Camp Joy Retreats | Bald Head Island, NC
With Marea Kavanagh
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. Wild dunes, maritime forest, wide beaches, and marshes rich with wildlife create a landscape that invites you to slow down and breathe. Sitting at the mouth of Cape Fear, more than 80% of Bald Head Island is protected, making it the perfect place to reconnect with nature and your own joy.
The island’s magic lies in its quiet rhythm with the natural world. The Bald Head Island Conservancy protects important nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles, and it’s common to spot dolphins at sunset or egrets fishing in the marsh. From the ferry at Deep Point Marina, you cross the Cape Fear River, breathe in the salt air, and step into island time where golf carts replace cars and the pace of life softens.
For four nights and five soul-filling days, this Camp Joy retreat gathers in a private home on Middle Island, tucked among centuries-old live oaks and overlooking the tidal beauty of Fishing Creek. Built in 2025, the home blends coastal elegance with the warmth of a true gathering place. Light fills the open kitchen, dining, and living spaces, with wide windows framing the marsh beyond.
Four primary suites feature ensuite bathrooms and private marsh views. Two bunk rooms with double beds and ensuite baths open onto a lower patio, deepening the connection to the outdoors.
The winding paths of Middle Island keep you close to the beach while wrapped in peaceful stillness. East Beach is just a 3–4 minute golf cart ride or a beautiful one-mile walk from the house.
About the Leader
Marea Kavanagh
My path to Camp Joy Retreats has unfolded through many chapters, each one shaping how I think about connection, healing, and what it means to truly feel joy. For more than fifteen years working in the restaurant industry, including seven years as a General Manager, I developed a deep appreciation for creating memorable experiences. Great […]
Learn more about Marea Kavanagh