Arizona lakes for boating, fishing, and water recreation

Bartlett Lake Near Phoenix Arizona

Last updated on April 26, 2026.

Bartlett Lake near Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona surrounded by desert mountains

Bartlett Lake Near Phoenix. Kelly De Lay Creative Commons

Bartlett Lake is one of the most popular desert lakes near Phoenix and Scottsdale, offering a scenic escape into the Tonto National Forest with mountain views, clear water, and year-round outdoor recreation. Located northeast of the Valley, Bartlett Lake is a favorite for day trips, weekend getaways, and visitors seeking boating, fishing, paddling, and classic Arizona desert landscapes close to the city.

Like all Phoenix area lakes, Bartlett Lake is noted for its spectacular views of surrounding desert mountains and Saguaro-studded foothills. In the spring when cactus are in bloom and wildflowers dot the landscape, Bartlett Lake is incredibly beautiful. Formed by Bartlett Dam and fed by the Verde River, these pristine waters are very popular favorites among water recreation enthusiasts.

Why People Visit Bartlett Lake

People visit Bartlett Lake near Phoenix and Scottsdale for its convenient location, large open water, and beautiful Sonoran Desert setting with saguaro-covered hills and rugged shoreline. The lake is popular with boaters, anglers, kayakers, campers, and sightseers who want a quick lake trip from the Phoenix metro area. Spring wildflowers, winter sunshine, and warm-season water recreation make Bartlett Lake a year-round destination.

Bartlett Lake

Best Time To Visit Bartlett Lake

Spring (March–May) – One of the best times to visit Bartlett Lake thanks to warm temperatures, green desert scenery, wildflowers, great fishing, and ideal weather for boating, kayaking, and camping.
Summer (June–August) – Peak season for water recreation with hot desert weather, making Bartlett Lake popular for boating, jet skiing, swimming, and weekend lake trips from Phoenix.
Fall (September–November) – Excellent time to visit as temperatures cool down while the lake remains warm enough for boating, fishing, paddle sports, and scenic camping.
Winter (December–February) – Mild daytime temperatures make winter a great season for hiking, picnics, wildlife viewing, shoreline fishing, and peaceful desert lake escapes without summer crowds.

Surprising to many, Bartlett is the second largest lake in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area behind Lake Pleasant. For a day of fishing, it is an easier trip from the Phoenix metro area, than to Roosevelt Lake or Apache Lake. Often, the fishing is better than the closer lakes like Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake. When full, Bartlett Lake has over 2,800 acres of water surface, is about 12 miles long, and has an average depth of 100 feet with a maximum depth of 174 feet. The lake has two contrasting sides with gently sloping beaches on one side and mountains on the other.

Best Things To Do at Bartlett Lake

Launch a boat for cruising, skiing, or wakeboarding
Fish for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish
Kayak or paddleboard along quiet coves
Camp near the lake in designated recreation areas
Photograph desert scenery and mountain reflections
Picnic with lake views
Watch spring wildflowers around the shoreline
Enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing
Take a scenic drive through Tonto National Forest
Relax on a weekend getaway from Phoenix

With its vast amount water surface and length, speed boats can let loose. Strap-on the water skis, jump-on the jet skis, and hang-on tight to your tubes. Jet ski rentals are available at Bartlett Marina which makes it easy and convenient. Or bring your own and launch on convenient and paved launch ramps.

Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake Marina

The marina offers all the amenities and convenience for a great day on the lake. Wet-slip and dry boat storage. Tonto Forest passes, live bait and fishing supplies. A full service fuel dock and a pump-out station. Its dock and convenience store is stocked with snacks, beverages and boating accessories. Ask about its Boat Club Membership which gives access to a wide range of boats at a very affordable monthly fee.

Party up. The marina offers a 45 foot, 2 story party pontoon yacht for groups up to 20 passengers. It includes a top deck with outdoor patio furniture and a sliding board. Fire-up the barbecue grill, throw on the burgers. There is a bar and sink on board. Bring a designated driver, you don't want to damage this expensive puppy.

Here's a real deal. The Bartlett Lake Marina features its 40 foot Aqua Lodge Houseboat with all the conveniences of home. Plenty of sleeping room with a private bedroom, sleeper sofas, and loft sleeping area. It has a complete kitchen with refrigerator, electric range, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee makes and all kitchen utensils. With its patio furniture and a barbecue grill and you're all set for a great experience.

Boating, Camping, Fishing and Picnicking At Bartlett Lake

Dispersed shoreline camping is available at Bartlett Flat and RV camping is available at Yellow Cliffs. Boat launches are located at Yellow Cliffs, Bartlett Flat and at Bartlett Marina. Note that motors with a greater noise level of 82 decibels are prohibited.

There are 4 ramadas with picnic tables and grills at Yellow Cliffs and a picnic area at Bartlett Flat. Fishing varieties include Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish and Bluegill. Bartlett Lake Marina has all the supplies you need to go fishing. There have been many trophy size catches at Bartlett.

How Far Is Bartlett Lake From Phoenix and Scottsdale?

Located in the wilderness area of the Tonto National Forest, the lake is about 48 miles northeast of Phoenix AZ, 32 miles from Scottsdale and about 22 miles northeast of Carefree, Arizona. Come, spend the day on the lake boating, picnicking, or hiking. Or spend several days camping on the lake's shoreline.

Drive times from:

Phoenix - 1 hour and 25 minutes
Scottsdale - 1 hour and 10 minutes
Mesa - 1 hour and 15 minutes

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Directions To The Lake

To get to Bartlett Lake, you must go through Carefree, Arizona. From there take Cave Creek Road (Forest Road 24) East to the Bartlett Dam Road (FR19) junction. Turn right on Bartlett Dam Road for about 13 miles to the lake.