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
DesignationCamp and Retreat Center
Total Wilderness Area850
Elevation / TerrainDiverse 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 60 miles.

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, Virginia
⌖ 3.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shawsville, Virginia

Shawsville is a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Enjoy hiking, cycling, and bird watching in this charming Appalachian community—perfect for escaping the busier trails.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Blacksburg, Virginia
⌖ 10.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blacksburg, Virginia

Blacksburg is a lively college town with prime access to outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking amidst the natural beauty of the Appalachian region.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Radford, Virginia
⌖ 16.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Radford, Virginia

Radford offers easy access to hiking, paddling, and biking along the scenic New River and nearby trails. This quiet Virginia college town is ideal for outdoor lovers seeking peaceful riverfront activities and woodland adventures.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Fairlawn, Virginia
⌖ 16.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fairlawn, Virginia

Fairlawn, Virginia is a peaceful gateway to the New River’s outdoor adventures. Ideal for paddling, fishing, and gentle hikes, it’s a quiet spot to enjoy Virginia’s natural beauty without crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Salem, Virginia
⌖ 17.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Salem, Virginia

Salem, Virginia, is a vibrant adventure destination in the Roanoke Valley. Enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in serene mountain settings. Perfect for outdoor escape in any season!

Boones Mill, Virginia
⌖ 18.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boones Mill, Virginia

Boones Mill offers a peaceful Appalachian outdoor escape with access to hiking, biking, fishing, and bird watching. Use this quiet town as your basecamp to explore scenic Blue Ridge foothills and nearby protected natural areas.

Spring through Fall
Explore 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.

Group Fishing Trips
ADVEXPEDITION
Roanoke, Virginia
Guided TourADV Bookable

Group Fishing Trips

Join Virginia Trophy Guides for an unforgettable group fishing trip on Chesapeake Bay. Personalized guidance, top gear, and abundant catches await!

Guided TourAll ages • 8 - 10 Hours • 6 - 8 Anglers • Experience Best-In-Class Fly Fishing!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Smallmouth Bass (Half Day or Full Day)
ADVEXPEDITION
Roanoke, Virginia
Guided TourADV Bookable

Smallmouth Bass (Half Day or Full Day)

Join Virginia Trophy Guides for an unforgettable smallmouth bass fishing adventure on the James River. With expert guides and scenic surroundings, this trip guarantees action and great memories.

Guided TourAll ages • 5 or 10 Hours • Experience Best-In-Class Fly Fishing • From $371Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Off Road Vehicles
ADVEXPEDITION
Pembroke, Virginia
Guided TourADV Bookable

Off Road Vehicles

Drive scenic Mountain Lake backcountry trails with Mountain Lake Lodge’s guided off-road tours. Choose from shorter rides to Bald Knob or Prospect Rock or the full two-hour history route that covers both.

Guided TourUp to 3 People • 1 Hour Guided ToursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Excursions
ADVEXPEDITION
Wythville, Virginia
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Excursions

Discover Southwest Virginia’s Mountain Lake Excursion—an authentic adventure blending pristine lake landscapes with rich Appalachian culture and history. This journey reveals hidden natural gems and local stories for a truly unique trip.

Sightseeing Tourup to 13 passengersCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Rock Climbing
ADVEXPEDITION
Roanoke, Virginia
ClimbingADV Bookable

Rock Climbing

Private, progressive climbing instruction on coarse-grained granite near Roanoke. From first outdoor top-ropes to AMGA SPI exam prep, Granite Arches offers focused coaching and all gear included.

ClimbingGuided climbing & classes • Flexible duration - up to 7 hoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
ADVEXPEDITION
Roanoke, Virginia
ClimbingADV Bookable

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

A compact, practical two-day Wilderness First Aid course in Roanoke geared to day trip leaders, guides, and outdoor staff. Small groups, scenario-based drills, and Blue Ridge–specific practice terrain make this an efficient way to build backcountry medical confidence.

ClimbingCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
ADVEXPEDITION
Roanoke, Virginia
ClimbingADV Bookable

Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)

A focused, four-day Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) course in Roanoke, VA, built for guides and serious backcountry travelers. Learn prolonged-care techniques, improvised splinting, and real-world simulations tailored to Blue Ridge conditions.

ClimbingCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
SPI Prep
ADVEXPEDITION
Roanoke, Virginia
ClimbingADV Bookable

SPI Prep

One-on-one SPI exam prep with an AMGA Course Provider at Granite Arches in Roanoke. Tailored mock exams, systems work, and pedagogy coaching to sharpen skills before the AMGA SPI.

ClimbingPrivate Review & Exam Preparation (PREP) for AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Course and ExamCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip