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Camp Alta Mons wilderness guide
Camp and Retreat Center · VA

Camp Alta Mons

Camp Alta Mons is a serene retreat center located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and camping, amidst beautiful natural settings.

Camp and Retreat Center8501+ Trails

Designation

Camp and Retreat Center

Total Wilderness Area

850

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Camp Alta Mons

Camp Alta Mons is a serene retreat center located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and camping, amidst beautiful natural settings.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Camp Alta Mons is situated in Shawsville, Virginia, within the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Spanning over 850 acres, the camp boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, including mixed hardwood forests, clear streams, and open fields. Initially established as a Methodist Church camp, Alta Mons has been a place for spiritual retreats and outdoor adventures since 1957. The camp offers numerous recreational opportunities, chief among them being over 5 miles of hiking trails such as the popular Stiles Falls Trail, leading to a scenic 40-foot waterfall. The area is home to varied wildlife, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, and a rich variety of bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in camping, adventure programming, and educational camps, with facilities that accommodate groups of all sizes. Its appeal also lies in the serene environment perfect for retreats, where visitors can disconnect and rejuvenate amidst nature.

Field Guide · Camp and Retreat Center
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Camp Alta Mons

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Serenity of Stiles Falls★ 6.8⌖ 3 miHiking
Stiles Falls

Discover the Serenity of Stiles Falls

Explore the serene 1.5-mile trail to Stiles Falls in Shawsville, VA. A moderate hike with lush greenery and a tranquil waterfall, ideal for families and nature enthusiasts. Enjoy wildlife watching and photography in a peaceful setting.

Discover Dodd Creek Trail: Floyd's Hidden Gem★ 5.4⌖ 14 miHiking
Dodd Creek Trail

Discover Dodd Creek Trail: Floyd's Hidden Gem

Explore the Dodd Creek Trail in Floyd, VA, a peaceful trail ideal for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. Open year-round, best enjoyed in spring or fall. Accessible from nearby roads, offering a quiet escape into nature.

Discover the Wonders of Dragon's Tooth Trail★ 8.3⌖ 19 miHiking
Dragon's Tooth Trail

Discover the Wonders of Dragon's Tooth Trail

Explore the Dragon's Tooth Trail near Catawba, VA, featuring a 35-foot quartzite monolith. This 2.3-mile challenging hike is known for its breathtaking views and rock formations. Best in spring or fall, it's perfect for experienced hikers seeking adventure.

Scenic Views at Rock Castle Gorge Overlook★ 7.8⌖ 22 miHiking
Rock Castle Gorge Overlook

Scenic Views at Rock Castle Gorge Overlook

Explore Rock Castle Gorge Overlook, a moderate hiking destination near Floyd, VA, known for breathtaking panoramic views and excellent bird watching. Best visited in spring and fall, this tranquil location is perfect for adventure seekers and offers scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Discover the Majestic Blue Ridge Parkway at Rocky Knob★ 7.8⌖ 22 miHiking
Blue Ridge Parkway Rocky Knob Information Center

Discover the Majestic Blue Ridge Parkway at Rocky Knob

Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Rocky Knob Information Center with stunning overlooks in Floyd, VA. Ideal for hiking, camping, and birding. Best visited in spring and fall for vivid foliage and bird activity. Perfect for photographers seeking breathtaking vistas.

Breathtaking Views at Blue Ridge Overlook★ 8.0⌖ 22 miScenic Viewing
Overlook

Breathtaking Views at Blue Ridge Overlook

Explore the breathtaking views at Blue Ridge Overlook in Floyd, VA. Known for its scenic vistas and bird watching, this drive-in spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway is best visited in spring and fall. A great destination for nature photography and peaceful exploration.

Scenic ViewingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Stiles Falls✦ Diverse hardwood forest ecosystems✦ Wildlife observation opportunities✦ Tranquil retreat environment
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Camp Alta Mons

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Camp Alta Mons
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Camp Alta Mons
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Camp Alta Mons
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Camp Alta Mons
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Camp Alta Mons.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees required for day use; fees apply for group camps and retreats.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Camp Alta Mons

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Creekside Campground

Located along the creek, this campground offers tent sites and cabin accommodations.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Camp Alta Mons

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Shawsville
⌖ 3.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shawsville, Virginia

A quaint Appalachian town offering access to hidden nature escapes and friendly Southern hospitality.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Blacksburg
⌖ 10.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blacksburg, Virginia

A vibrant college town with easy access to the stunning mountains and rivers of Southwest Virginia.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Radford
⌖ 16.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Radford, Virginia

A small college town with close proximity to mountains and water, offering a mix of laid-back outdoor activities and scenic exploration in southwest Virginia.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Fairlawn
⌖ 16.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fairlawn, Virginia

A quiet suburban community near the New River offering easy access to peaceful outdoor pursuits along waterways and gentle trails.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Salem
⌖ 17.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Salem, Virginia

A hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering diverse adventures in the scenic Roanoke Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Boones Mill
⌖ 18.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boones Mill, Virginia

A quiet rural Appalachian town offering nearby access to forested trails and waterways, ideal for peaceful outdoor recreation and hidden adventures in the Roanoke Valley region.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Camp Alta Mons

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.