Montrose, CO Campground Joins LSI

BLACK CANYON JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP-RESORT IS A CONVENIENT GETAWAY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS ALIKE

MONTROSE, Colo., Aug. 2, 2011 – When Shawnie and Oliver McMichael took a weekend camping trip with their five kids and other family members a few weeks ago, they didn’t have far to go.

They camped at the Black Canyon Jellystone Park Camp-Resort – just a few minutes away from their home in Montrose.

“My husband wasn’t convinced it was going to feel like camping because it was so close to home,” Shawnie McMichael said. “But he actually liked it.”

In fact, their kids, ages 8 to 17, had so much fun there with swimming, crafts and other activities that the McMichaels plan to make a return trip.

“I think our family will definitely go back,” Shawnie McMichael said. “The pool was very cool and clean and refreshing. The kids loved being able to hop in and run back to the campsite.”

While the campground has RV and tent sites, it also has lodge rooms that families can rent if they don’t have an RV or tent or if they need overflow space for large groups.

The park, in fact, has had many improvements in recent years.

Formerly known as Country Village RV Resort, it was acquired three years ago by John Barber and a group of investors bought the park out of bankruptcy court.

“It was in pretty rough shape,” Barber said of the then mostly vacant 140-site park, located at 22045 South Highway 550.

But after investing roughly half a million dollars in improvements, including a new swimming pool, a new septic system and new paint and carpeting for the park’s buildings, Barber and his investor group are now targeting the family vacation market by joining the Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts chain.

“We’re officially a Jellystone Park now,” Barber said, adding his park is the third in Colorado to join the national franchise chain, which is famous for offering fun, family activities throughout the camping season.

Barber is already developing an activities schedule that will include ice cream socials, indoor movies and scavenger hunts. He’s also planning several themed weekends, including a murder mystery weekend and a chocolate themed weekend later in summer. Halloween themed weekends are also being planned for the first two weekends of October. Of course, all these activities now have an extra element of fun with Yogi Bear participating. Yogi is on site daily to greet campers, pose for photo ops and take part in events.

Barber is also continuing to make improvements to his park, including expanding the campground store.

The park is located about 9 miles south of Montrose, 70 miles south of Grand Junction and is about 25 minutes from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Other Colorado Jellystone Parks are located in Estes Park and Larkspur.

About Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts

Launched in 1969, the Jellystone Park system now boasts over 75 campgrounds with more than 15,000 campsites in 30 states and three Canadian provinces. Its Camp-Resorts are among the best campgrounds in the industry with a quality reputation for being fun, friendly, clean and customer service-oriented parks. Additionally, each Jellystone Park is themed with Yogi Bear elements providing instant recognition and consumer appeal. It is truly a place “Where You Camp With Friends.”®

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are franchised through Leisure Systems, Inc. (LSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Park River Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Maine Campground Sees Uptick in Business

Yonderhill Campground Sign

YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK AT YONDER HILL SEES UPTICK IN BUSINESS WITH LATE SUMMER DRY SPELL

Campground business levels are back to normal in August after a cool, wet spring and early summer dampened summer travel plans

MADISON, Me., Aug. 2, 2011 – The camping season got off to a slow start this summer at the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Yonder Hill , thanks to an unusually cool, wet spring and early summer.

“It didn’t really dry out and begin to warm up until late July,” said park owner Allen York, who recently converted the former Yonder Hill Campground to become the first Jellystone Park in Maine.

Yonderhill Campground SignBut business levels are strong this month through Labor Day weekend, and the park is completely sold out Aug. 11th to 20th during the upcoming Skowhegan State Fair, the nation’s oldest continuous agricultural fair.

York is also busy planning several themed weekends that should bring families back to his Central Maine park through early October.

Upcoming events include a horseshoe tournament on the weekend of Aug. 20th and 21st; a summer bash on Aug. 27th and 28th, with a pie eating content, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a tug of war and dancing; and a lobster dinner on Labor Day weekend.

September events also include a Halloween themed weekend Sept. 17th and 18th with a campsite decorating contest, a costume contest, trick or treating, a haunted wagon ride and a haunted house. A special discount weekend is also scheduled for Oct. 1st and 2nd, with a couple’s weekend slated for Oct. 8th and 9th with an intimate dinner.

Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are widely known for having unique activities. Of course, all these activities now have an extra element of fun with Yogi Bear participating. Yogi is on site daily to greet campers, pose for photo ops and take part in events.

About Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts

Launched in 1969, the Jellystone Park system now boasts over 75 campgrounds with more than 15,000 campsites in 30 states and three Canadian provinces. Its Camp-Resorts are among the best campgrounds in the industry with a quality reputation for being fun, friendly, clean and customer service-oriented parks. Additionally, each Jellystone Park is themed with Yogi Bear elements providing instant recognition and consumer appeal. It is truly a place “Where You Camp With Friends.”®

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are franchised through Leisure Systems, Inc. (LSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Park River Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Kansas City Experiences Record Heat

RECORD SUMMER HEAT DOESN’T STOP FAMILIES FROM ENJOYING NIGHTLY CAMPFIRES WITH S’MORES AND OTHER FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT JELLYSTONE-PARK CAMP RESORTS

LAWRENCE, Kan., July 25, 2011 – The Midwest may be suffering from one of its worst heat waves in years, but that doesn’t stop families from having nightly campfires at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Lawrence.

“Campfires and s’mores are always popular with families no matter how hot it gets,” said park manager Nancee Morris.

At Jellystone Parks, ice cream socials, swimming, and fun family activities with Yogi are also part of the camping experience.

“Our soft serve ice cream is a big hit,” Morris said, adding that the park is also selling lots of slushies, bottled water, pool toys and floaties – anything that helps keep our guests cool.”

The record heat has prompted Morris to re-arrange the daily activity schedules from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

“We had a blast!” said Jamie Fenster, 25, of Bonner Springs, Kan., who spent this past weekend at the park with her husband and two children, Autum, 5, and Bailey, 2, each of whom celebrated their birthdays.

Although the Fensters don’t have an RV, that was no problem because the park has cabins for rent.

“We’d go out and do activities for a while, then go to the pool for a while, and then do more activities,” Fenster said, adding that the ice cream socials, face painting, jumping pillow and shuffle board games were especially fun for her kids.

The Fensters even got a chance to watch an outdoor showing of a children’s move, but their girls were so tired after Saturday’s activities that they fell asleep half way through it.

Jellystone activities begin at 9 a.m. each day during the summer and include a flag salute, “Hey” rides and firetruck rides, followed by tie-dye T-shirt craft classes. Popular afternoon activities include balloon catapulting, pool games and riding around the park in pedal karts, while evening entertainment includes outdoor movies.

Special themed events are also scheduled each weekend, including a Hawaiian Luau weekend July 29th to 31st with poolside luaus with Hawaiian music, a hot dog roast and limbo contests for adults and kids alike.

Special weekends in August include a “Yogi goes to Hollywood” weekend on Aug. 13th and 14th with a special dinner to be served in honor of the park’s past guests. A “Back to School” weekend is also scheduled for Aug. 19th and 20th with several activities, including an arts and crafts class in which kids will decorate their backpacks for school. Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, Cindy Bear and Ranger Smith will all be there to enjoy the activities as well.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hyznLS7fPE[/youtube]

Fall activities include several Halloween-themed weekends with a corn maze, the park’s first haunted house, a Halloween-themed campsite decorating contest and trick or treating.

“We’ll be coming back soon,” Fenster said, adding that she didn’t know a Jellystone Park existed in Lawrence even though she lives only about 20 minutes away.

Morris said many of her visitors this year include residents of the greater Kansas City area who have only recently discovered that a Jellystone Park is in their midst.

The campground, which previously operated under another name, had a grand reopening as a Jellystone Park in June after the owners invested more than $750,000 in improvements.

For more information about the park’s amenities and activity listings, please visit www.kansascityjellystone.com.

About Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts

Launched in 1969, the Jellystone Park system is the second largest chain of campgrounds in the United States, boasting 75 campgrounds with more than 15,000 campsites in 28 states and Canada. Its Camp-Resorts are among the best campgrounds in the industry with a quality reputation for being fun, friendly, clean and service-oriented parks. Additionally, each Jellystone Park is themed with Yogi Bear elements providing instant recognition and consumer appeal. It is truly a place “Where You Camp With Friends.”®

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are franchised through Leisure Systems, Inc. (LSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Park River Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Win a Bass Pro Shops Camping Gear Package

bass pro logo JPG

We are excited to announce our new Club Yogi Rewards auction! Any Club Yogi Rewards member with at least 500 Club Points can participate.
 
Club Yogi Rewards has teamed up with Bass Pro Shops® to create two exciting Auction Packages valued at over $500 each.   
 
Between now and July 28, 2011 at 11:59 PM EDT, bid your Club Points to have a chance to win one of two camping gear packages. Each package includes:
 
2 – Bass Pro Shops® Anti-Gravity Loungers
2 – Bass Pro Shops® Rectangular Sleeping Bags for kids
1- Coleman® Family Size Rechargeable LED Lantern
1- Coleman® 100-quart Xtreme® Wheeled Cooler
1- Bass Pro Shops® 10′ x 10′ Instant Canopy
1- Bass Pro Shops® Large Folding Camp Table
2 – Rome Extendable Campfire Roasting Fork
1- GSI Outdoors Pioneer Stainless Rim Dinnerware Table Set 

anti-gravity chairinstant canopy
 
Members, visit the Auction section on http://www.jellystonerewards.com/ to see photos and descriptions of the package items.  
 
Sign up to receive valuable information on special offers and events from Bass Pro Shops.

 

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The Summer’s Maine Event

family camping in Maine

The Jellystone Park family is excited to welcome our very first campground in the rugged, beautiful state of Maine: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill is a year-round campground located at the gateway to one of Maine’s most beautiful scenic byways. The area features recreational opportunities galore, including hiking, cycling, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, rafting, and some of the best hunting and fishing in the state. Located near the town of Skowhegan, the region also has a rich Native American history and plenty of historic sites to explore.
 
Summer weekends at Yonder Hill campground are perfect for family bonding, with a scavenger hunt, kids’ crafts and grown-up Bingo every Saturday, a pot-luck supper every Saturday night and a regular wagon ride. Or check out one of the themed weekends. Here’s a quick sample:
 
July 16-17 Wet and Wild Weekend
Time for some wet and wild fun! Pool games, wet wagon rides and more make for great fun for all ages.

July 23 – 24 Christmas In July
Celebrate Christmas with Yogi and Santa Claus! Parents, bring a wrapped gift with your child’s name on it to the office for Santa to give to your child. Saturday morning, sign up for the Christmas dinner in the office.

Aug 13 – 14 Skowhegan State Fair and Race Car Weekend
How wonderful to have the fair just a few miles away! The Skowhegan State Fair is the nation’s oldest continuously-run agricultural fair, with carnival rides, demolition derby, 4H exhibits and great food. Jellystone Park campers can support their favorite race car driver is by wearing his / her number and decorating your site. Bring your matchbox car to race against other drivers on our track! Get ready. Get set. Go!

Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill is located off Interstate 95 at 221 Lakewood Road in Madison, Maine. To make a reservation, visit http://www.yonderhilljellystone.com/ or call 207.474.7353.

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Christmas Comes Early to Jellystone Park Campgrounds

yogi with santa

It may be blazing hot outside, but we have Christmas on the brain! Bust out your best holiday decorations and join us for Christmas in July events at Jellystone Park campgrounds. Here’s a sample of events that are sure to have you dreaming of snowflakes and sleigh rides.

The Jellystone Park Yonder Hill in Madison, Maine will celebrate Christmas with Yogi Bear™ and Santa on July 23 and 24. Parents should bring a wrapped gift with your child’s name on it to the office and Santa will be sure to give it to your child. On Saturday morning, sign up for the Christmas dinner.

Head south to Delaware Beaches in Milford, Delaware where you’ll find that Santa has made a reservation at Jellystone Park for July 22-24. Santa will be checking in with all the kids and see how they are behaving! There will be a site decorating contest as well with a chance to win a free weekend of camping!

The Jellystone Park campground in Harrisville, PA , located north of Pittsburgh, will be celebrating Christmas in July on July 22-24. Join them for a best-decorated site contest with a prize for the winner. Have brownies and punch with Santa! And, the kids can work on a Christmas craft.
kozyrestkampground.com

At our new campground in Gloucester Point VA , they’re getting into the spirit by celebrating a whole week of Christmas in July from July 12-18!

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North Carolina Camper Wins Autographed Movie Poster

Collier_2

In April, members of Club Yogi Rewards could use their points to bid on a Yogi Bear Movie Poster signed by Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake and other cast members! The Collier Family of Creedmoor, North Carolina placed the winning bid. 

“We love staying at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Tabor City , NC! Whenever we go, our family always has a wonderful time. We have a chance to relax and enjoy each other. The staff at Yogi Bear’s Tabor City is so friendly and helpful. The campground facilities have been awesome for our family and church camping trips. A special thanks to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Tabor City, NC; you guys are awesome!”

Not a member of Club Yogi Rewards? Join today, it’s Free!

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Discounts on Camping & Cabins at Bloomington Campground

 The Jellystone Park campground in Bloomington, Indiana is having a “Camper Appreciation” weekend for Bloomington residents from August 26-28. 

Camp for just $17.50 for an RV site or $50.00 for a cabin!  Enjoy the sparkling swimming pool, new jumping pillow, playground & more! Then join the Perry Clear Creek Fire Dept for a Hog Roast. 

To make a reservation, call (800) 641-9308.

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Celebrating July 4 with Yogi Bear and Friends!

grp_43_patriotsgazebo_col

It’s not too late to make plans for the biggest weekend of the summer! Declare your independence from stress and worry when you relax at a Jellystone Park™ campgrounds this Fourth of July holiday. You’ll find campfires and cookouts, crafts and water sports, live music, parades, scavenger hunts and surprises galore – the perfect escape from your everyday routine, and the ideal chance for family bonding. Check with your favorite Jellystone Park to find out how they’re celebrating America’s birthday. 

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RVing Remains an Economical Vacation Choice

Grand Opening Celebration at Delaware Jellystone Park

Check out this article excerpt from The News Journal in Delaware. We know gas prices can make an impact on vacation choices, but at Jellystone Parks we strive to provide a number of free amenities with your stay – from playgrounds to swimming pools. 

RV Owners willing to pay in order to get away

By Dan Shortridge

Nationally, more than half of RV owners surveyed this spring by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association said they’ll be going camping more often than last year, with many taking more frequent, shorter vacations. Just 9 percent said they’ll go camping less this summer.

And the trade group expects overall RV sales to rise to 263,100 this year, up 8.6 percent. That’s still a far cry from the 390,500 units sold before the crash in 2006 but is a nice rebound from the 165,700 units sold in 2009.

“When gas prices rise, they don’t stop RVing,” said RVIA President Richard Coon. “We will face some headwinds such as gas prices and uncertain economic factors, but overall, we have momentum now that will help us continue the recovery that began last year.”

This comes as good news to local RV dealers and to the operators of RV campgrounds.

Grand Opening Celebration at Delaware Jellystone Park

A strong summer
Delaware’s campgrounds — public and private — reported being at or nearly at capacity for the Memorial Day weekend with visitors from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland and are looking forward to a strong summer.

The RV trade group’s survey found 53 percent of RV owners planning to drive more this summer, with 65 percent planning “mini-vacations.”

To trim travel costs, they plan to vacation more efficiently — driving slower, packing lighter to reduce weight and turning off home utilities while they’re traveling.

Even with gas nearing the $4 mark in Delaware, they contend it’s still cheaper to RV.

According to a 2008 study for the RV trade group, a 238-mile trip from Pittsburgh to Lancaster, Pa., would cost about $840 for the owner of a medium-sized RV, including a monthly stipend covering the purchase price; the comparable trip in a car, staying at hotels, would cost about $1,050. The $1 jump in gas prices from a year ago would add $17 to the cost of fuel for the owner of that RV owner and $6 for the car owner. Gas mileage varies on the size of the RV from 6 mph to 12 mph.

But talk to RV campers and they’ll tell you the decision is less about money than lifestyle — the freedom and flexibility they have to go where they want, when they want and how they want.

People ‘still want to get away’
Brent Fannin, whose family owns the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park campground in Milford, DE said its bookings are up more than 30 percent this year, with more than 200 of its 277 sites full for the Memorial Day weekend.

Fannin said it’s far enough inland to be away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts but also close enough to Rehoboth and other beach towns that visitors can go to the outlets or boardwalk. Many bigger RVs tow a small car so campers can travel while leaving the camper on site.

Read the full article here.

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