Sheeps Bridge
4.1339 reviews40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Quick Facts
2,100 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
2,100 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Sheeps Bridge
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to camp or visit Sheep Bridge.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(480) 595-3300
What Campers Say
4.13
Satisfactory
Based on 39 reviews
375 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleanhiking
Some mention
noise
"Sheep Bridge is celebrated for its remote, scenic beauty and historical significance, but reviews also highlight its challenging accessibility and lack of facilities. The bridge and nearby hot springs are notable attractions."
Fees & Passes at Sheeps Bridge
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 14 days
Cancellation: No reservations are required; no cancellation policies apply.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Tonto National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Sheeps Bridge
The desert's dramatic personality shines through every season at Sheep Bridge. Winter mornings greet campers with crisp, crystalline air and comfortable 60°F afternoons perfect for exploration. Come summer, the landscape transforms into a sun-drenched furnace where temperatures soar past 105°F, creating shimmering heat waves across the canyon walls. Monsoon season brings theatrical afternoon storms that can turn dry washes into rushing torrents within minutes. Throughout the year, star-studded skies dominate the nights, offering some of Arizona's finest celestial viewing.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Not applicable; site is open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
About Sheeps Bridge
Tucked away in Arizona's untamed backcountry, Sheep Bridge campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic desert escape. This primitive camping haven perches above the winding Verde River, where off-road trails snake through sun-baked terrain and solitude comes standard. The campground's centerpiece—a historic 1944 bridge that once echoed with the hoofbeats of countless sheep—now serves as your gateway to the wild Mazatzal Wilderness, offering a perfect blend of rugged adventure and timeless desert tranquility.
Sheep Bridge accommodates primitive camping, with no designated facilities for RVs or group camping. Tent camping is common.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this living piece of Arizona history. The iconic Sheep Bridge, meticulously reconstructed to honor its 1944 predecessor, tells the story of ranchers who once drove massive flocks across the Verde River's turbulent waters. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, this engineering marvel stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of Arizona's early settlers. Today, the bridge serves not sheep but adventurers, connecting modern explorers to the rugged heritage of the American Southwest.
Weather and SeasonsThe desert's dramatic personality shines through every season at Sheep Bridge. Winter mornings greet campers with crisp, crystalline air and comfortable 60°F afternoons perfect for exploration. Come summer, the landscape transforms into a sun-drenched furnace where temperatures soar past 105°F, creating shimmering heat waves across the canyon walls. Monsoon season brings theatrical afternoon storms that can turn dry washes into rushing torrents within minutes. Throughout the year, star-studded skies dominate the nights, offering some of Arizona's finest celestial viewing.
ElevationPerched at 2,100 feet in Arizona's high desert, Sheep Bridge campground occupies a sweet spot where desert floor meets canyon country. This moderate elevation creates a unique microclimate—warm enough to avoid mountain snow yet high enough to escape the valley's most punishing heat. Desert nights here can surprise newcomers with their chill, especially during winter months when temperatures plummet after sunset, making campfires and warm sleeping bags essential companions.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient saguaro sentinels stand guard over a landscape sculpted by time and the elements. The Verde River carves its emerald path through steep canyon walls, creating a ribbon of life through the austere beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Hidden hot springs bubble from the earth, rewarding those intrepid enough to navigate the challenging descent. Desert ironwood and palo verde trees provide sparse shade, while the rugged slopes harbor a surprising diversity of life—from darting lizards to soaring raptors, and the river below teems with native fish species.
Geological RegionSheep Bridge crowns a dramatic geological crossroads where the Verde River has carved its ancient course between weathered canyon walls. This strategic location marks the threshold to the Mazatzal Wilderness's western reaches, where layers of volcanic rock and ancient sediments tell stories millions of years in the making. The surrounding terrain showcases the raw power of desert geology—from water-carved gorges to wind-sculpted ridges, creating a landscape that challenges and rewards in equal measure.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not appear to have specific accessibility features. The rough terrain and lack of facilities may make it challenging for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeNo specific size information is provided for the sites, but user reviews indicate there are camping spots by the river and near the bridge.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the sites are not detailed, but the remote nature of the location suggests a degree of seclusion.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers recommend choosing sites near the river for easy access to the water. Roads leading closer to the river require high-clearance vehicles.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- No specific check-in time
- campers can arrive anytime.
Check-out
- No specific check-out time
- campers can leave anytime.
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
- No restrictions specified
- capacity is determined by individual campsites.
Groups
There are no specific group camping sites mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground provides dispersed primitive camping with no designated site numbers or formal loops. Camping areas include spots near the river and others accessible by trails.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNone required, as camping is free and non-reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll camping is first-come, first-served. Reviews indicate sites are generally available, though limited space near the river exists.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are required; no cancellation policies apply.
Activities you can enjoy
Sheep Bridge offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and swimming. The area is also noted for its historical significance and scenic views.
Hiking
Several user reviews mention hiking trails in the area, with one stating, 'We started at Sheep's Bridge and hiked 7-8 miles in and camped at a place near the creek. Great camping location at the end.'Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Sheep Bridge. One reviewer noted, 'There are plenty of fish so bring your gear,' while another mentioned night fishing as a highlight.Swimming
The Verde River is a key feature of the area, offering opportunities for swimming. One visitor remarked, 'The river was nice' and others highlighted the river as a central attraction.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted at Sheep Bridge, though detailed descriptions of boating conditions and facilities are absent.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly discussed, but the area is accessible year-round, and some users mention visiting during colder months.Water Sports
While non-motorized boating is allowed, other water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not specifically detailed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Pack it in, pack it out! Campfires are permitted but must be managed responsibly.
- Quiet hours are No designated quiet hours; noise may occur due to off-road vehicles.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include remote access difficulties, rocky roads requiring 4WD, fluctuating river levels, flash flooding, and limited cell reception. Wildlife encounters and human waste/litter are concerns.
Weather at Sheeps Bridge
69
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Cave Creek Ranger Station (Address: 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262; Phone: (480) 595-3300). Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed holidays.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot applicable; site is open year-round.
Trash and recyclingCampers are expected to pack out their trash as there are no disposal facilities on-site. Reviews warn of litter issues, with one camper stating, 'I was pretty disappointed by all the trash left behind, including human feces.'
Proximity to water featuresThe Verde River runs through the area, providing water activities such as swimming and fishing. A nearby hot spring is a notable feature.
Common complaintsUser complaints include rocky and lengthy roads, trash left behind, noise from off-road vehicles, and limited camping spaces near the river.
HostNo campground hosts are available at Sheep Bridge.
Campground Map
40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Driving directionsFrom Carefree, drive Cave Creek Road/Forest Road (FR) 24 for approximately 33 miles to the Bloody Basin-Tangle Creek area. At this junction of FR 24 and FR 269, turn right. Follow FR 269 for approximately 12 miles to Sheep Bridge at the Verde River. Both FR 24 and FR 269 are narrow, unpaved roads with blind curves. A portion of FR 24 is maintained; FR 269 is rarely maintained and requires a high-clearance vehicle. When muddy or rainy, four-wheel drive is often necessary.
Roads leading to Sheep Bridge are narrow, rocky, and technical, requiring a high-clearance vehicle and off-roading expertise. FR 269 is rarely maintained, and muddy or rainy conditions necessitate four-wheel drive.Nearby places
Carefree, AZ (45 miles, approximately 2.5 hours)
Prescott, AZ (approximately 4.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Carefree, AZ, approximately 45 miles away, including groceries, fuel, and other essentials.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
39 reviews
Sheeps Bridge is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Sheep Bridge is celebrated for its remote, scenic beauty and historical significance, but reviews also highlight its challenging accessibility and lack of facilities. The bridge and nearby hot springs are notable attractions.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews
What Campers Love
Most reviewers praised the natural beauty of the area, the peaceful environment, and activities like fishing and hiking. A hot spring near the bridge is described as 'clean' and 'worth it.'
Based on 39 reviewsCommon Concerns
The challenging road conditions are a major issue, with many reviewers emphasizing the need for a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Littering and noise from recreational vehicles are also concerns.
Based on 39 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and extra water. Start early, as the drive can take several hours. One reviewer advised, 'If not camping overnight, hit the road by 2 pm to ensure you have some...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Most reviewers visited in spring or fall due to milder temperatures. Summer visits may be uncomfortable due to extreme heat, while winter conditions may make the already difficult roads even more...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The hot spring was our favorite. There are plenty of fish so bring your gear and of course the bridge and the river are amazing.' 2. 'It takes a long time to get there. We came from Prescott, the...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites by the river are favored for their proximity to the water, but camping on the road shoulder is an alternative when riverside spots are full.
Based on 39 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities, but the challenging terrain and lack of developed facilities suggest limited accessibility.
Based on 39 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly discussed, but one reviewer cautioned, 'Not advised for dogs (A LOT of cholla on trail).'
Based on 39 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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