In real estate, the term “retreat” is often an overreach. Not with High Mountain Camp. It is private, scenic, remote, and totally self-contained. It lies at the end of the road, on top of a mountain, deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia. The property was designed to be entirely self-contained and features off-the-grid capabilities with redundant solar, wind, propane, and wood burning systems. The infrastructure has been designed with sustainability, security, and independence in mind.
For all its privacy, however, High Mountain Camp remains accessible. Multiple cities and metro areas can be reached in under two-and-a-half hours, including Roanoke, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, one of the Southeast’s most vibrant cities. Accessibility is further enhanced by a helipad and 800-foot grass runway. Other improvements include three fully furnished cabins with spectacular views, numerous outbuildings, a hangar, and equipment shop.
High Mountain Camp’s multiple dwellings and well-developed infrastructure make it an ideal family compound, perfect for hosting multiple generations. The property is being offered turnkey with all furnishings and farm equipment, making it ready for use on day one of ownership.
High Mountain Camp runs the length of Bald Rock Ridge, and the mountaintop property has an average elevation of 4,000 feet. The driveway enters the property through a pair of discreet stone pillars and quickly gains elevation as the private, well-maintained driveway weaves through a towering hardwood forest and thick understory of native rhododendron and mountain laurel.
At the top of the driveway, you are greeted by the South Cabin, which is entirely off-the-grid with redundant systems that ensure total energy independence and security. The cabin overlooks a three-quarter acre, stocked pond and is thoughtfully appointed with two bedrooms and a modern, well-equipped kitchen. To the north of the South Cabin are the Middle and North Cabins, which together offer an additional seven bedrooms. All three of the cabins offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys below.
At the southern end of the property is the equipment shop and aviation facility. High Mountain Camp is a pilot’s dream, and adjacent to the 3,000± square foot hangar there is a 3,400± square foot helipad and a 800-foot grass landing strip, created with STOL aircraft in mind. The aviation components vastly increase the property’s accessibility, and the current owner can reach High Mountain Camp in under 45 minutes from the Charlotte metro area via helicopter.
Because of its location, High Mountain Camp has 360-degree views. There are two observation decks on the western edge of the ridge overlooking Robert’s Cove, and Virginia’s highest mountain, Mt. Rogers (5,729 feet), is visible in the distance. The property’s northern boundary is shared with the Jefferson National Forest.
High Mountain Camp is a true mountain retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its privacy, self-sufficiency, and scenery are unmatched, rivaled only by the convenience to some of North Carolina’s largest metro areas.
High Mountain Camp is located in southwest Virginia, 45 minutes from Wytheville, which is the nearest large town. The property’s location is one of its defining features, and it is remote but accessible. When you’re at the property you are a world away from everyday life, yet Charlotte, one of the Southeast’s most dynamic business centers, can be reached in just two hours and fifteen minutes by car. Independence is the nearest town and is only 14 miles to the southeast. Distances to regional cities are:
This part of Virginia is known for its rugged scenery and rural character. The Blue Ridge Mountains create a stunning backdrop, and the mountains here routinely top 4,000 feet, making them some of the highest in Virginia. The Jefferson National Forest borders the property, and the sprawling 690,000-acre complex of protected lands can be immediately accessed out of High Mountain Camp’s back door.
Within striking distance of the property are numerous trout-filled creeks and endless trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The well-known Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is less than 30 minutes from the property and contains four wilderness areas, 500± miles of trails, and Virginia’s highest peak, Mt. Rogers (5,729 feet). The Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, and the Johns Mountain Trail traverse the areas near High Mountain Camp.
In recent years southwest Virginia has become rightfully recognized for its outdoor recreational resources, and year-round activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, paddling, and cross-country skiing.
High Mountain Camp enjoys a true four-season climate. Summertime temperatures are in the 70s and low 80s, and the high elevation means there are consistent, pleasant breezes and minimal humidity – a welcome respite from the typical Southeastern summer. The spring and fall seasons feature high temperatures that range from the 50s to the low 70s, while winters at High Mountain Camp can be cold and snowy, with average high temperatures in the 30s and low 40s. Average precipitation in the area is 41 inches per year. Average snowfall in the area is 17 inches per year, although snowfall at High Mountain Camp is frequently much higher due to its elevation.
The property is primarily hardwood forest, with approximately 40 open acres in the center of the property along the top of the ridge. Within the open acreage, adjacent to the South Cabin and pond, are two fenced paddocks that total around five acres. The runway and helipad are sited at the southern end of the property.
South Cabin: The South Cabin is a traditional, 1,200± square foot Appalachian-style cabin that has been thoughtfully positioned to take advantage of the views to the east, the pond, and the wide valley below. It has one main bedroom and a sleeping loft, as well as a comfortable living room, well-appointed kitchen, and wraparound porch. Adjacent to the cabin is a 1,350± square foot garage with three bays. The cabin is fully off-the-grid, with redundant systems, including:
Middle Cabin: The Middle Cabin sits on the brow of Bald Rock Ridge and takes advantage of the views to both the east and west. It has four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. It also has a propane backup generator with a large capacity tank.
North Cabin: The North Cabin is the largest of the cabins and measures 2,600± square feet. It has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a large equipment garage, and adjacent storage barn. It also has a propane backup generator with a large capacity tank.
Hangar: The 3,000± square foot hangar is located south of the cabins. It is in immaculate condition and features an automated overhead hangar door that opens onto the helipad.
Equipment Shop: The equipment shop has 1,275± square feet of conditioned storage and workshop space and includes a full bathroom. All equipment and tools on the farm will convey with the property.
Annual property taxes were approximately $12,877 in 2022.
Recreation and enjoyment of the outdoors are at the heart of High Mountain Camp. On-site, there is a pond stocked with bass and trout and a thorough road and trail system. For those looking to explore further afield, the property has direct access to the Jefferson National Forest, making it an ideal launching point to explore tens of thousands of acres of protected lands.
Hunting is not currently a focus on the property, but the property has strong populations of whitetail deer and eastern wild turkey. Additional wildlife includes black bears, bobcats, and a wide variety of bird species. All benefit from the surrounding rural lands and national forest.
For the recreational or backcountry pilot, it doesn’t get much better than High Mountain Camp. Few properties offer the ability to wake up, walk to your hangar, and take flight. Even fewer offer such a spectacular backdrop.
