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Bartlett Lake
Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Bartlett Lake, Arizona
Formed by Bartlett Dam, which was completed in 1939, Bartlett Lake was the first reservoir built on Arizona’s Verde River. Located in Tonto National Forest less than an hour from the Phoenix area, the lake offers approximately 2,815 acres of boatable water—more than Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake combined. Bartlett Lake is a popular destination for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, boating, swimming and shoreline camping.
Surrounded by mountains, saguaro cacti, mesquite trees and blooming ocotillo, Bartlett Lake provides beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery throughout the year. Paddlers may also see bald eagles, mule deer, javelina, coyotes and other Arizona wildlife while exploring the shoreline and quiet coves. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Places to Kayak and Paddleboard at Bartlett Lake
Rattlesnake Cove
Rattlesnake Cove is one of the best places for beginner kayaking and paddleboarding at Bartlett Lake. Motorized watercraft are not permitted inside the cove, creating a calmer place to practice paddling and explore the shoreline. The gently sloping beach provides gradual water access, and the recreation area has picnic tables, grills, ramadas and restrooms. Rattlesnake Cove is open for day use only, and a Tonto Pass is required.
Jojoba Boating Site
Jojoba Boating Site is Bartlett Lake’s primary developed launch area. It has a large parking lot, boat ramp, restrooms and space for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. From Jojoba, paddlers can follow the shoreline toward Rattlesnake Cove, explore nearby inlets or head into the lake’s wider open-water areas. Because Bartlett Lake can experience wind and motorboat traffic, beginners should stay close to shore and paddle early in the day when conditions are often calmer.
Bartlett Flat
Bartlett Flat Shoreline Area is located farther north along the lake and is popular for primitive camping, kayak fishing and shoreline launching. When lake levels allow, visitors can park close to the water and launch a kayak or paddleboard directly from the beach-like shoreline. Paddlers can explore the upper end of Bartlett Lake and the quieter Verde River arm, where waterskiing is prohibited. Access and the amount of available shoreline change as lake levels rise and fall.
Yellow Cliffs
Yellow Cliffs is a scenic day-use area overlooking the lake’s yellow-colored rock formations. Water levels and debris can affect the launch area, so paddlers should check current conditions before planning to launch there. Jojoba is generally the more dependable developed launch option. Overnight camping is not permitted at Yellow Cliffs.
Camping at Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake offers primitive shoreline camping at Bartlett Flat and SB Cove. Neither area has individually designated campsites, and available camping space depends heavily on the lake level. SB Cove has picnic tables and vault toilets but no potable water. A Tonto Pass is required, and campers may stay for up to 14 days.
Riverside Campground is located along the Verde River below Bartlett Dam rather than directly on Bartlett Lake. It offers paid campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, grills and vault toilets. Nonmotorized paddling is allowed on the river, but campers wanting to kayak or paddleboard on Bartlett Lake will need to transport their equipment to Jojoba, Rattlesnake Cove or another lake access point. Campsites are currently $16 per night.
Bartlett Lake Marina
Bartlett Lake Marina is a full-service marina with a store, fuel, watercraft rentals, dock access and waterfront dining at The Cove. The marina does not currently advertise hotel accommodations, so overnight visitors should plan on shoreline camping, Riverside Campground or lodging in the Carefree and Scottsdale area.
Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard
for Bartlett Lake from Redline
Pick up your Bartlett Lake kayak or paddleboard rental from Redline Rentals & Sales in Mesa before heading to the lake. Bartlett Lake is under an hour from Mesa, making Redline a convenient place to rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks, fishing kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Redline rentals include paddles, life jackets, removable foam-block roof racks and tie-down straps. The Redline team will help load and secure your equipment so you can safely transport it from the shop to Bartlett Lake—even when your vehicle does not have a permanent roof rack.
Planning a longer Bartlett Lake camping and paddling trip? Rent for two days and get the third day free, giving you more time to explore Rattlesnake Cove, Bartlett Flat and Bartlett Lake’s miles of desert shoreline.
Bartlett Lake Map
