Bald Head Island, April 29 - May 3, 2026
Bald Head Island is special.
No cars. No noise. Just the sound of waves, the rustle of live oaks, and the distant call of seabirds. Accessible only by ferry, this barrier island off the coast of North Carolina feels worlds away - a sanctuary of wild dunes, maritime forest, wide open beaches, marshes teeming with wildlife and endless ocean views. Sitting on the famous Cape Fear, over 80% of Bald Head Island is untouched, making it the perfect backdrop for slowing down and finding your own joy.
The magic of Bald Head Island lies in the quiet coexistence with nature. The Bald Head Island Conservancy protects a vital nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles among many other things! You'll see dolphins playing on the waves at sunset, and egrets fishing in the marsh.
Your Camp Joy experience begins the moment you board the ferry. Cross the Cape Fear River, breathe in the salt air, and step into island time, where golf carts replace cars and stillness replaces rush. Be reminded of childhood joy, riding around the island on a bicycle or in a golf cart with the wind in your hair :-)
For four nights and five slow, soul-filling days, Camp Joy takes over a private house on Middle Island that is tucked among centuries-old live oaks and overlooking the tidal beauty of Fishing Creek. Built in 2025, it blends coastal elegance with the warmth of a true gathering place, light-filled, expansive, and deeply in tune with nature.
At its heart is an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living space where sunlight floods in through wide windows framing the marsh. Every detail, from the screened porch to the soft, natural palette, reflects the quiet sophistication of the Carolina coast.
Four primary suites each feature ensuite bathrooms and private marsh views. Two bunk rooms with double beds and en suite bathrooms open onto a lower patio, reinforcing the connection with nature.
With the winding paths of Middle Island, you’re never far from the beach, yet always wrapped in stillness; private access to East Beach is a quick 3 - 4 minute golf cart ride or beautiful 1 mile walk from the house.
Select Highlights
Here’s a glimpse of what awaits during our rejuvenating days on Bald Head Island — a place where ocean breezes, wild beauty, and soulful connection meet beneath the canopy of live oaks and the golden glow of the Carolina coast.
Daily Morning Rituals
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Participate in the Morning Inner Joy Ritual, a combination of short powerful activities like somatic dance, lymphatic drainage protocol, and breathwork to reconnect you to your vitality and ease.
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Ease into guided meditations and yoga.
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Take a quiet walk through to the dunes and ocean.
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Or sleep in, your call.
The Inner Joy Series
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Our signature program, led by Marea, gently invites you to reflect, reset, and reconnect through short but powerful lessons & guided meditations, journal prompts, and discussion.
Creative & Ceremonial Moments
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Join for mini-Joy workshops, beach mandala art, flower wreath making, and the “Letting Go” and “Carry the Joy” sunset ceremonies — celebrations of release, gratitude, and renewal.
Afternoons of Flow
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Free time for swimming, kayaking through the marsh, exploring the Maritime shops, or simply journaling on the screened porch as the light shifts across the tidal marsh. We've built in lots of time for reflection or rest.
Aperos & Sunsets
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Every evening begins with the Camp Joy tradition - a slow, sparkling apero as the marsh glows pink and silver, reminding us that joy often arrives in stillness.
Evenings of Connection
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Share dinner and laughter then gather for stargazing, moonlight beach walks, a cheeky nightcap or perhaps even a spontaneous dance party under the stars.
Nourishing Food, Beautiful Space
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Enjoy locally inspired meals prepared by private chefs, served family-style in our light-filled Middle Island home.
Beautiful Surprises
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We won’t give too much away, but you can expect unexpected moments of delight woven throughout the week.
Rooms and Pricing
We are excited to offer a number of options and all prices include meals and snacks, drinks (wine, aperitifs, and, of course, non-alcoholic options), on-site and off-site activities that are included in the agenda, and moments of surprise and delight.
All rooms have en suite bathrooms that are shared with your roomie if you choose one!
Pricing is based on a 4-night stay and the retreat which begins when you arrive on Bald Head Island!
Early Bird Pricing available now! Prices increase by 10% on January 30th, 2026.
How Do I Get to Camp Joy Bald Head Island?
The Camp Joy House on the Marsh sits in Middle Island. Camp Joy will pick-up campers at the Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal on the Island and arrange transport to the house for you and your luggage! For driving or arranging a ride, your destination is Deep Point Marina outside Southport North Carolina.
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By Car: You'll find parking at a daily rate at the Deep Point Marina from which the Bald Head Island Ferry leaves.
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By Air: Wilmington airport (ILM) is 45 minutes, Myrtle Beach airport (MYR) is 1 hour 30 minutes and Raleigh-Durham airport (RDU) is 2 hours, 30 minutes from Deep Point Marina. We can help organize shared car service from ILM or MYR. Uber and LYFT also serve both ILM and MYR airports.
We will help campers arrange the ferry to the Island after they book!