Camp Joy, located 45 miles east of St. Louis in Carlyle, Illinois, is a 165-acre campground that offers a mix of outdoor and educational activities. It has traditionally served as a Boy Scout camp, offering programs in aquatics, shooting sports, and a Project C.O.P.E. ropes course. The camp features a lake for boating and fishing, a nature center, and a climbing tower. After a brief closure, it reopened as Whispering Pines of Clinton County in 2022, aiming to provide diverse programs for youth and other organizations.
The location's serene natural setting, combined with its rich history of supporting community activities, makes it a treasured site for both locals and visitors. While not a traditional beach, Camp Joy offers unique experiences centered around nature and outdoor adventure.
The area surrounding Camp Joy is dotted with attractions like Carlyle Lake, offering additional recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing, making it a popular spot for those interested in water sports and nature exploration.