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.
Our Story
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
- Sat, Nov 23Jackson CountyNov 23, 2024, 6:00 AM – Nov 25, 2024, 3:00 PMJackson County, Horn Island, Mississippi, USA
- Sat, Oct 26Ocean SpringsOct 26, 2024, 10:00 AM – Oct 27, 2024, 6:00 PMOcean Springs, 432 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
- Sat, Oct 12Jackson CountyOct 12, 2024, 6:00 AM – Oct 19, 2024, 2:00 PMJackson County, Horn Island, Mississippi, USA
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 sand, dunes punctuated with sea oats, tall pines on small groves, saw palmettos on small groves, and a few inland lagoons. It is home to varied wildlife including alligators, ospreys, pelicans, anhinga,
ibises, manatees, ducks, rabbits, raccoons, tern, herons, and other migratory birds. The Sound and the Gulf host innumerable species of sea life.
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Chimney Lagoon
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Tern Point
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West Little Bayou
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Black Post
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Rabbit Springs
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Pouldeau Lagoon
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Horseshoe
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Lily Pond
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Simy Hill
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Barge
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Summer Camp
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Winter Camp
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Black Lagoon
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Teal Lagoon
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East Little Bayou
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Bull Rush Pool
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Thru Lagoon
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Water's House Crossing
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The Gap
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The Flats
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Light House Lagoon
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Cypress Lake