get in free. RV camping in the Yellow Cliffs area requires vehicles be 32 feet or under.
Other attractions and features in the area include cultural sites, wildlife, a motorboat-free cove, two hiking trails, Verde River access for kayaking and rafting, two boat ramps with docks and a marina with convenience store and boat fuel.
All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Though there are no side rails, Rattlesnake Cove fishing dock has two wheelchair-accessible docks on both sides during the high-water period and lighting for nighttime fishing. The marina at the southern end of the reservoir is fully accessible as well.
The Yellow Cliffs site can be accessed by taking Cave Creek Road 7 miles, turning right on Bartlett Dam Road, and turning left on FR 459 for 3 miles. The site is on the right side.
Questions about Bartlett Lake or Yellow Cliffs should be directed to the park rangers at the Cave Creek Station:
Cave Creek Ranger Station
40202 N. Cave Creek Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Phone: (480) 595-3300
Daily information on water levels can be found here: www.srpnet.com/dwr
