Bartlett Lake

Outdoor enthusiasts frequent Bartlett Lake for a variety of recreational opportunities, including shoreline camping in Arizona's natural desert terrain. While in this part of the Tonto National Forest, visitors may see mule deer, bald eagles, javelina, coyotes, and many indigenous desert plants, including the majestic saguaro, mesquite trees and blooming ocotillo.

Bartlett Lake is located only 48 miles from downtown Phoenix and 17 miles northeast of Carefree. The newly engineered, fully paved, scenic Bartlett Lake Road combined with the expanding Phoenix freeway system offers easy access from the entire Valley of the Sun. Tonto National Forest campground improvements, handicap accessibility, and safety features provide for safe, enjoyable recreation including hiking, boating, water skiing and fishing.

Come to Bartlett Lake for a great vacation or weekend full of fun and relaxation! Boating, water skiing and jet skiing are popular at Bartlett Lake. It offers the best of both worlds: gently sloping beaches on the west side and mountains that break the wind on the east.

Lake and Outdoors Information

National Recreation Lakes Coalition
• Arizona Game and Fish Department
• Phoenix Power Squadron
• Sailing Adventure Club of Arizona
• Wake Boarding Magazine Online

Boating Questions

Q: What size slips are available for rental at BLM?
A: Our state-of-the-art marina offers 20', 30', 35' and 40' uncovered slips. Covered slips are available from 30', 35' and 40'. Jet Ski Lifts and End Ties are also available. For more information, see our slips and storage page.

Q: Does BLM rent boats?
A: Yes! Bartlett Lake Marina maintains a fleet of 20' pontoon boats for your recreational pleasure. See our boat rental page for more information.

Q: What is a pontoon boat?
A: Our 20' pontoon boats seat up to 8 passengers in comfort. Amenities include covered awnings, ample storage and comfortable, cushioned seats.

Q: Does BLM rent ski boats or Personal Water Crafts (PWCs)?
A: Not at this time.

Camping Questions

Q: Is there camping at Bartlett lake ?
A: Yes, camping is allowed at Bartlett Lake, under the auspices of the Tonto National Forest. There are no designated campgrounds or hookups at this time. For more details, contact the Tonto National Forest at 602.225.5200.

Conditions Questions

Q: What is the current weather?
A: Up to the hour weather information is posted on our home page. This information is provided by the National Weather Service.

Q: What is the forecast?
A:The 5 Day Funcast is posted here.

Q: What is the current water level?
A: For up to date information, visit the Salt River Project (SRP) web site.

Q: Who controls the water level?
A: The water level of the lake is controlled by SRP. For more information, visit their web site.

Q: What water source feeds Bartlett Lake?
A: Bartlett Lake is fed by a 7,500 square mile watershed that begins just south of Flagstaff, goes east to Payson and the Mogollon Rim and west to near Prescott. The runoff goes into the Verde River, Oak Creek Canyon and the East Verde. The Verde then goes into Horseshoe Lake and is then transferred into Bartlett Lake.

Q: How large is Bartlett Lake ?
A: When full Bartlett Lake covers 2,815 acres and holds nearly 180,000 acre feet of water. Of the lakes near the Phoenix area we are the second largest behind Lake Pleasant. We are 2.5 times larger than Saguaro (1,280 surface acres) and 3 times larger than Canyon (980 surface acres).

Skiing Questions

Q: Is Bartlett Lake a good place for skiing and wakeboarding??
A: Absolutely! Bartlett Lake is considered by many to be the ideal lake in Arizona for these activities. Waterskiis and wakeboards are available for rent in our marina store.

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