Boating and fishing enthusiasts will find direct water access at Bartlett Flat, a dispersed camping area along Bartlett Lake in Tonto National Forest. The flat, sandy terrain accommodates everything from tents to large RVs, with campers able to choose their own spots near the shoreline. Kevin B. notes that "winter and spring, lake levels are low, which provides access to Camp near the water."
The area fills quickly on weekends due to its proximity to Phoenix, with most spots claimed by sundown. Campers report that arriving early provides the best selection of lakefront sites. The open shoreline carries sound across the water, making conversations and activities audible from considerable distances. Families frequently camp here, bringing children who enjoy the lake's echo effects.
Anglers target largemouth bass year-round, while crappie fishing peaks during spawning season before the fish move to deeper water in summer months. The shoreline allows launching of small watercraft like kayaks, canoes, and jet skis, though larger boats require the nearby marina ramp. A small store and restaurant operate about 20 minutes away at the marina.
Access roads accommodate sedans with careful driving, though higher clearance vehicles can reach more secluded spots along the northwestern shoreline. Vault toilets and trash service are located at the entrance, requiring a walk for campers positioned farther out. The site requires a Tonto Pass at $8 daily, plus $4 for motorized watercraft.
For campers seeking alternatives beyond the immediate area, SB Cove Shoreline Area offers similar lake access less than two miles southeast.
Description
Bartlett Flat Bartlett Reservoir and the Arizona Upland phase of the Sonoran Desert. This site offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains. Bartlett Flat has primitive boat launch opportunities for small boats. River Access Point (RAP) for Verde River. There are no designated campsites at this shoreline area but camping along the shore is allowed. High water levels will limit the amount of available shoreline in this area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBartlett Flat is located in Arizona
Directions
This site is 23 miles east of Carefree. Take Cave Creek Road 7 miles. Turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 12 ½ miles. Then turn left on FR 459. Continue on FR 459 (a paved, low-speed road) for 3 miles and an additional ½-mile on an unpaved road to the site. Click Here For Map.
Coordinates
33.89090631 N
111.63613418 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 57 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 39 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 2 hrs 45 min from Tucson, AZ










































