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Horn Island Campouts

Adventure awaits you!

Camping trips to Walter Anderson’s beloved safe haven, Horn Island, hosted by Ethotera Art Studio and Wild Horizon Expeditions.

Base Camp

Our Story

Love Birds

Heather Martin began offering these trips 10 years ago when she served as the Director of Education for the Walter Anderson Museum (WAMA) in Ocean Springs, MS. She was inspired by Walter Anderson's deep relationship with the island and the magic he found in its embrace.  She wanted to give people first-hand experiences and a better understanding of Ocean Springs' beloved artist. Since then, Heather and her husband, Jason offer adventurous folks an opportunity to camp, fellowship, and make art on one of the Mississippi gulf coast's barrier islands, Horn Island.

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These trips have drawn a following of "islanders", people who look forward to going at least once per year and have grown to cherish all that the island has to offer.  No two experiences are the same.  Once you experience walking in Anderson's footsteps, exploring the dunes, sleeping under the stars, and painting the flora and fauna, you will long for refuge on Horn Island.

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Heather and Jason strive to balance modern conveniences with the rugged beauty of the wilderness, ensuring a comfortable yet authentic experience. They are fiercely protective of this enchanting environment, instilling in each participant a deep respect for nature. By educating everyone about the importance of conservation, they empower each person to become a guardian of Horn Island and other wild places. 

Heather and Jason have made the decision to create a non-profit organization that is in line with their mission.

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Wild Horizons Expeditions, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deep connection with nature through wilderness campouts, promoting environmental preservation, and providing educational opportunities. Our services include:

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1.      Wilderness Campouts: We organize immersive campout experiences on Horn Island and other wilderness refuges. These campouts are designed to help participants discover themselves and build resilience through direct engagement with nature.

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2.      Environmental Preservation: We are committed to protecting and preserving the natural environments where we operate. Our initiatives include habitat restoration projects, clean-up campaigns, and advocacy for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of these ecosystems.

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3.      Educational Programs: We offer educational workshops, guided nature tours, and interactive sessions aimed at raising awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. Our programs cover a wide range of topics, including local flora and fauna, conservation techniques, and the impact of human activities on natural habitats.

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By combining adventure, education, and conservation, Wild Horizons Expeditions, Inc. strives to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards who are passionate about preserving the wild places we cherish.

Our Trips

​Upcoming Opportunities

  • Horn Island Family Trip 2 Nights / 3 Days  Fall
    Horn Island Family Trip 2 Nights / 3 Days  Fall
    Sat, Nov 23
    Jackson County
    Nov 23, 2024, 6:00 AM – Nov 25, 2024, 3:00 PM
    Jackson County, Horn Island, Mississippi, USA
    Nov 23, 2024, 6:00 AM – Nov 25, 2024, 3:00 PM
    Jackson County, Horn Island, Mississippi, USA
    Camping trips to Walter Anderson’s beloved safe haven, Horn Island, hosted by Ethotera Art Studio, Gulf Islands National Seashore Park, S.W.A.P.S., and Wild Horizon Expeditions Inc.
  • Horn Island Plein Air Workshop
    Horn Island Plein Air Workshop
    Sat, Oct 26
    Ocean Springs
    Oct 26, 2024, 10:00 AM – Oct 27, 2024, 6:00 PM
    Ocean Springs, 432 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
    Oct 26, 2024, 10:00 AM – Oct 27, 2024, 6:00 PM
    Ocean Springs, 432 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
    Come paint with us on Horn Island for the day! No camping required.
  • Horn Island Fall Trip - 8 Days / 7 Nights
    Horn Island Fall Trip - 8 Days / 7 Nights
    Sat, Oct 12
    Jackson County
    Oct 12, 2024, 6:00 AM – Oct 19, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Jackson County, Horn Island, Mississippi, USA
    Oct 12, 2024, 6:00 AM – Oct 19, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Jackson County, Horn Island, Mississippi, USA
    Camping trips to Walter Anderson’s beloved safe haven, Horn Island, hosted by Ethotera Art Studio and Wild Horizon Expeditions Inc.

About Horn Island

One of Mississippi's barrier islands...

Horn Island is about 12 miles off the coast of Ocean Springs, is a wilderness refuge, and is owned by Gulf Islands National Seashore Park.  It is only accessible by boat and has no structures, roads, or piers. It has long stretches of sugar-white sanddunes punctuated with sea oats, tall pines on small grovessaw palmettos on small groves, and a few inland lagoons. It is home to varied wildlife including alligatorsospreyspelicansanhinga, 

ibises, manateesducks, rabbits, raccoons, ternherons, and other migratory birds. The Sound and the Gulf host innumerable species of sea life.

Horn Island Map
  1. Chimney Lagoon

  2. Tern Point

  3. West Little Bayou

  4. Black Post 

  5. Rabbit Springs

  6. Pouldeau Lagoon

  7. Horseshoe

  8. Lily Pond

  9. Simy Hill

  10. Barge

  11. Summer Camp

  12. Winter Camp

  13. Black Lagoon

  14. Teal Lagoon

  15. East Little Bayou

  16. Bull Rush Pool

  17. Thru Lagoon

  18. Water's House Crossing

  19. The Gap

  20. The Flats

  21. Light House Lagoon

  22. Cypress Lake

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