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Established Camping

Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove

2 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove is located near Carefree, Arizona, featuring rugged desert terrain with sparse vegetation. Temperatures can range from 40°F in winter to over 100°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Bartlett Lake, offering opportunities for boating and fishing, and the scenic Cave Creek Regional Park for hiking and wildlife observation.

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Location

Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

This site is 21 miles east of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road 7 miles, turn right on Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 13 miles then turn left on FR 459. Travel ½ mile on FR 459 and turn right into the site.

Coordinates

33.84714894 N
111.63650897 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Box Bar Road Dispersed

Box Bar Road Dispersed

57 min away

Cave Creek Group Site

Cave Creek Group Site

1 hr 18 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Mustanger 6.
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2025

Favorite Weekday Fishing

I usually go further north of the cove to great open space where you can really spread out. shoreline fishing is great and peaceful. Depending how far you go along the northwest shore you can get nearly a mile away from the hardstand toilets and trash. Lots of places to pull up or pull in.

SiteBartlett Flat
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Tonto National Forest Rattlesnake Cove by Mustanger 6., April 10, 2025
D
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2018

Day use with family swimming access

This is a nice day use spot. Has clean restrooms, ample parking and ramadas for group activities. Handicap ramp with swimming beach access that motorized boats are not allowed to enter. Beautiful desert mountain view. No hook ups or drinkable water. Bring your own. Also a Tonto National Forest use permit placard is needed. Placards are for sale at many Az merchants like Circle K's in Cave Creek which you pass through on the way there for $8 or for $12 at local ranger station and marina. Good boat ramp for launching nearby.

SiteRamada 1 thru 4
Month of VisitJune
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rattlesnake Cove located at Bartlett Lake?

Rattlesnake Cove is located along the shoreline of Bartlett Lake in the Tonto National Forest. The cove is situated in a desert mountain setting with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. It's accessible via a designated access road leading to the day use area. Visitors can find it by following signs to Bartlett Lake and then to the Rattlesnake Cove day use area. The cove offers shore access to the lake with adequate parking facilities.

Can you swim at SB Cove swimming area near Rattlesnake Cove?

Yes, swimming is available at the cove area. Rattlesnake Cove features a designated swimming beach that's accessible via a handicap ramp, and motorized boats are prohibited from entering this swimming area, making it safer for swimmers. The swimming area provides a pleasant experience with beautiful desert mountain views. For those seeking additional swimming options, the northwest shore beyond the main cove also offers swimming opportunities with more open space and privacy. Always practice water safety and be aware of changing conditions when swimming at Bartlett Lake.

What facilities are available at Rattlesnake Cove day use area?

Rattlesnake Cove day use area offers clean restrooms, ample parking, and ramadas for group activities. It features a handicap-accessible ramp with swimming beach access where motorized boats are not allowed to enter. The area has trash disposal facilities but no hookups or drinkable water, so visitors need to bring their own water supplies. A Tonto National Forest pass is required for entry. The day use area provides beautiful desert mountain views and is well-maintained for visitors.

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