Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
April to October
About Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake is a reservoir on the Verde River in the northern Tonto National Forest, about 20 miles east of Carefree and roughly 45 miles northeast of central Phoenix, at about 1,800 feet elevation. It is a busy boating, fishing and swimming lake surrounded by Sonoran desert hills and saguaros, with camping and picnic sites concentrated on the west shore along North Lake Road. Arizona travel guides have long said that some visitors swim and sunbathe nude here, in an informal 'nude beach' area away from the main recreation sites, and outdoor guides warn that you may meet nude sunbathers. None of them pins down an exact cove, and nude use is tolerated rather than sanctioned. Shorelines are a mix of gravel, sand and rock, and water levels fluctuate with releases, sometimes sharply. Summer weekends are crowded with boats, and the water can be colder than expected.
Getting there
From Carefree take Cave Creek Road (Forest Road 24) east, then Bartlett Dam Road (FR 19), a winding paved road of about 13-14 miles, to the lake and marina. A Tonto Daily Pass is needed for vehicles at most recreation sites, plus a Watercraft Sticker for boats (or a Tonto Discovery Pass). Expect access delays at boat ramps on summer weekends. There is no potable water; toilets and trash service exist only at some sites. No public transport.
What visitors say
Coverage is thin. Arizona guides describe Bartlett Lake as a place where some people discreetly swim and sunbathe nude, and say nudists tend to keep to themselves, usually in quieter coves reached by boat or on foot. General visitors mention crowded summer weekends, boat noise, cold water and the long drive in.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Arizona has no official nude beaches, and indecent exposure is a class 1 misdemeanor when someone present could reasonably be offended. The Forest Service does not designate any nude area at Bartlett Lake, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arizona Game and Fish and Forest Service staff patrol the lake.
Naturism at Bartlett Lake sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
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Approx. 33.8341, -111.6286
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a nude beach at Bartlett Lake?
Not an official one. Guides describe informal nude sunbathing in quieter parts of the lake, but no specific location is designated or widely published.
What pass do I need?
A Tonto Daily Pass for most recreation sites, plus a Watercraft Sticker if you bring a boat, or a Tonto Discovery Pass.
Is nudity legal?
No designated area exists. Arizona's indecent exposure law applies when others could reasonably be offended, and the lake is patrolled.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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