Arizona lakes for fishing, boating, kayaking and outdoor recreation

Bartlett Lake Near Phoenix And Scottsdale

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 7, 2026.

Bartlett Lake near Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona surrounded by Sonoran Desert mountains and saguaro-covered hills

Bartlett Lake Near Phoenix. Kelly De Lay Creative Commons

Bartlett Lake is a large Sonoran Desert reservoir northeast of Phoenix and Scottsdale in the Tonto National Forest, offering boating, fishing, camping, kayaking, jet skiing and scenic desert recreation throughout much of the year. Fed by the Verde River and surrounded by rugged mountains, saguaro-covered hillsides and broad stretches of open water, the lake is especially popular with boaters and bass anglers. Bartlett Lake Marina provides rentals, fuel, supplies and other services, while shoreline recreation areas offer camping, picnicking and access to quieter coves. Its combination of open water and convenient access makes Bartlett Lake one of the most versatile recreation lakes near the Phoenix metro area.

Lake Overview
Fishing
Boating And Water Sports
Bartlett Lake Marina
Camping And Picnic Areas
Things To Do
Best Time To Visit
Planning Your Trip
Distance From Phoenix And Scottsdale
Directions
Lake Map
FAQ

Bartlett Lake Arizona Overview

Bartlett Lake is a Verde River reservoir in the Tonto National Forest and one of the largest boating lakes within convenient driving distance of the Phoenix metropolitan area. At approximately 2,815 acres, the lake provides substantially more open water than nearby Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake and supports both high-speed water recreation and quieter activities in protected coves.

Approximately 2,815 acres of water
Located in the Tonto National Forest
Fed by the Verde River
Full-service marina
Boat and personal-watercraft rentals
Kayak and paddleboard rentals
Largemouth bass fishing
Shoreline and boat-access camping areas
Paved boat-launch facilities
Sonoran Desert and mountain scenery

Fishing At Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake is one of central Arizona's better-known warm-water fishing destinations. Largemouth bass are the primary sportfish, but anglers also pursue crappie, catfish, sunfish and other species. Fishing is available from boats as well as accessible shoreline areas, with seasonal patterns changing as water temperatures and lake levels fluctuate.

Largemouth Bass: The lake's primary sportfish and a popular target year-round.
Crappie: Often found around submerged structure and deeper cover.
Catfish: Channel and flathead catfish provide additional fishing opportunities.
Bluegill And Sunfish: Common around shoreline cover and protected coves.
Shore Fishing: Available from accessible recreation areas and shoreline points.
Boat Fishing: Provides access to coves, points, channels and deeper structure.

Fishing regulations can change, so anglers should review current Arizona Game & Fish regulations before each trip.

Bartlett Lake Arizona with open water, desert shoreline and mountain scenery in Tonto National Forest

Boating And Water Sports At Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake's large open-water area makes it well suited to recreational boating, fishing boats, pontoon boats, jet skis, wake sports, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Protected coves provide quieter water for paddling, while the main lake offers ample space for faster boating activities.

Power boating
Pontoon boating
Fishing boats
Jet skiing and personal watercraft
Water skiing and wake sports
Kayaking
Stand-up paddleboarding
Multiple boat-launch access points
On-site watercraft rentals
Fuel available at Bartlett Lake Marina

Best Time To Visit Bartlett Lake

Spring: One of the most scenic seasons, with mild temperatures, desert wildflowers and excellent boating and fishing weather.
Summer: Popular for swimming, jet skiing and boating, but daytime temperatures can be extremely hot.
Fall: Warm water and cooler air make fall excellent for boating, fishing, camping and paddling.
Winter: Mild daytime temperatures are ideal for fishing, hiking, picnicking and sightseeing, although water temperatures are cooler.

During summer, visitors should plan for extreme heat, intense sun and occasional monsoon thunderstorms. Carry substantially more drinking water than you expect to need.

Planning A Trip To Bartlett Lake

Check current lake, road and recreation-area conditions before leaving home.
Review Tonto National Forest pass and fee requirements.
Check current fire restrictions if camping or picnicking.
Bring plenty of drinking water year-round.
Use strong sun protection, especially from late spring through early fall.
Reserve boat or jet-ski rentals in advance on busy weekends.
Review Arizona fishing regulations before fishing.
Check weather forecasts for summer monsoon storms.
Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device when boating or paddling.
Expect limited shade away from developed recreation areas.
Keep food and trash secured from wildlife.
Pack out all trash from dispersed camping areas.

Things To Do At Bartlett Lake

Boating: Cruise more than 2,800 acres of open desert water.
Fishing: Target largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish.
Jet Skiing: Explore the main lake on personal watercraft.
Kayaking: Paddle protected coves and quiet shoreline areas.
Paddleboarding: Enjoy calmer water near sheltered coves.
Camping: Stay in designated shoreline and recreation areas.
Swimming: Enjoy designated and suitable shoreline areas when conditions permit.
Picnicking: Use lake-view picnic areas and ramadas.
Wildlife Viewing: Watch for desert birds and Sonoran Desert wildlife.
Photography: Photograph saguaros, wildflowers, lake reflections and mountain scenery.

Boating recreation on Bartlett Lake near Phoenix Arizona with Sonoran Desert shoreline

Bartlett Lake Marina

Bartlett Lake Marina is a full-service marina serving boaters, anglers and day visitors. Current marina services include boat rentals, personal-watercraft rentals, wet and dry boat storage, fuel, boating supplies, a marina store and waterfront dining.

Pontoon boat rentals
Fishing boat rentals
Jet ski and personal-watercraft rentals
Kayak and paddleboard rentals
Wet-slip boat storage
Dry boat storage
Fuel dock
Marina and convenience store
Boat pump-out services
Waterfront dining

Rental fleets, rates, operating hours and individual services can change seasonally, so visitors should confirm current availability directly with the marina before traveling.

Camping And Picnic Areas At Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake offers both developed recreation areas and more primitive shoreline camping opportunities. Conditions, fees and access rules vary by location, and lake levels can affect shoreline camping areas.

Bartlett Flat: Popular shoreline area for dispersed camping and water access.
Yellow Cliffs: Recreation area with camping, picnic facilities and lake access.
Designated picnic areas
Boat-launch access
Shoreline fishing opportunities
Desert camping with limited natural shade
Seasonal fire restrictions may apply
Forest or recreation passes may be required

Visitors should verify current Tonto National Forest camping rules, fire restrictions, fees and access conditions before setting up camp.

How Far Is Bartlett Lake From Phoenix And Scottsdale?

Bartlett Lake is northeast of the Phoenix metropolitan area in the Tonto National Forest. Driving distance varies depending on the starting point, but the lake is approximately 48 miles from central Phoenix and roughly 30 to 45 miles from Scottsdale, depending on the route and neighborhood.

Phoenix: Approximately 48 miles from central Phoenix
Scottsdale: Approximately 30 to 45 miles depending on starting point
Carefree And Cave Creek: Approximately 17 miles from the marina area
Mesa: Generally under 50 miles depending on starting point

Drive times vary considerably with traffic, road construction and the visitor's starting location in the Valley.

Directions To Bartlett Lake

From the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, travel toward Carefree and Cave Creek, then follow Cave Creek Road, also known as Forest Road 24, toward the Tonto National Forest. Turn onto Bartlett Dam Road and continue approximately 13 miles toward Bartlett Lake and the marina.

Navigation apps may offer alternate approaches depending on your starting location. Check current road conditions before traveling after major storms or wildfire activity.

Bartlett Lake Area Map

Map showing Bartlett Lake, Bartlett Dam Road, Bartlett Lake Marina and recreation areas northeast of Phoenix Arizona

Map Compliments of Bartlett Lake Marina

Bartlett Lake Arizona FAQ

Where is Bartlett Lake Arizona?
Bartlett Lake is northeast of Phoenix and Scottsdale in the Tonto National Forest along the Verde River.

How large is Bartlett Lake?
Bartlett Lake provides approximately 2,815 acres of water when lake conditions are near normal operating levels.

Is Bartlett Lake good for fishing?
Yes. Bartlett Lake is especially well known for largemouth bass fishing, with additional opportunities for crappie, catfish and sunfish.

Can you boat on Bartlett Lake?
Yes. Bartlett Lake supports powerboats, fishing boats, pontoons, jet skis, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

Can you rent boats at Bartlett Lake?
Yes. Bartlett Lake Marina currently offers pontoon boats and fishing boats, with additional personal-watercraft rentals available through an on-site operator.

Can you rent jet skis at Bartlett Lake?
Yes. Jet ski and personal-watercraft rentals are currently available through an operator based at Bartlett Lake Marina.

Can you rent kayaks or paddleboards?
Yes. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are currently available at the marina area.

Is there a marina at Bartlett Lake?
Yes. Bartlett Lake Marina provides boat rentals, storage, fuel, supplies, dock access and waterfront dining.

Can you camp at Bartlett Lake?
Yes. Camping opportunities include shoreline and recreation-area camping, including areas around Bartlett Flat and Yellow Cliffs.

How far is Bartlett Lake from Phoenix?
Bartlett Lake is approximately 48 miles from central Phoenix, although actual distance depends on the starting location.

How far is Bartlett Lake from Scottsdale?
The marina is roughly 30 miles from parts of Scottsdale, while distances from southern or western Scottsdale can be greater.

What is the best time to visit Bartlett Lake?
Spring and fall usually provide the most comfortable weather for boating, fishing and camping. Summer is popular for water recreation but can be extremely hot.

Are there boat ramps at Bartlett Lake?
Yes. Bartlett Lake has developed boat-launch access serving recreational boaters and anglers.

What should I bring to Bartlett Lake?
Bring plenty of drinking water, sun protection, appropriate boating safety equipment and any camping or fishing supplies you need. Services are concentrated around the marina and developed recreation areas.