Rattlesnake Cove Day Use Area

Area Status: Open

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. Review At-A-Glance below for more details about this site.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Rattlesnake Cove Recreation fishing dock and associated ramp walkway are closed due to construction through October 1, 2024. Review the closure order and map 03-12-01-22-26.
Operational Hours:	Day Use Only
Restrictions:	Stay limit 1 day, no motor boats allowed, day use only, and no trailers. Glass containers prohibited.
Closest Towns:	Carefree & Cave Creek
Water:	Unavailable
Restroom:	Vault toilets
Passes:	The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information. Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). 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 Pass. 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.
Information Center:	Cave Creek Ranger Station (480) 595-3300

General Information

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. View and download a map.