SB Cove

For Arizonans and visitors who appreciate a beautiful, accessible outdoor experience, SB Cove on Bartlett Lake is a fantastic destination. Situated within the Tonto National Forest, this popular campground and recreation area offers a stunning mix of desert landscapes and serene lake views. Unlike more primitive spots, SB Cove provides a convenient and welcoming environment for a wide range of campers, from those pitching a tent for a quiet weekend to families looking for a day of fun in the sun. The area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, with rugged hills and the sprawling lake creating a spectacular backdrop for all your outdoor activities. It has a well-deserved reputation as a place where you can feel close to nature without being too far from the comforts of basic amenities. It's a place where the grandeur of the Arizona desert meets the refreshing calm of a major waterway, making it a perfect spot for your next escape.

SB Cove is located in a prime spot on Bartlett Lake, with a clear address provided as Bartlett Dam N, Rio Verde, AZ 85263. The drive to the area, while scenic, is straightforward. From the Bartlett Dam Road, you turn onto North Bartlett Dam Road (FS Road 459), and continue until you reach the site. It’s important to note that a Tonto Pass is required for parking and use of the recreation area, which can be purchased at local stores and Forest Service offices before you arrive. Once there, the on-site parking is convenient, allowing campers and day-use visitors to easily access the shoreline and facilities. This makes it an ideal spot for those with vehicles, as you can park and unload your gear close to your desired camping or day-use spot. The location is known for its beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and the shoreline itself, which is a key part of its allure. The area is a popular tourist attraction not just for camping but for all forms of water recreation, fishing, and boating, solidifying its status as a must-visit spot in the region.

While SB Cove is not a full-service RV park, it offers a solid range of amenities that significantly enhance the camping experience. The facilities are designed to support a comfortable stay, particularly for tent campers and day-use visitors. These services help bridge the gap between primitive, dispersed camping and more developed campgrounds, providing essential conveniences that are highly appreciated in the great outdoors. The provided amenities are as follows:

• Public Restrooms: The site is equipped with public vault toilets, which are a necessary and welcome amenity for campers.
• Running Water: There is running water available, which is a major convenience. However, it is always a good practice to check if it is potable (drinkable) and to bring your own water for cooking and drinking just in case.
• Tent Sites: The campground is primarily a tent site area. Camping is dispersed, with designated sites that offer a more structured place to set up camp. These sites typically come with picnic tables and grills, providing a solid foundation for your stay.
• Barbecue Grills: Many of the camping and day-use areas are equipped with barbecue grills, perfect for cooking up a great camp meal.
• On-site Parking: Ample on-site parking is available, allowing for easy access to the shoreline for both campers and day visitors.

The appeal of SB Cove goes beyond its basic services. It is a place filled with unique features and highlights that make it a favorite for many Arizonans. Its natural beauty, coupled with opportunities for recreation, makes it a multifaceted destination. The character of the campground changes with the seasons, particularly with the water levels, which adds to its dynamic nature. Here are some of the key features that set SB Cove apart:

• Beachfront Camping: A major highlight is the opportunity for beachfront camping when the lake's water level is low. This allows campers to set up their tents or park their vehicles right on the sandy shoreline, offering a truly unique and picturesque experience.
• Hiking Opportunities: The area is great for hikers, with trails that offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There are kid-friendly hikes, making it a perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy together. Trails like the Bartlett Reservoir Trail wind along the shoreline, providing both easy stretches and some steeper sections.
• Family and Kid-Friendly: The campground is considered good for kids. The shallow water near the shoreline when water levels are low makes for a great, safe place for children to swim and play. The kid-friendly hikes also contribute to its family-oriented appeal.
• Fishing and Water Activities: The location is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, with opportunities to catch a variety of fish. It's also a popular spot for other water activities such as swimming and boating, with the Yellow Cliffs boat launch nearby.
• Scenic Vistas: The beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and the breathtaking shoreline are a constant highlight. Visitors consistently describe the scenery as "breathtaking" and "beautiful," making it a great spot for photography and simply enjoying nature.

For the most current information, it is best to contact the managing authorities of the Bartlett Lake Recreation Area. The provided address points to the general area, as SB Cove is part of a larger recreation area. For specific questions about site availability, conditions, or to confirm if a Tonto Pass is required for your visit, contacting the Tonto National Forest directly is recommended. The provided phone number is a direct line to the Cave Creek Ranger District, which manages this part of the forest. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for your trip planning. As a friendly tip, be sure to check the water levels before your trip, as they can significantly impact the amount of shoreline available for camping. You can often find this information on the Salt River Project (SRP) or Tonto National Forest websites.

Address: Bartlett Dam N, Rio Verde, AZ 85263, USA

Phone: (480) 595-3300

Mobile Phone: +1 480-595-3300

So, what is it that makes SB Cove worth choosing over other options? Its beauty is its biggest selling point—the scenery is simply stunning, with the lake set against the rugged desert mountains. It provides a unique experience of shoreline camping that is not common at many other sites, and the ability to park so close to the water is a huge convenience. The combination of its peaceful, picturesque environment with the availability of key amenities like restrooms and running water makes it a perfect blend of rustic and comfortable camping. It is a place that truly caters to a diverse audience, whether you are a solo traveler seeking a tranquil spot, a group of friends looking for a fishing and hiking trip, or a family with young children needing a safe and fun place to explore. The fact that it is a recognized tourist attraction speaks to its popularity and the quality of the experience it offers. While recent reviews have pointed out some issues with cleanliness, this is often a community-wide responsibility, and the site itself remains a beautiful and worthwhile destination. For a scenic, convenient, and truly beautiful Arizona outdoor adventure, SB Cove on Bartlett Lake is an outstanding choice that promises a memorable trip.

SB Cove

Bartlett Dam N, Rio Verde, AZ 85263, USA