Horn Island Camp Out

A 4 Day | 3 Night camping trip to Walter Anderson’s beloved safe haven, Horn Island, hosted by the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Spend a weekend walking in Anderson’s footsteps exploring the sand dunes, sleeping under the stars, and painting the flora and fauna of the island depicted in Anderson’s vibrant watercolors. Join us and bring your own camping, fishing, and art making supplies. 

Our guide this year is Heather Martin, artist and owner of Ethotera Studio in Downtown Ocean Springs. Heather is a longtime islander, past museum educator, and expert on Walter Anderson. Additional guides include John Anderson, son of Walter Anderson, and several WAMA staff and partners. Water, travel, and some meals are included. A list of recommended supplies is below. 

Cost: $250 per person

“I made a drawing of a bittern nest while the flies stung, later a watercolor under my boat while the rain poured.... Such is the life of an artist who prefers nature to art. He really should cultivate his love of art more but feels that will take care of itself as long as it has things to feed upon.” – Walter Inglis Anderson

Questions? Contact Director of Education Tony DiFatta at educate@walterandersonmuseum.org.

Tentative itinerary:

Friday, October 1

• Leave the Pascagoula harbor at 7AM
• Arrive to the island approx. 7:45AM
• Set up base camp
• Eat an early lunch (provided)
• Set up personal camps
• Bonfire on the south side

Saturday and Sunday, October 2-3

• Island fun, exploration, and arting
• Island walkabouts with John Anderson, son of Walter Anderson

Monday, October 4

• Break down camps including base camp
• Boat arrives around 1PM
• Lunch on the boat (provided)
• Back on the mainland around 2PM

NOTE: Keep in mind that this will be primitive camping. This means no running water, bugs, animals, small cacti that litter the ground, limited shade and whatever else mother nature decides to throw our way. We will be setting up a base camp on the east end and north side of the island. Emergency supplies such as first aid and water will be stored here for those that need it. Most will camp on the South side of the island, in the dunes, a short hike from base camp (a little less than a mile). You will be responsible for carrying your own gear. Pack well and pack light! Below is a list of recommended items to bring along that will make your trip more comfortable.

Recommended Supplies

• Dome tent with a rain flap.
• A tarp or two. These are a great defense against moisture (rain or dew) and can double as a refuge from the sun.
• Forget the tent stakes, bring a handfull of plastic grocery bags. Dig a foot-deep hole in the sand, line it with the bag, fill it with sand and just twist up and tie the handles through the "stake loops" on your tent. 
• Rope/Tie-downs
• Sleeping Mat or Bag, a blanket or small pillow. The sand will mold to your body but will remain firm.
• Lantern, headlamp and/or flashlight with fresh batteries.
• Clothes Pins or something similar.
• Small First Aid Kit (We will have a large first aid kit at the base camp)
• Small shovel or garden spade for digging holes or latrines. You will be responsible for burying your solid waste. For the ladies, I recommend one of these!
• Pocket knife or multitool
• Waterproof matches and fire starters (We will have extras)
• Plastic or metal plate, bowl, utensil(s), and cup
• Zip-lock bags, trash bag, aluminum foil (folded into a flat square)
• Food (e.g. peanut butter, jerky, dried fruit, MRE, canned soup, bread, crackers, potted meat, etc.). WAMA will be providing a picnic lunch on Friday, breakfast items for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, water, and a late lunch on the trip back to the mainland on Monday afternoon. You will need to bring items for Dinner on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; lunch on Saturday and Sunday; and snacks.
• Backpack and canteen/water bottle
• Toiletries (mouthwash, toothpaste, and toothbrush)
• Sunglasses, rain/wind gear, bathing suit, sandals, boots, a couple pair of socks, a hat, microfiber towel, and weather appropriate clothing.
• Insect Repellant and sunscreen
• Medication
• Art supplies and fishing gear
• Optional Supplies: Spatula, small pot for cooking in/boiling water, Nature-friendly soap, paper towels, wet wipes, toilet paper, folding chair
• Not Recommended: Large coolers that weigh more than you can carry by yourself, large tents (due to weight), nice clothing, makeup and perfume (these will attract bugs), jewelry or valuables, jeans