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Dispersed Camping

Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona

6 Reviews

Sheeps Bridge BLM Area, near Payson, Arizona, is a rugged spot that offers a unique camping experience right by the river. This location is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, as it’s best suited for off-road vehicles due to the challenging access roads.

Campers love the chance to pitch their tents right by the water, making it a prime spot for relaxing and enjoying nature. One visitor noted, “Being able to camp right on the river is always a game changer in my eyes.” The area is remote, so be prepared for a true escape into the wilderness, with no amenities like drinking water or toilets available on-site.

For those willing to explore, there are hot springs rumored to be nearby, and a cool rope swing off the bridge adds a bit of fun to your stay. The night sky here is a sight to behold, with stars shining brightly away from city lights, making it a great place for stargazing. Just remember to bring everything you need, as the nearest services are quite a trek away.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with stunning natural beauty, Sheeps Bridge BLM Area is a solid choice for your next camping trip. Just make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge!

Description

US Forest Service

Tonto National Forest

This is for SHEEPS Bridge BLM in Arizona There is a different listing on The Dyrt for SHEEP Bridge BLM in Utah

VERY rugged road to get to this campground. Please be advised if you have an RV or a low clearance vehicle.

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Location

Sheeps Bridge BLM Area - Arizona is located in Arizona

Coordinates

34.090399636248 N
111.71093829324505 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Fair
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Pets

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

2 hrs 42 min from Prescott Valley
2 hrs 58 min from Phoenix
3 hrs 25 min from Flagstaff
4 hrs 48 min from Tucson

Josh S.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 28, 2025

Beautiful

Beautiful camping area. The hot springs are a little hidden behind some bushes north of the bridge. I would recommend staying multiple nights here.

Month of VisitApril

(9) View All

jessica

Scout

Reviewed May. 30, 2023

Coordinates took me a horrible way

Have 4wheel drive with decent clearance. When reading the reviews I felt confident that they mirrored all of the other reviews I read related to whether my vehicle is suitable for the trek. Did fine coming from carefree until the fork in the road where bloody basin and the forest road meet. Google maps had me take the forest road and I didn’t want to risk taking another route because I had no service. Definitely should’ve followed directions from the previous review. Worst thing I could’ve done. Basically scaling boulders. Had to turn around and definitely did damage to my overland set up. Turned around and ended up wasting 10 hours. Really sad, as this looks like a great spot.

Month of VisitMay

Tyler M.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 25, 2022

River side

Love this spot. Being able to camp right on the river is always a game changer in my eyes. Good luck finding the hot spring! Totally worth it. There’s a cool rope swing off the bridge as well. Long drive out but amazing!

Month of VisitApril

(7) View All

Hunter T.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 4, 2022

Way better than expected!

Getting to this site may be difficult for someone with a regular car. The trails are much better suited for off-roading vehicles. The spot was perfect and the weather was just right. We only saw one other group of people as they were passing through the area. The stars were beautiful at night.

Month of VisitJanuary

(5) View All

conor C.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 6, 2021

Great camping

Clean good camping in February 2021. Lots of razrs on the trail. Took seven springs cave creek to bloody basin road into the site. Then bloody basin back to I17 on the way home. Both scenic good drives. BUMPY. kidney rockers on the way down to the water. Air down.

SiteRiver spot

Month of VisitFebruary

(4) View All

Alex S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Barren empty landscape perfect for camping

As I usually do in places like this I will advise you should have an suv or truck and 4wd before even bothering with this area.

It’s remote as can be and there isn’t a single thing out here including cell service

As far as the camp site well it’s about a 40mi trek through the empty desert to even get to the bridge and along the way there are numerous areas to get your rig pulled off to the side and camp it out however not every one is perfect so just do some hunting for the one that suits you

The bridge itself is pretty cool and apparently there are hot springs somewhere around here from what I’ve read but I didn’t search for them or see any signs. There are also some old structures but be respectful and keep ‘em protected

No water until the verde river so keep that in mind. Cell service is non existent as well. There is shade at spots due to the local fauna but for the most part it’s barren and you need to prepare for the trip out here wisely. Nearest entrance is off 17 as well as amenities so stock up and have fun!

Month of VisitJune