A LITTLE HISTORY
About Bartlett Lake, Arizona
Bartlett Dam was completed in 1939, making Bartlett Lake the first reservoir on Arizona's Verde River. Tucked into Tonto National Forest less than an hour from Phoenix, the lake holds about 2,815 acres of boatable water, more than Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake combined, surrounded by saguaro, mesquite and ocotillo.
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Bartlett Lake is great for beginners at no-wake Rattlesnake Cove, with quieter water up the Verde River arm and plenty of room for kayak fishing, swimming and shoreline camping. Watch for bald eagles, mule deer, javelina and coyotes. Rent your kayak or paddleboard at Redline in Mesa, about an hour from the lake.
Where to paddle
- –Best for beginners
- –No motorized craft in the cove
- –Gently sloping beach
- –Picnic tables, grills, ramadas and restrooms
- –Day use only · Tonto Pass required
- –Main developed launch
- –Large lot, boat ramp and restrooms
- –Paddle to Rattlesnake Cove or open water
- –Go early for less wind and boat traffic
- –North shoreline
- –Primitive camping and kayak fishing
- –Quieter Verde River arm
- –No waterskiing on the Verde arm
- –Scenic day-use area
- –Check water levels before launching
- –No overnight camping
PLAN YOUR TRIP
More about Bartlett Lake
Rattlesnake Cove for beginners
Motorized craft are banned in the cove, the beach slopes gently, and there are picnic tables, grills, ramadas and restrooms. Day use only, with a Tonto Pass required.
Launching at Jojoba
Jojoba is the main developed launch, with a large lot, boat ramp and restrooms. Head toward Rattlesnake Cove, nearby inlets or open water. If you’re new, stay near shore and paddle early, when wind and boat traffic are usually lower.
Camping at Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Flat and SB Cove offer primitive shoreline camping with no designated sites, so space depends on lake level. SB Cove has picnic tables and vault toilets but no drinking water. A Tonto Pass is required and stays are limited to 14 days.
Riverside Campground sits on the Verde River below the dam, not on the lake, so you’ll need to haul your gear to Jojoba or Rattlesnake Cove to paddle.
Bartlett Lake Marina
A full-service marina with a store, fuel, watercraft rentals, dock access and waterfront dining at The Cove.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard for Bartlett Lake
Every rental from Redline includes paddles, life jackets, foam roof blocks and tie-down straps, and we help you load up. No roof rack needed. Rent 2 days and the 3rd day is free. See rental rates or read our rental FAQs.
Good to know
RENT FOR THE LAKE
Paddleboards $35 · Kayaks $40
Per day. Rent 2 days, get the 3rd free. Pick up in Mesa and you're on Bartlett Lake in about an hour.
SALES
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