Facilities & Amenities
Located on 195 acres of forest, water, and wildlife in Watha, North Carolina—just 5.5 miles north of Burgaw and about 40 minutes from Wilmington—YMCA Camp Kirkwood offers a refreshing and easily accessible destination for retreats and conferences. With convenient access to major thoroughfares connecting North and South Carolina, our campus feels secluded yet connected.
Our scenic property blends natural beauty with comfort and functionality, creating an ideal environment for connection, reflection, and productivity. Groups are welcomed year-round and can take advantage of flexible meeting spaces, comfortable lodging, and a variety of outdoor amenities.
From a peaceful 10-acre lake and wooded hiking trails to open gathering areas and recreational facilities, Camp Kirkwood provides space to unplug, collaborate, and recharge. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, faith-based gathering, leadership conference, or team-building event, our customizable programs and tranquil setting support meaningful collaboration, personal growth, and renewed focus—all in a safe and inspiring environment.
Lodging
Cabins- Each of our 8 cabins are equipped with AC/heat, hot water, on suite bathrooms 2 showers, 2 sinks and 2 stalls.
All cabins sleep 14 people in twin bunk beds. The number of cabins needed will be determined by the total number of participants and gender.
Tent Sites- Set among the rustic wooded area these sites have access to a nearby bathhouse with toilets, showers and hot water, gathering spaces, and recreational areas.
*For groups with participants under 18 years, we recommend 12 youth and 2 adults. At minimum we require 1 adult of the appropriate gender to be in cabin or tent sites overnight.
Dining
This building is the heartbeat of camp. Here you will find our offices, camp store and enjoy delicious meals, or sip an early morning coffee on the front porch overlooking the lake. If you're lucky you may even spot some otters!
Meeting Spaces
Airnasium
This open-air pavilion makes a great picnic spot for day groups, allows guests to enjoy numerus activities (Basketball, GaGa Ball, Corn hole, and more!)
Outdoor Chapel
The outdoor chapel boast sweeping views of the lake from morning quiet time to evening activities and plenty of benches to fit groups 1-101.
This area has electric outlets available for screens, sound systems and lighting if desired. Let us know your needs and we can help prepare your meeting area to meet your needs.
Unit Lodge
Smaller than the Dining Hall, the Unit Lodge is a great option for smaller groups. A full kitchen and restrooms make this a cozy place for groups to gather.
Prayer Labyrinth
Our lake provides the background for this walking meditation spot. Finding quiet focus and stress reduction are just two benefits from taking time to follow this clear path of twists and turns.
Activities
With over 195 acres of property, YMCA Camp Kirkwood has a wide variety of outdoor activities for kids and adults to enjoy. Our 10-acre lake offers fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking and lake rafts. Other camp elements include an outdoor pool, hiking trails, high and low ropes courses, zip-line, archery and BB gun range, Swing By Choice and power pole.
Camp Kirkwood can also provide classes in team-building and outdoor education for both retreat groups and schools. Contact us for availability.
