Camp Alta Mons wilderness guide
Camp and Retreat Center · VA
Photography Guide

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

Notable Landscape Features

Iconic geological landmarks, alpine vantage points, and distinctive ecosystems in Camp Alta Mons.

Feature 1

Stiles Falls

A stunning 40-foot waterfall accessible by a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike.

Feature 2

Challenge Course

A ropes challenge course designed for team-building and personal growth activities.

Feature 3

Outdoor Chapel

A peaceful space within the forest used for worship and meditation.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Stiles FallsDiverse hardwood forest ecosystemsWildlife observation opportunitiesTranquil retreat environment
Iconic Trails & Natural Landmarks

Top Trails & Sights in Camp Alta Mons

Discover summit paths, alpine loops, and natural wonders within this protected wilderness.

Moderate3 miles

Stiles Falls Trail

Leads to a beautiful waterfall and showcases the area's natural beauty.

Discover the Serenity of Stiles Falls6.8
Waterfall

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.

Shawsville, VirginiaExplore Sight
Discover Dodd Creek Trail: Floyd's Hidden Gem5.4
Trailhead

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.

Floyd, VirginiaExplore Sight
Discover the Wonders of Dragon's Tooth Trail8.3
Rock Formation

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.

Catawba, VirginiaExplore Sight
Scenic Views at Rock Castle Gorge Overlook7.8
Scenic Viewpoint

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.

Floyd, VirginiaExplore Sight
Discover the Majestic Blue Ridge Parkway at Rocky Knob7.8
Scenic Viewpoint

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.

Floyd, VirginiaExplore Sight
Breathtaking Views at Blue Ridge Overlook8.0
Scenic Viewpoint

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.

Floyd, VirginiaExplore Sight
Natural Beauty at Rocky Knob Recreation Area6.5
Recreation Area

Natural Beauty at Rocky Knob Recreation Area

Explore the Rocky Knob Recreation Area near Floyd, VA for scenic hiking and camping. Known for its panoramic Blue Ridge views, trails offer moderate difficulty. Best visited in spring and fall for blooming flowers or autumn foliage.

Floyd, VirginiaExplore Sight
McAfee Knob8.8
Scenic Viewpoint

McAfee Knob

Explore McAfee Knob, the most photographed site on the Appalachian Trail near Roanoke, Virginia. This moderate 8-mile roundtrip hike offers breathtaking panoramic views at its iconic rock overhang, perfect for photography during spring and fall months.

Roanoke, VirginiaExplore Sight
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Camp Alta Mons

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

Activity Spotlight

Photography in Camp Alta Mons

View Full Park Guide

Camp Alta Mons offers exceptional terrain and routes for photography, featuring established access paths, scenic vistas, and protected wilderness territory.

Other Activities in Camp Alta Mons:HikingCampingWildlife Viewing
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 desert basecamps surrounding the park.

Shawsville, Virginia
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 FallExplore Town
Blacksburg, Virginia
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 FallExplore Town
Radford, Virginia
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 FallExplore Town
Fairlawn, Virginia
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 FallExplore Town
Salem, Virginia
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
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 FallExplore Town