Bartlett Flat

Stopped into this camping area on a Thursday afternoon. There were about 12 other campers around the lake the closest being about 30 yards away. The view of the lake and yellow cliffs was amazing. Upon arrival to beat the afternoon heat I took a dip in the lake despite the water quality being less than attractive (see note below on this). As the sun set literal clouds of bugs descended on the area (see note below). While the bugs did not bite they would swarm you and made sitting outside and enjoying the lake or views impossible. One of our neighbors in a larger rig about 100 yards off. Was having a good time and up until 1am with music and laughter. Since there is no trees these sounds as well as the hum of generators travels easily and can be heard all around the lake. Due to the bugs we woke up and got out of the area as soon as possible. There were plenty of dumpsters and a pair of vault toilets at the entrance road.

*Note: I later spoke with a local. They informed me a large storm had been through the area in the days before I arrived which was why the water quality in the lake was so bad and why there was so many bugs. Others may have better experiences but for the reasons above I would not recommend this site.

Bartlett Flats offers some great dry camping opportunities, some with easy lake access, however there are a few things to be aware of. The area is about 25 miles east of Carefree, AZ. That is 25 miles of fairly narrow, twisty-turny, uppy-downy road. It is paved and really not a problem, but I would think twice about making that drive if you’re just looking for an overnight spot. If you have a few days, it’s well worth it.

Turn off Bartlett Dam Road onto North Lake Road (FS 459). Bartlett Flats is about 4 miles further on, the road is paved until you are near the camping area. For folks with larger rigs, you can unhook at the Yellow Cliffs boating site and scout from there. And you do want to scout. While there are spots that will accommodate even the largest rigs, many sites are rocky, rutted, and 4WD worthy.

Plan on arriving early if you can, the place is popular with boaters and fishermen and the sites that accommodate larger rigs are limited. There is camping along the Fisheries Project road, as well as Bartlett Flats. During our stay the water levels were extremely high, so the beach camping area was mostly underwater. Under other circumstances, there may be more camping options.

A Tonto NF pass ($8-10 per day) is required for camping. There are porta-potties and dumpsters, but no other amenities. The marina hosts a store and a restaurant that is open weekends only. The lake is open to powerboats, so don’t expect tranquility and quiet. The view of the Yellow Cliffs is impressive.

We had absolutely no Verizon cell service in the camping area.