Ocotillo Boat Launch

Fishing, kayaking and launching your boat on Horseshoe Reservoir are some of the many recreational activities to enjoy during your visit. When water levels are low, families can enjoy their day at the shoreline.

Ocotillo’s boating site offers gorgeous vistas of the surrounding mountains that may reflect in the water on a clear day. Horseshoe Reservoir is ideal for anglers. Ocotillo Boating Site is the only boat ramp on the entire reservoir and will not accommodate larger boats.

General Information

Year-round, as water levels permit.

This ramp is steep and only suitable for small boats and 4-wheel-drive vehicles
Site not recommended for trailers over 40 feet
Use of motorized watercraft on flowing portions of the Verde River is prohibited
The area adjacent to Ocotillo Boating Site is a “No wake” area; Please observe buoys.
Speed limit is limited 20 mph; Only boat motors 25 horse power or less allowed on lake
Before considering boating at Horseshoe Lake, please check the water level at SRP website
During low water periods, Ocotillo Ramp will be closed, and can be unusable for long periods of time
Watch for driftwood on the lake when boating
Stay limit 14 days

No passes or fees required for this site.

No fees are required for this site

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: 33.98772635

Longitude: -111.7245643

Elevation

1,950 Feet

Directions

This site is 23 miles northeast of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road for 7 miles to Bartlett Dam Road and continue for 6 miles to the junction of FR 205 and FR 19. At this junction, FR 205 turns left and becomes an unmaintained unpaved road. Follow FR 205 for 10 miles towards Horseshoe Reservoir. View and download a map.