Rattlesnake Cove Picnic Site

Rattlesnake Cove is an accessible site with staircases that lead visitors straight to the shoreline of the Bartlett Lake. There are public grills and verandas for families to spend the day in the shade and enjoy meals and a respite from the sun. When water levels are low, people may also bring their canopies and coolers to the shoreline. The scenery of Bartlett Lake and surrounding mountains makes this site a favorite spot for regular visitors! The beach at Rattlesnake Cove is generally gently sloping with gradual change in water depths. There are 41 ramadas with picnic tables and grills to be enjoyed.

The fishing dock is currently closed due to ongoing construction work. Visit here for additional information on the closure.

Current Conditions

The fishing dock is currently closed due to ongoing construction work.

General Information

Day use only: open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information.

Tonto Daily Pass . Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and retail vendors (please call for availability).
Tonto Discovery Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices.
America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and online at USGS.gov.
Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Nearest locations are as follows: the Cave Creek Ranger Station, Desert Vista Overlook, and the Jojoba Boat Launch area.

Restrictions

Day Use Only.
No motor boats or trailers allowed.
Glass containers prohibited.

Day Use:
$8 per vehicle per day (purchased at Tonto NF Office or Retail Vendor)
$12 per vehicle per day (purchased on-site at Tonto Fee Machine)
$80 per annual
$60 per senior & access annual

Front view of the Cave Creek Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Phone: (480) 595-3300
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 pm) Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 33.84880219

Longitude: -111.6331804

Elevation

1,800 Feet

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 12 ½ miles then turn left on FR 459. Travel ½ mile on FR 459 and turn right into the site.