Whether you’re attending a match or soaking up the surrounding fan festivities, staying at a Jellystone Park location lets you turn your soccer plans into a full vacation, packed with attractions, activities, and character visits.

Jellystone Park Locations Within 2 Hours of Host Stadiums

Event Dates: June 11–July 19, 2026
(Match dates vary by stadium within this window.)

Drive times are approximate and may vary based on traffic, route, and event schedules.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta matches will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

• Jellystone Park West Georgia
  Approximately 1 hour to the stadium / 51 miles

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston matches will take place at Gillette Stadium.

• Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres
  Approximately 45 minutes to the stadium / 42 miles

Dallas, Texas

Dallas matches will take place at ATnT Stadium.

• Jellystone Park North Texas
  Approximately 35 minutes to the stadium / 32 miles
• Jellystone Park Tyler

Approximately 2 hours to the stadium / 120 miles

• Jellystone Park Wichita Falls

Approximately 2 hours to the stadium / 121 miles

Houston, Texas

Houston matches will take place at NRG Stadium.

• Jellystone Park Waller
  Approximately 1 hour to the stadium / 56 miles

New York and New Jersey

Matches in the New York region will take place at MetLife Stadium.

• Jellystone Park Gardiner
  Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the stadium / 72 miles

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia matches will take place at Lincoln Financial Field.

• Jellystone Park South Jersey
  Approximately 30 minutes to the stadium / 27 miles
• Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches
  Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the stadium  / 99 miles

San Francisco Bay Area, California

Bay Area matches will take place at Levi’s Stadium.

• Jellystone Park Tower Park
  Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the stadium / 88 miles

Toronto, Canada

Toronto matches will take place at BMO Field.

• Jellystone Park Niagara Falls
  Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the stadium / 88 miles

Turn Game Day Into a Full Vacation

From pools and jumping pillows to themed events and visits from Yogi Bear™, Boo Boo™, and Cindy Bear™, Jellystone Park offers a fun way to balance a major soccer event with family time and outdoor adventure.

Plan ahead, book early, and turn your June-July 2026 soccer trip into a vacation the whole family will love.

West Georgia Is Nearing Completion — Join Us for an Open House Preview

Construction is officially nearing the finish line at Jellystone Park™ West Georgia, and we’re excited to open our gates to the community for a firsthand look at what’s coming next.

To celebrate this major milestone, we’re hosting two Open House days designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the park, explore our new facilities, and see how Jellystone Park™ West Georgia can be a destination for future group visits, events, and family gatherings.

These Open House events are all about discovery—giving guests a chance to tour the park, ask questions, and understand everything the park will offer once construction is complete.

Open House Dates & Details

• Saturday, February 21 & Saturday, March 21

• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Admission: Free

• Check-in: Ranger Station upon arrival

Guests are welcome to stop by anytime during the Open House window. No reservations are required.

Plus, we’ll have door prizes available during each Open House as a thank-you for stopping by. Must be present to win!

We’re Nearing the Finish Line — Here’s What Guests Can Expect to See

This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a transformation. Our 100-acre expansion is bringing an entirely new level of accommodations, amenities, and shared spaces for campers and groups across Georgia.

During the Open House, guests will get a preview of all our hard work:

• 250 New RV Sites

  Spacious, scenic, and pet-friendly sites designed for RV travelers seeking a comfortable escape close to Atlanta.

• 71 New Cabins

  Cozy, comfortable, and pet-friendly cabins that blend outdoor adventure with modern conveniences.

• Multi-Level Splash Park

  COMING SOON!

• Jumping Pillows

  Large inflatables that bring high-energy recreation to kids and families.

• Gem Mining

  A hands-on activity where guests can uncover hidden treasures and enjoy an interactive experience.

• Dog Park

  A dedicated space where furry guests can run, play, and burn off energy.

• Outdoor Movie Theater

  A relaxing way to end the day with movies under the stars.

• Cafe

  See what we're cooking up at our on-site cafe

• General Store

  Souvenirs to band-aids - we've got you covered!

These Open House days are ideal for:

• Guests who want to see it before they book it

• School administrators, PTO/PTA leaders, and teachers planning future field trips, celebrations, or group visits

• Business owners and corporate teams exploring options for upcoming meetings, retreats, or team gatherings

• Event planners researching venues and experiences for future bookings

• Churches, nonprofits, and community organizations planning group outings or events

• Families interested in hosting future family reunions

• Anyone responsible for organizing group visits or events and wanting to learn more about what Jellystone Park™ West Georgia has to offer

Come Explore Now, Plan Your Visit Later

These Open House events are an opportunity to see the park in person, learn what’s available, and gather ideas for bringing your group or family back at a later date.

Simply arrive during the Open House hours, check in at the Ranger Station, and start exploring the all-new Jellystone Park West Georgia.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing what’s ahead at Jellystone Park West Georgia. Be sure to follow along as we continue to share updates leading up to both Open House dates.

Picture this: it’s a cool autumn night and you’re sitting around the campfire with your kids toasting s’mores and talking about all the fun they had that day. First they decorated your site for Halloween, then they played in the Jellystone Park pumpkin patch before taking pictures with Yogi Bear™, Cindy Bear™, and Boo Boo™. And those are just the highlights.

Along with your kids and maybe some other family members, chances are your family’s pet – or pets – are camping with you. Today, two-thirds of American families have pets, and they are true family members. A Pew Research Center survey found 97% of U.S. pet owners consider them to be part of the family – and 51% say they’re as much a member as a human child.

What’s more, animal lovers are taking them on the road with them more than ever.

According to a PETS International survey, 72% of pet owners worldwide travel with their furry friends each year. A GoRVing survey found 68% of RV owners bring a pet with them on RV vacations. Most – 92% – bring dogs, but 14% of owners take cats along on RV trips.

Traveling can be a real challenge for families with pets. Nobody wants to leave them behind, boarding is expensive and hotel, vacation home, and airline pet fees can really put a squeeze on the budget. That’s why a family camping, glamping or RV trip – especially at a nearby Jellystone Park Camp-Resort – makes for a perfect fall getaway. Compared to hotels with costly pet surcharges, Jellystone Park locations allow pets at no or very low cost. RVers pay no pet fees, and while some Camp-Resorts have additional charges for pet-friendly cabins, they are far less than those typically charged by hotels and vacation homes.

The best part is that Jellystone Park locations are very pet-friendly and they welcome four-footed campers with amenities such as fenced dog parks with obstacles, as well as cabins and RV sites with attached fenced “doggy dens.” The location near Akron, Ohio even features a dog splash pad. Some locations host pet-themed events such as “Yappy Hours” that bring guests and their dogs together. Camp stores are stocked with dog treats, supplies and branded pet merchandise, with some offering “barkchuterie” boards.  

Along with the recent pet ownership boom, there’s been a big increase in families exploring camping and RVing. Jellystone Park asked Jeremy Puglisi, a family camping expert, author and host of The RV Atlas podcast, to share tips on how to ensure all family members – including four-legged ones – have safe, enjoyable fall adventures. He knows a thing or two about camping with pets as his family of five travels with their two dogs, Maddie and Maverick.

Jeremy has these suggestions for families who are new to outdoor vacations and planning to travel with their pets:

BEFORE YOU GO

• Pick a destination close to home. This will allow for more time to have fun.
• Confirm the campground or resort is pet friendly. Understand the location’s pet policies, restrictions, and fees, and make sure it offers pet-related amenities.
• Ensure your pet’s ID tags, microchip information, vaccinations and preventive treatments are current. It is vital that your pets be up to date on their rabies and other shots as well as flea, tick, and heartworm medications. Remember to bring a copy of your pet’s medical records with you.
• Pack health and safety essentials for your pet, such as pet-safe insect repellent, a brush or comb and a small pet first aid kit.

WHILE YOU ARE CAMPING

• Keep your pet and site safe. Food and waste need to be properly sealed and stored to avoid attracting wildlife and pests. Keep your pet leashed or in a secure area, provide shade and fresh water at all times, and never leave it unattended.
• Keep your dog leashed while at your site as well and when away, especially near trails, water, wildlife, and other campers. Even obedient dogs may wander, chase wildlife or other guests. Some plants can make pets ill when eaten.
• Keep dogs away from swimming areas. Health regulations do not allow dogs in pools and lakes where people swim.
• Monitor your pet’s health daily. The American Kennel Club recommends checking your dog from nose to tail each evening. It’s especially important to look for ticks.
• Be aware of weather changes. Temperatures in the fall can change quickly and dramatically. Be sure to provide shade and water for your pet during the day and make sure they stay warm inside your RV or cabin in the evening.

Whether it’s trick-or-treating with kids and pets in costumes or relaxing around a fire, camping, glamping and RVing provide unique opportunities for everyone in the family – including pets – to enjoy amazing autumn adventures. Following these suggestions will make for trouble-free and memorable family outings. Download them here before you hit the road.

For more great family camping and RV ideas and advice, listen to Jeremy’s podcasts at The RV Travel Atlas.

One last tip: book now as fall weekends at Jellystone Park locations often sell out and you don’t want to miss an opportunity to create “furr-ever” family memories!

We are excited to announce that we will be adding new attractions at several Jellystone Park locations this year, including multilevel splashgrounds, water slides, floating trampolines, snowless tubing slides, and mini golf courses.

Check out the list of new attractions and enhancements being made at Jellystone Park locations this year below!

Indiana:

Plymouth: New attractions at this location include a water trampoline with a runway and slide, which the park hopes to open by Memorial Day.

Massachusetts:

Carver: Midway through last season this location added a multilevel play structure with two long water slides, two kiddie water slides, water blasters, water cannons, and a massive hydrostorm bucket that periodically dumps 750 gallons of water on anyone standing beneath it! The location also has an activity pool with water basketball and water volleyball. This year will be the first for guests to enjoy these new amenities throughout the season. This park has also added a pizza kitchen and a new Ranger Station, which houses the camp store.

Michigan:

Frankenmuth: This location is installing a new playground.

Grayling: A new RC car track and mini jeep rentals are expected to open Memorial Day weekend at this location. Other new amenities being added for this year include a foam machine for foam parties and a dog park.

North Port Huron: A brand new splashground with a hydro-storm, waterslides, water blasters, and more.

Petoskey: This location is adding a jumping pad and a foam gun and fog/bubble machine.

New Hampshire:

Glen Ellis: This location is adding a toddler playground. An outdoor gym was installed last year.

New York:

Binghamton: This location is adding an indoor gellyball arena that will be used for games of galactic ball. The arena will feature an arcade and a themed store with a food and drink area.

Jamestown: Several new attractions and amenities are being installed at this location including a miniature golf course, a snowless tubing slide, and a pizza food truck. Four EV charging stations have also been installed.

North Carolina:

Asheboro: This location is opening a huge “Bears Den,” in which guests will be able to have cookies and story time with Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear. This location is also starting construction on a new playground with slides, bridges, and cargo net climbing elements.

Bostic: A disc golf course is being added to this location.

Tabor City: A bike pump track is scheduled to open this spring at this location. Shade structures are also being installed at the Aquaplay and outdoor pool areas.

Ohio:

Mt. Gilead: This will be the first entire season in which guests are able to enjoy this location’s new resort-style swimming pool which opened last August. This park also plans to have a full-service food truck on site beginning Memorial Day weekend.

Nova: This location is installing two new pickleball courts which should open by May. A food trailer is also opening this year.

Uniontown: This location is busy installing a full-scale water play area for dogs that will include an agility course and room to play with fire hydrants, tennis balls, and dog bowls with water that shoots out of them. The new dog water zone is expected to open in early June.

Pennsylvania:

Harrisville: This location installed an entirely new water zone featuring a swimming pool, a splashground, water slides for children and adults, water blasters, and a 750-gallon hydrostorm bucket.

Mill Run: This location is installing a new miniature golf course, an RC track, and a new jump pillow.

Texas:

Burleson: This location has recently opened a mega outdoor pool with a swim-up smoothie bar, as well as a new indoor pool. They have also installed several new jumping pillows as well as several other inflatable attractions. Also new are The Barn activities center and another venue, called The Loft, that is available for weddings and corporate events.

Tyler: This is the first full year in which guests can enjoy all of the new attractions that were completed last year, including an expanded 130,000-gallon, mega water zone which features a multilevel water play structure with water slides and interactive play features, a family pool, and a family spa tub. Also, a new restaurant opened next to the pool area that offers hamburgers, chicken, pizza, ice cream and snacks.

Wichita Falls: This will be the first full year in which guests are able to enjoy the park’s new 7,500-square-foot water playground which was installed in September. The water playground includes two big slides, two kiddie slides, water blasters, and a giant hydrostorm bucket.

Canada:

Niagara Falls, Ontario: This Canadian location is building a new multilevel water playground with fountains, water slides, a giant water-dumping bucket, and a splash pad area. The new water area is expected to open by late June. The park is also constructing a new children’s playground area with a rubberized surface and a new jumping pillow.

Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, with more than 75 franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada, are renowned for their attractions such as pools and water slides, non-stop family activities, up-close fun with the Yogi Bear characters, and glamping-style accommodations. Most of the fun is included in the cost of a cabin or RV stay. To view our 75+ locations, please visit https://www.campjellystone.com/locations/.

Yogi Bear is coming out of hibernation this spring just in time to join families as they experience the April 8 total solar eclipse. Many Jellystone Park locations are hosting fun and educational events the weekend before the eclipse as well as during it. Others will be open for RVing and camping so that families may enjoy the eclipse in nature.

The following Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are hosting special events. Visit each location’s website for details and to make reservations!

Bloomington, Indiana: At this location, families will delight in a Moon Ball Gaga Ball tournament, jump’n’glow at the jump pillow, a dance party, as well as themed arts and crafts and refreshments. Details: https://jellystonelakemonroe.com/activities/themed-weekends

Canyon Lake – San Antonio, Texas: The fun starts Friday, April 5, at this location and includes a Total Eclipse Scavenger Hunt, “BinGLOW” Bingo, Outer Space Balloon Painting, astronomical trivia and Solar Eclipse of the Heart Bear-e-oke. The water attractions will be open. Details: https://jellystonehillcountry.com/events

Cleveland-Sandusky, Ohio: This location provides the ideal setting to escape the lights and noise of Northeast Ohio. A Saturday night dance party and a Monday morning wagon ride will make the weekend memorable. Complimentary eclipse glasses will be provided and souvenir t-shirts will be available. Details: https://www.clevelandjellystone.com/snag-your-campsites-for-the-total-solar-eclipse

Columbus North, Ohio: This location is perfectly positioned within the path of totality, ensuring guests experience the full effect of the eclipse. The Solar Eclipse Weekend includes themed arts and crafts as well as wagon rides. The popular Jellystone Park Express train will be choo-chooing, too. Guests will receive complimentary eclipse glasses. Details: http://www.columbusjellystone.com/eclipse-camping-at-jellystone-park-columbus-north

Eureka, Missouri: Kids at this location will be able to hunt for a time capsule buried in 2017 there during the last eclipse. Its contents will be revealed during a special ceremony. NASA’s live stream will be shown on the activity veranda and eclipse science projects, face painting and a bubble party are among the many other activities. Details: https://eurekajellystone.com/activities

Fredericksburg, Texas: The outdoor Jellystone Park Theater at this location will provide a great view of the sky. There will be special activities, such as Roll-an-Alien, Asteroid Bowling and Musical Planets with Cindy Bear. Details: https://twcjellystone.com/event-directory

Golden Valley, North Carolina: This location is holding a watch party and offering themed educational crafts as part of its Great Outdoors Week. Other activities include a s’mores social, flower planting and visits with petting zoo critters. Details: https://campgoldenvalley.com/themes

Indianapolis East, Indiana: Eclipse fun will last all weekend at this location with games like Ring Around the Planets and Capture the Moon, as well as activities such as a rocket balancing contest, saucer throwing, and crafting your own jumping alien. Details: https://jellystoneindy.com/activities/

Kerrville, Texas: At this location, guests will gather around the pool for a Glow Viewing Party complete with a D.J., guest astronomer, glow beach balls, glow sticks and tiki torches. There will be additional eclipse-themed activities and food and drink specials will be available all weekend. Details: https://jellystoneguadalupe.com/events

New Douglas, Illinois: Space games will be non-stop at this location with kids being able to play Musical Planets, Galactic Freeze Tag, Pin the Moon on the Sun, and Alien Invasion Tag. A moon rock hunt, as well as arts and crafts are also on the schedule. Details: https://www.rusticacresjellystonepark.com

North Texas (Burleson): At this location, the Family Solar Eclipse Adventure, April 7-8, will promote astronomy education and fun. Kids will be able to touch real meteorites, take part in the Solar System Scavenger Hunt, play Alien Tag and show off in the Space Cowboy costume contest. Details: http://www.northtexasjellystone.com/upcomingevents/family-solar-eclipse-adventure

Tyler, Texas: This location’s viewing party will be on the pool deck. Eclipse-themed crafts will be available along with educational activities. The water attractions will be open on the weekend, with the pool open every day. Details: https://jellystonetyler.com/events

Williamsport, Maryland: At this location, Star Dust Wiffleball, Create-Your-Own Martian slime, eclipse crafts, including solar system necklaces and bracelets, will make for a memorable visit.  Details: https://jellystonemaryland.com/events

West Georgia – Atlanta: This location is celebrating with a Spring Soiree. Weekend activities, crafts and games will energize families who can then chill out on Monday as the eclipse dramatically unfolds. Details: https://www.gajellystone.com/theme-weekends

Waller, Texas: All the fun of “Great Outdoors Weekend” will set the stage for the eclipse at this location. Families will be able to plant their own flowers, cool down in the pool, warm up by the fire at a s’mores social, and meet new furry friends at the animal encounter. Details: https://wallerjellystonepark.com/themes

The following Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts will also be open for RVing and camping. Services will vary; visit each location’s website for details.

Akron/Canton, Ohio https://akroncantonjellystone.com

Chautauqua County, New York https://chqjellystone.com

Cherokee, North Carolina https://jellystonecherokee.com

Luray, Virginia https://www.campluray.com

Memphis, Tennessee https://www.memphisjellystone.com

Mill Run, Pennsylvania https://www.jellystonemillrun.com

Natural Bridge, Virginia https://www.sunoutdoors.com/virginia/jellystone-park-natural-bridge

PA Wilds, Pennsylvania https://jellystonepawilds.com

Pelahatchie, Mississippi https://www.jellystonems.com

Pittsfield, Illinois https://jellystonepinelakes.com

Quarryville, Pennsylvania https://www.jellystonepa.com

Wichita Falls, Texas https://wichitafallsjellystonepark.com

Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, with more than 75 franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada, are renowned for their attractions such as pools and water slides, non-stop family activities, up-close fun with the Yogi Bear characters, and glamping-style accommodations. Most of the fun is included in the cost of a cabin or RV stay. To view our 75+ locations, please visit https://www.campjellystone.com/locations/.

• Woodstock, New Brunswick : This location added a gel blaster challenge and magical maze games, providing a fun and exhilarating experience for all guests.

Illinois

• Pittsfield, Illinois : This location added a brand-new splash pad and multiple large water slides, so guests have even more ways to cool off during the summer.

Kentucky

• Cave City, Kentucky : This location added a gel blaster course and a new jumping pad with a shade structure. The location’s splash pad was also upgraded with brand new splash toys.

Maine

• Androscoggin Lake, Maine : Families are having a blast at this location thanks to its new laser tag course.
• Cranberry Acres, Maine: This location added a giant water zone with a multilevel splash ground, water slides, a splashpad, water cannons, blasters, an activity pool, and a hydro storm bucket. Other new attractions include a new laser tag course and a sand volleyball court.

Michigan

• Grayling, Michigan : New attractions at this location include ZTag and a gem mining sluice.

New Hampshire

• Lakes Region, New Hampshire : This location added a new activity pool where guests can play a variety of games in the water.

New Jersey

• South Jersey, New Jersey : This location added new sections to its floating obstacle course providing even more aquatic challenges and added a new laser tag course as well.

New York

• Bath, New York : Families can spend the day splashing in the new splash ground at this location, which features water slides, interactive spray guns, and a giant dump bucket.
• Binghamton, New York : This new Jellystone Park location added a low ropes course, Gellyball (a softer form of paintball), an activity zone with multiple bounce houses, a Do-It-Yourself Café where guests can order the specific type of craft activity they would like to do, and a dog park.

North Carolina

• Asheboro, North Carolina : A new mountain bike trail, called the Bunny Hop Pump Track, has been added to this location allowing guests to ride and explore the park at the same time.
• Bostic, North Carolina : This location added an alpine coaster that features 1,025 feet of up track and 2,515 feet of down track for a total ride of 3,540 feet. Riders can control how fast they go on the downhill section.

Ohio

• Akron-Canton, Ohio : This location added a 20-foot climbing ropes tower as well as a third playground, complete with new swings and slides where children can play and enjoy together.
• Clays Park, Ohio : Families can enjoy a new 7,500 square foot multilevel water play structure, with water slides, kiddie slides, hydro storm, spray cannons, and more.
• Columbus North, Ohio : This location installed a new resort-style swimming pool, nearly doubled the size of its floating obstacle course, and installed a jump pillow. The park has also built a new dog park.

Texas

• Tyler, Texas : New attractions at this location include a new swimming pool, a splash ground, a warming tub, and pool cabanas. The park also added a new playground.
• Wichita Falls, Texas : This location added a water playground that includes water slides, kiddie slides, a hydro storm, spray cannons and more.

Wisconsin

• Caledonia, Wisconsin : This location added a second swimming pool for guests to enjoy during their stay.
• Warrens, Wisconsin : This location introduced a floating obstacle course to its lake offering a thrilling challenge for all guests.

As you can see, there have been many exciting additions at Jellystone Park this year.  Be sure to reserve your spot in the fun and begin counting down the days till you see your friends Yogi Bear™, Boo Boo™, Cindy Bear™, and Ranger Smith™ at Jellystone Park.

To view the Jellystone Park locations nearest you and to check out each location’s attractions, activities, character interactions, and accommodation options, please visit JellystonePark.com download the Jellystone Park National Directory, or download the Jellystone Park app.

Vote here!

We are excited to announce that Jellystone Park has expanded this year with new locations in Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. We are pleased that even more families will be able to enjoy the Jellystone Park experience and make memories with their loved ones.
 

The nine new locations to join the Jellystone Park system this year are:

Jellystone Park Augusta, Maine – The former Beaver Brook Campground has been transformed into a Jellystone Park with wooded sites, a tranquil brook and a half-mile of frontage on beautiful Androscoggin Lake. A heated Water Zone, 18-hole mini golf course, sports courts and playgrounds complement a full schedule of activities and character interactions.

Jellystone Park Binghamton, New York – Located near Binghamton and previously known as the Binghamton Bear campground, a significant number of upgrades were made in advance of the Jellystone Park opening. Recent improvements include the addition of a floating obstacle course on the park’s six-acre lake, a new snowless tubing course, two jumping pillows, a pedal cart track, two gaga ball pits and sports fields.

Jellystone Park Chautauqua County, New York – Located in Jamestown, NY,

Jellystone Park Chincoteague Island, Virginia – This campground is being expanded and updated. Planned improvements include new playground equipment, basketball and pickleball courts, new enclosures for the park’s pavilion, as well as new landscaping and road improvements. New rental cabins, furnished glamping tents and RV rentals also are planned.

Jellystone Park New Douglas, Illinois – Located an hour from St. Louis and Springfield, Illinois, Rustic Acres Jellystone Park features two lakes for fishing, a swimming pool, jumping pillow, laser tag, gaga ball pit, hayrides, two playgrounds and themed weekends.

Jellystone Park Petoskey, Michigan – This campground is adding 67 RV sites and 20 vacation rentals this year. Along with Yogi Bear costumed characters, this location features a heated swimming pool, a hot tub, sand volleyball, basketball, a gaga ball pit, a children’s playground and a pet playground.

Jellystone Park South Jersey, New Jersey – Located in Monroe, the former Hospitality Creek Campground and Swim Club became a Jellystone Park earlier this month. The location boasts a 30-acre lake with rope swing, obstacle course and diving docks, along with a pool, playgrounds and sports courts. Daily activities and themed events accompany the water fun.

Jellystone Park Stark County, Ohio – The award-winning Clay’s Park Resort south of Cleveland is now a Jellystone Park. The 500-acre camp-resort boasts a lake, water slides, dueling ziplines, and canoes and kayaks. A new pool and water play area are under construction. Clay’s Park Resort was awarded Park of the Year in 2021 by the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds.

Jellystone Park Wichita Falls, Texas – This award-winning family camp-resort has returned to the Jellystone Park brand. Kids can enjoy three swimming pools, an interactive splash pad, mini golf and more. Lodging options include a variety of glamping cabins and a farmhouse that sleeps up to 14. The park was previously known as Coyote Ranch.

Visit www.jellystonepark.com to make reservations at these or any of the more than 75 locations in North America.

We invite you to be water-wise and support Jellystone Park™ in conserving our most important resource during the month of July and beyond.

Did you know…

• Homes can waste more than 10% of water due to leaks.
• Drips of 60 drops per minute = 192 gallons per month; 90 drops per minute = 310 gallons per month; a 3” stream = 1095 gallons per month. This increases your monthly water and sewer bill.
• A running toilet could use up to 6,480 gallons of water a day.
• A leaking flapper on a toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.
• Americans use an average of 82 gallons of water per day at home.
• The average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks. That’s equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry.
• Household leaks can waste nearly 900 billion gallons of water annually nationwide. That’s equal to the annual household water use of nearly 11 million homes.
• Running the dishwasher only when it’s full can eliminate one load of dishes per week and save the average family nearly 320 gallons of water annually.
• Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day, and turning the tap off while shaving can save 10 gallons of water per shave. Assuming you brush your teeth twice daily and shave 5 times per week, you could save nearly 5,700 gallons per year.
• Up to 50% of the water we use is wasted due to inefficient watering methods and systems. Make sure to water your yard in the cool parts of the day and use a smart irrigation system to avoid overwatering.
• Letting your faucet run for five minutes while washing dishes can waste 10 gallons of water and uses enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 18 hours.
• You can use at least 20 percent less water by installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances.
• The average family can save 13,000 gallons of water and $130 in water costs per year by replacing all old, inefficient toilets in their home with WaterSense labeled models.
• To reduce evaporation, water your lawn in the early morning or in the evening– and never on a windy day. When you water during the heat of the day or on a windy day, the water just evaporates. Watering during the day can actually harm your lawn by causing it to “burn”. Use a sprinkler that produces drops of water rather than a fine mist, to avoid evaporation. Turn soaker hoses so that the holes are on the bottom to avoid evaporation.

Share your efforts in water conservation on social media and tag us @CampJellystone #JulyisWaterMonth

JELLYSTONE PARK LOCATIONS ARE ADDING NEW ACTIVITIES AND WEEKEND THEMES THIS YEAR

Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are famous for their activities, themed weekends, and Yogi Bear costumed characters.

But while some weekend themes like “Chocolate Lovers,” “Christmas in July,” and “Halloween Spooktaculars” takes place every year, new activities and weekend themes are constantly being introduced.

Here is a sampling of the new activities and weekend themes that will take place at various Jellystone Park locations across the country this year:

— Caledonia, Wisconsin: New activities at this location include a “Cinco de Mayo” theme weekend, May 6-8, in which guests can make mom a maraca for Mother’s Day, enjoy a Mexican hat dance, a human cactus relay ring toss, and play Spanish-style musical dots. Fall theme weekends at this location include a “Day of the Dead Fall Fiesta” Sept. 23-25 in which kids can enjoy creating a sugar skull mask, participating in a sugar skull relay race, and competing in a sugar skull face painting contest. https://www.jellystone-caledonia.com/

— Plymouth, Indiana: A new theme weekend at this location is “Glow Galore Weekend” May 15-18 with a glow-in-the-dark dance and glow hayrides. All activities that weekend will involve glow sticks. http://www.plymouthjellystone.com/

— Quarryville, Pennsylvania: This location will have a wizards and magic theme during the first three weeks of June. In addition to themed activities, magicians will perform at the park on June 4, 12, 18 and 22. https://jellystonepa.com/

— Tabor City, North Carolina: For the first time in several years, this location will have a “Reeling in the Fun Weekend” May 20-22, which will include fishing tournaments, crafts, and gummy worm eating contests. https://taborcityjellystone.com/

— Williamsport, Maryland: At this location, Santa will be hosting a trivia night during the park’s annual Christmas in July weekends, July 23 and 30. The park also works with artists to develop face painting, caricature drawing, and paint night activities each week during the summer months. Apple cider-making activities are planned for the weekends of Sept. 10 and 17. https://jellystonemaryland.com/

To learn more about these locations and to see which of our 75+ locations are nearest you, visit https://www.campjellystone.com/locations/

These new additions range from water slides, water cannons and interactive water features to laser tag, gem mining sluices, and Gaga ball pits. One park is even adding an alpine coaster, while another just added a virtual reality room.

Here is a sampling of the new attractions and enhancements underway at Jellystone Park locations across the country:

— Bostic, North Carolina: Several new attractions are being added to this location including a three-story lookout tower, which is being erected on top of 1,665-foot Cove Mountain. The tower will feature viewing decks on the second and third floors. The park is also building an Alpine Coaster on Cove Mountain that will feature 1,025 feet of up track and 2,515 feet of down track for a total ride of 3,540 feet. Riders will be able to control how fast they go on the downhill section. Other new amenities include a 200-seat amphitheater that is being built into a hillside and a new arts and crafts pavilion with 2,250 square-feet of covered open-air pavilion space. The location is also building a new 600 square-foot Bears’ Den. Guests will be able to come for private visits and experiences with Yogi Bear and his friends. The Bears’ Den will also be equipped with large doors that can open up for group storytimes with the Yogi Bear characters. https://campgoldenvalley.com/

— Caledonia, Wisconsin:

This location has several improvements underway this year, including the addition of a fourth swimming pool at the park’s water zone, with completion targeted for summer. New Wibit sections are also being added to the park’s floating obstacle course. New lighting is also being installed around Bear Paw Beach for the park’s Northern Lights Drone Shows (https://www.bearpawbeach.com/droneshow), which feature 50 drones that light up the sky like fireworks, but with more creative displays of lights that are synchronized to music. Two 350-foot-long slides are also being built on land for those who want to enjoy big slides without getting wet. The park has also purchased headphones for silent discos, in which participants dance to music only they can hear. https://www.jellystone-caledonia.com/

— Fredericksburg, Texas: This location is adding a water zone with two large slides and 64 interactive water features. The park is also adding 36 RV sites. In 2023, the park plans to add 17 glamping sites that will feature a variety of unique accommodations from furnished safari tents to covered wagons and tipis. https://twcjellystone.com/#

— Fremont, Indiana:

This location is adding laser tag as well as new swimming pool cabanas. The laser tag course will be open for both day and night play with games lasting 30 minutes. The pool cabanas will be offered as an optional “add on” to guest stays. Each cabana will feature a mini fridge, a smart TV, a ceiling fan, comfortable patio furniture, and a private space in which to lounge next to the pool. https://www.jellystonebartonlake.com/

— Glen Ellis, New Hampshire:

This location is adding a 50,000-square-foot water zone that will include two swimming pools, two warming pools, a hydrostorm dump bucket and numerous interactive waterplay features. The water zone will also feature two 10-foot tall, 18-foot-long waterslides and two 20-foot-tall slides that are 108 and 116 feet in length. The water zone is expected to open sometime this summer. The park is also adding bocce ball. https://glenellisjellystone.com/

— Mexico, New York: This location is adding a new Airstream snack bar and ice cream stand. https://jellystonecny.com/

— Milton, New Hampshire: This location is opening a new 6,095 sq. outdoor swimming pool featuring basketball hoops, warming tubs, and an ADA lift.https://www.lakesregionjellystone.com/

— Pierceton, Indiana: This location is adding Gaga ball, a community garden, and a dog park. https://piercetonjellystone.com/

— Plymouth, Indiana: This location is adding a gem mining sluice. http://www.plymouthjellystone.com/

— Quarryville, Pennsylvania: This location is installing new flooring for its splash pad, new structures for its laser tag course, new obstacles for its miniature golf course, and new concrete cornhole boards. The park is also installing new horseshoe pits. https://jellystonepa.com/

— Tabor City, North Carolina: This park is adding a Gaga ball pit, an ExoPod outdoor fitness station, a silent disco, in which participants dance to music only they can hear; a shade structure for the swimming pool and a new camp store. This park also added a new Yogi Bear-themed concession stand, the delivery of which was recently featured on an episode of A&E’s “Shipping Wars.” https://taborcityjellystone.com/

— Waller, Texas: This park is making improvements to its water zone, including adding a new multipurpose play structure and new cabanas that seat up to eight guests and include refrigerators, TVs and fans. New “Red Carpet” RV sites and cabin renovations are also planned. https://wallerjellystonepark.com/

— Williamsport, Md.: This park has added a virtual reality room and offers several games, including a “Ghost Mansion” game in which the players, outfitted with goggles and headsets, fight with magic weapons to free the mansion of its ghosts. https://jellystonemaryland.com/

Most of our cabins have all of the essentials you need for making a fun meal. If you’re tent camping, we also have some easy camping recipes and delicious suggestions to help you enjoy the most of your family camping time! The essence of campfire cooking is simplicity: limit the number of ingredients in a dish; cut down on the implements you use to prepare the dish; use foil where you can to replace pots and pans. And enjoy.

Three Simple Meals for Campers

Foil Packet Breakfast:

 

Foil packets are great for cooking on a camping trip. All you have to do is toss it on the grill or over the campfire. For this meal, add your choice of breakfast goodies. For example, we recommend sausage, eggs, potatoes, and onions. You’ll need to par-cook the potatoes a little bit — or throw in the leftover veggies from last night’s grilling adventure.

Campfire Dinner: Like the previous meal, all you need to do is throw some ingredients in a foil packet. Your campfire dinner can consist of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Fish filets are another great candidate for this low-maintenance meal, since the foil will keep it from drying out or falling apart — two problems that tend to occur when you’re grilling fish.

Orange Peel Blueberry Muffins: This one is super creative. Pour your muffin ingredients inside a hollowed-out orange peel to keep them moist, and add extra flavor, while they cook over the fire.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Just search “campfire recipes” on the web for even more hearty meals to keep everyone fueled for fun.

Kid-friendly treats and sweets

We have even more fun, yummy recipes your kids will love – and can even help you make.

Cup of Dirt

• You’ll Need:
  Chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, gummy worms.
• Directions:
  Spoon chocolate pudding into dessert cups. Place crushed cookies and gummy worms on top.

Banana Butterfly

• You’ll Need:
  2 pretzel twists, 2 raisins, 2 apple slices
• Directions:
  Peel banana and use for the butterfly body. Then press pretzel twists (wings) into sides of banana. Use raisins for eyes and apple slices for antennae. Recipe from superhealthykids.com

Chocolate Bird Nests

• You’ll Need:
  8 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped
• 2-2.5 cups chow mein noodles
• Small jelly beans, speckled malted milk eggs, or other egg-shaped candy
• Directions:
  Line a baking pan with a piece of aluminum foil, smooth the foil, and then butter or spray the foil with a non-stick vegetable spray. Melt the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Gently fold in the chow mein noodles, being careful not to break them. Spoon six mounds of the mixture onto the prepared pan and, using your fingers, form each mound into a 4” (10 cm) nest shape. Make a small indentation in the center of each nest. Place the pan, with the chocolate nests, in the refrigerator to set (about 30 minutes). Just before serving, remove the nests from the refrigerator and place some small jelly beans or other egg-shaped candy in the center of each nest. Makes about six 4” nests. Prep time: 30 minutes. Recipe from joyofbaking.com.
   

Campfire Cones

• You’ll Need:
  1 ice cream cone
• Variety of fillings like chocolate chips, butterscotch morsels, white chocolate morsels, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, toffee pieces, mini marshmallows, brown sugar, coconut, banana pieces, dried fruit
• 1 piece of foil, big enough to wrap the cone
• Directions:
  Allow each camper to design their cone with their fillers of choice in layers. Wrap securely with foil and place over heat near campfire or on grill to allow the chocolates to melt. Unwrap and enjoy. Recipe adapted from chefjessicabright.com

Frog Face

• You’ll Need:
  1 Granny Smith apple
• Peanut butter
• 2 grapes
• 2 chocolate morsels or raisins
• Directions:
  Cut two slices of the apple for the upper and lower lip of the frog. Spread peanut butter on the slices and press peanut butter sides together. This makes the mouth. Spread peanut butter on the bottom of two grapes and stick onto top apple slice to make the eyes. Optional: place chocolate morsels or raisins on the grapes to make the pupils. You can use a toothpick to keep them in place.

Breakfast Bears

• You’ll Need:
  Slices of bread
• Peanut butter
• Banana slices
• Blueberries
• Directions:
  Spread peanut butter on bread in a circle. Place banana slices on the bread for the bear ears and snout. Place blueberries for eyes and nose.

Crabby Snack

• You’ll Need:
  1red apple
• 2 strawberries
• 1 large marshmallow
• 2 chocolate chips
• Directions
  Core the apple and slice in half. Place on plate as shown. Cut marshmallow in half. Press one chocolate chip each, pointy side down, into the sticky side of each marshmallow half. Put in place above the apple for the crab’s eyes. Cut each strawberry into 4 slices. Use 2 slices for each set of pincers. Cut the other slices in half. Use the end halves for the pincer connectors. Use 4 halves for the legs. Arrange everything on the plate as shown. Recipe from recipe.com.

Doughboys

• You’ll need:
  Refrigerated biscuits
• Squeeze margarine
• Cinnamon sugar
• A fat wooden stick, a campfire, foil
• Directions:
  Take your fat wooden stick (a broomstick works well) and cover it with foil. Next take one biscuit and wrap it around the end of the stick so that it forms an inverted cup. Roast your biscuit over the campfire until cooked. Pull the biscuit off the stick and turn it over. Pour some margarine and cinnamon sugar inside. Enjoy! This recipe has been a tradition at Jellystone Park Gloucester Point, Virginia for years.

Since Halloween weekends are so special at Jellystone Park, we checked in with our friends at family travel site, Kidventurous. They spent a weekend in a deluxe cabin at the Jellystone Park in Luray, Virginia, a short drive from foliage-filled Shenandoah National Park during one of the park’s costume- and candy-filled Halloween weekends last year. Please note that not all of the activities mentioned below are available at every Jellystone Park location and that many Halloween activities are being adjusted this year to accommodate social distancing best practices. Please contact the specific location you’re interested in visiting for details regarding their Halloween activities.

Here’s what mom, Erin, said her family loved most about Halloween Weekends at Jellystone Park:

1. Costume Contests. Who doesn’t love winning? Seriously nobody. So pack your favorite, most winning costumes for a costume contest with real prizes. Not just candy and stickers, but trophies. As in trophies to show off the next day at school or work (both my kids came home with trophies). Whether you want to vie for most original, most creative, or best group costumes, get in it to win it. Even pets can compete.
    

2. Outdoor Movies. We loved snuggling up under our cozy blankets at the campground’s outdoor movie theatre for an after-dark family friendly feature. A Halloween-theme movie on a big outdoor screen a short walk from our cabin was the perfect way to end a fun fall day.

3. “Hey Hey” Wagon Rides. They don’t just have hay rides at Jellystone Park, they have “hey hey” rides with the Yogi Bear characters. You might not find actual hay on this ride, but you will be able to enjoy calm breezes as a massive wagon is pulled around the campground. The Yogi Bear characters will even pose for photos after the fun-filled family ride.

4. Trick-or-Treating. This may be the most important part of Halloween Weekends at the campground. Every weekend there are spooktacular family activities, including trick-or-treating across the campground. Since the Jellystone Park in Luray is so massive, we had a golf cart to preserve our energy as we loaded up with candy across the tent, cabin, and RV sites.

5. Arts & Crafts. You’ll find loads of arts and crafts activities across the campground, like ceramic painting and making tie-dye t-shirts. An extra fee applies, but it was totally worth it to take home some new – and now tie-dyed – swag that shows we were at Jellystone Park.
    

6. Off-Grid Adventures. There are plenty of organized campground activities, like hay rides (er, “hey hey” rides) and craft-making, but there is plenty of off-site fun to be had at many locations too, like family hiking for vibrant foliage views (we went on several hikes at Shenandoah National Park), kayaking at local lakes and reservoirs, and fishing in nearby streams.

7. Golf Carts. It’s always more fun to have a golf cart at a Jellystone Park campground, but it’s even more fun on Halloween Weekends when guests staying in tents, RVs and cabins get crafty and creative with their digs. We loaded up in our golf cart and were on the hunt for inflatable ghosts, spooky skeletons, massive spider webs and creepy animatronics. So fun.
    

8. Comfy Stays of All Types. One great reason to stay at Jellystone Park at any time of year, including Halloween, is the variety of stays you’ll find, including RV sites, deluxe cabins and tent sites, even glamping yurts and RV rentals at some locations. It’s not hard to get comfy on a cool fall weekend, especially after sticky s’mores and a movie under the stars.

While Halloween Weekends are among the most popular and special times of the year at the 75+ Jellystone Park locations across the United States and Canada, please remember that activities and amenities are always subject to change based on weather and local health guidelines.

• If you and your family are looking for a traditional “roughing it” type of camping experience and you want to completely disconnect from civilization for a few days, then camping at a state or national park is probably the right fit for you.
• If “glamping” is more your style and you want to spend your camping days hanging out by the pool, riding water slides, and bouncing on giant jumping pillows and spend your evenings roasting s’mores over an open fire and surfing the Internet, then a camping resort such as Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ is probably a much better fit for your family.

2. Research the available accommodation options at the campground

• Almost all campgrounds offer tent camping and RV sites, but some now offer cabins that meet or exceed the typical hotel experience.
• All Jellystone Park locations offer tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Most locations also offer luxury cabins with air conditioning, kitchenettes, cable TV, and more. Some Jellystone Park locations even offer specialty lodging options such as yurts, treehouses, and lodges than can accommodate up to 20 people.

3. Determine if pets are allowed at the campground

• If you plan to vacation with your pet, before you make a reservation, you need to know whether pets are allowed at the campground and if so, what documentation (if any) is needed as some campgrounds require you to show your pet’s registration and vaccination records.
• Some campgrounds have dog runs or dog parks or even dog obstacle courses to keep your pets entertained during your stay. Please remember that almost all campgrounds will require you to always keep your pet on a leash.
• Many Jellystone Park locations offer pet-friendly cabins so you can stay in a cabin with your pet if desired.

4. Consider renting an RV for your stay

• If you’ve always wanted to try an RV vacation but don’t own one, it’s now easier than ever to rent one. Many dealerships rent RVs, many campgrounds rent RVs (and then you don’t even have to drive it anywhere) and RVshare is the Airbnb equivalent of RV rental.
• RVshare.com is a great website to visit for information on RVing

5. Make a packing list

• You don’t want to arrive at your campground and realize you’ve forgotten a key item so making a packing checklist is very helpful. Some items that first-time campers might not think to include on that list include chairs (to sit by the fire), flashlights and batteries, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, cooking/eating utensils, toiletries, hand sanitizer, and paper towels.
• Some campgrounds (such as Jellystone Park) have camp stores where you can purchase items that you may have forgotten to bring with you.

6. Plan your meals in advance
   Planning the meals for your first camping adventure might seems a bit overwhelming. Start by simply determining how many meals you’ll be preparing and compiling some quick and easy menu ideas. For more ideas, visit our Camp Recipes page.

• You can go with traditional campfire favorites such as hot dogs or quesadillas or up your game and cook items such as shish kebabs (which you can prepare and marinate in advance) or campfire burritos.
• There are a lot of easy camping food “hacks” to make campfire cooking even easier and more fun. One of our favorite breakfast hacks is to pour pancake batter into an old plastic bottle. Then you can easily squeeze out what you need and save the rest for later. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated.
• You may not have to cook every meal while camping. Some campgrounds offer quick serve or full-service restaurants. Many Jellystone Park locations offer family-friendly meal options such as pizza, barbecue, and hamburgers.

7. Don’t settle for the same old s’mores
   Making s’mores is a must-do camping activity but there are lots of new takes on the traditional dessert.

• Campfire cone: Grab your favorite toppings such as chocolate, marshmallows, strawberries, caramels, etc. and throw them in a waffle cone. Then wrap the cone in foil and toss it on the grill until it’s nice and melted.
• S’more nachos: Toss the traditional s’mores ingredients (chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers) into a foil pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Cook it over a grill or campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are gooey. Dig in with a fork. For bonus points, throw in some non-traditional s’mores ingredients such as pretzels and chocolate peanut butter cups.
• Banana Boat: Peel a banana and cut it down the middle. Split it open and fill the inside with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Set the banana on a piece of aluminum foil and “tent” it so it won’t melt to the foil. Roast the banana over a campfire, then open up the tin foil, crunch up a graham cracker and enjoy.

8. Check the weather before you depart
   One of the great joys of camping is spending time outdoors. Of course, Mother Nature doesn’t always co-operate so you want to be prepared if the weather turns. If there’s a chance of rain during your stay, be sure to pack umbrellas, rain boots, extra towels, and extra changes of clothes.Some campgrounds are better equipped than others to keep the fun going even when the weather is bad. Jellystone Park locations have indoor recreation centers and facilities where kids can make arts and crafts projects such as ceramics and sand art, no matter what the forecast.

9. Arrive early and take full advantage of your stay
   During the summer camping season, campgrounds can get very busy – especially during peak “check in” times. At campgrounds that offer sites on a first-come, first- serve basis, you need to arrive as early as possible to secure the best site locations. Many Jellystone Park locations allow you to book online and even “lock” in a specific site location so you don’t have to worry about being left with a less desirable location such as being far away from the pool or lake.The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to enjoy all the campground’s amenities and activities once you’ve unpacked. At Jellystone Park, that could mean more time at the pool or splashground or an extra round of mini golf or more time bouncing on the jumping pillow or simply more time hanging out with Yogi Bear and his friends.

10. Have fun
    Camping with your friends and family is meant to be fun. The process of planning and packing for your first camping trip might be a little stressful at times but once you arrive at your destination, be sure to sit back, relax, and just enjoy all the benefits of being outside on a beautiful summer day. Your activities can range from hiking on a nature trail to reading a book to watching your kids play in the splashground. Every family is different so be sure to do your research and take advantage of the camping amenities and activities that will most appeal to you and your family.

Here are 8 Natural Wonders that you need to add to your bucket list. Start booking your trips, hop in the car and hit the road.
 

Niagara Falls State Park

The falls are an absolute must-visit for many reasons. Other than the breathtaking views, there are several attractions that families can enjoy during their trip. From nature trails and beautiful sights, to cruises and helicopter rides. You can find it all at Niagara Falls State Park. Turn it into a weekend trip and stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Niagara Falls, just 5 minutes away from all the action! Not only do they offer free shuttles from the park to the falls, but they also offer tour packages that ensure you get to see everything this beautiful State Park has to offer.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The nation’s most popular National Park. With beautiful sights, hiking trails, creeks and more, every turn is something new to discover. These beautiful mountains are one of the top destinations in the nation. With 9 million visitors a year, it’s no secret that the Smoky Mountains are a destination that everyone must see in their lifetime. After you’ve spent the day exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, kick back and relax at Jellystone Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. They offer RV sites, tent sites, as well as cabin rentals. After your day full of adventure, you will appreciate the fire ring and picnic tables they have available at every site. The main North Carolina entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located just north of Cherokee.

Adirondack Park

If you’re visiting the New York area, you will want to make a stop to visit Adirondack Park, just a few hours north of New York City. The Adirondack mountains and rivers have influenced people for years to get outside in nature to hike, paddle and play. With over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, over 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 1,200 miles of rivers, exploring the Adirondack mountains never stops. If you’re looking for adventure at every twist and turn, plan your trip to New York now and enjoy one of their most breathtaking natural attractions. While visiting, stay at the Jellystone Park in North Hudson to experience even more of the Adirondacks. This camp-resort offers water features, fishing, gem mining, jumping pillow and themed weekends as well as accommodations ranging from cabin rentals to tent sites and well-kept RV sites.

Catskill Mountains

Want to plan a fun and adventurous weekend in New York? Check out the Catskill Mountains for your next trip! Located approximately 100 miles north-northwest of New York City, these beautiful mountains provide opportunities for outdoor adventure at every turn. At the Catskills, you can try out hiking, relaxing in streams and rivers, fishing and paddling- just to name a few activities. Mix a trip to the Catskill Mountains with a trip to Woodridge Jellystone Park and it’s the perfect weekend getaway. Located near the mountains, this camp-resort will provide you with attractions, activities, amenities, and accommodations. Plan your trip today!

Mammoth Cave National Park

The world’s longest known cave system is located in Cave City, KY! These beautiful caves stretch for thousands and thousands of acres and is a popular destination to visit. There are plenty of things to do when you visit Mammoth Cave including many cave tours. You can also hike, bike, ride your horse, canoe and kayak, go camping and much more. There is always something new to discover at Mammoth Cave National Park! Make it a weekend trip by booking a camping site at Cave City Jellystone Park. Spend your day checking out the caves, and then enjoy a family-friendly camp-resort just minutes away. Jellystone Park in Cave City, KY is a great destination for relaxing and having fun with friends and family. Pack up the family, bring your tent, RV or camper or stay in one of their 72 air conditioned cabins. Their first-rate amenities and activities for the whole family will make for a fun-filled camping trip!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Stretching more than 3,000 miles, the Rocky Mountains are a popular tourist destination for good reason! This National Park is filled with mountains, wildflowers, wildlife, and over 350 miles of trails. Much of the mountain range is great for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and more. No matter if you’re just beginning hiking or if you’re an expert, the Rocky Mountain National Park has a trail for you! Take in the beauty of these mountains on your next trip out to Colorado. Looking for a place to stay that is close to the Rockies? Look no further than Jellystone Park in Estes Park. This camp-resort is just minutes away from all the action and provides a variety of accommodation options to meet your camping needs. Aside from accommodations, they will provide your family with a lot of fun and memories.

Pike National Forest

Located in the heart of Colorado, Pike National Forest is a hotspot for those looking to get out in nature and enjoy the variety of recreation opportunities provided. Offering trout streams, abundant and varied wildlife, seven mountains with peaks above 14,000 feet, hundreds of miles of trails and more, Pike National Forest is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Continue your outdoor adventures at Jellystone Park in Larkspur, CO which is just about an hour from Pike National Forest. At this camp-resort, you can enjoy a heated swimming pool, archery, petting zoo, hiking trails and much, much more. Bring your tent, RV, or rent one of their cabins out for the weekend. Relaxing at Jellystone Park will be just what you need after a day full of hiking and exploring!

White Mountains

If you’re looking for adventure in New Hampshire, look no further than the White Mountains. There are both short and long hikes that, depending on how far you go, can take you to waterfalls, spectacular views, lakes and ponds, and mountain summits. Also found in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is the opportunity to boat, golf, horseback ride, winter sports and participate in much more. Ashland, New Hampshire Jellystone Park is the perfect place to end your day. This park provides cabin rentals, RV rentals, tent sites and spacious RV sites if you’re bringing your rig! Relax by the campfire and make s’mores with your family and friends at this close-by camp-resort.

As someone who enjoys the great indoors more than anything, a camping trip may be last on your list of favorite activities. So, if your family is insisting on an outdoor vacation, you may be dreading the experience. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the entire trip more bearable.

Choose comfy accommodations

Think cabins, not tents. Campgrounds with cabins and RV campgrounds are certainly the best options for those with an aversion to “roughing it.” A recent survey found that 63% of adults stayed within 150 miles of home during their camping trips, but you can pick a distance that makes you comfortable. By staying in these locations, you can ensure your comfort and even have activities to do during the day. These locations could be a win-win for everyone involved.

Have the right technology

Just because you are going camping does not mean that you have to leave your cell phone at home. If checking the radar makes you feel more comfortable, be sure to bring it along. But of course, you should also embrace the calm of unplugging. try bringing some books along as well.

Bring warm clothing during cool weather

When you are feeling warm and cozy, your entire mood will be better. This is why packing for the weather is essential. Bring layers and rain gear so you can be prepared no matter what mother nature has in store for you.

Find humor in the experience

Remember that not every aspect of your trip can be planned. If you get caught in the rain or can’t seem to start a campfire, try to laugh it off. These will ultimately make good stories, so try to embrace the experience.

Choose some of the camping activities

While your family might be dragging you on hikes and exploring nature in general, remember that you can also plan some activities. You might prefer to relax by the pool or play cards. And that’s okay. Speak up and suggest your ideas as well. Your family will likely be more receptive than you think.

By taking risks while you also preserve your comforts, you might surprise yourself with how much you actually enjoy camping. While staying at campgrounds with cabins or RVs, most guests can find a happy medium. Keep an open mind and embrace the unknown, and the new experience and have some fun!

When camping in a Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort, most of the time animals and “critters” will not be something that you and your family will have to deal with, but if you are camping out in the wilderness, here are some tips for you to follow on how to keep your campsite free from possible raccoons and other animals.

First, it is important to try and animal-proof your space before leaving the campsite to do activities. It’s common knowledge to protect your gear and food from bears. But you’re more likely to come into contact with squirrels and raccoons who have no problem ransacking your stuff. So, while you are exploring:

• Keep it clean: One of the best ways to guarantee that an animal doesn’t raid your food supplies is to make sure it doesn’t smell your food supplies. Keep your campsite as clean as possible. Don’t litter, even if it’s biodegradable material. Seal and pack away your uneaten food and garbage in heavy duty, odor-proof bags with clean hands. Keep food containers and other containers that look like food containers out of sight.
• Don’t worry about smelling like the woods: Artificial scents are one of the biggest attractions to wild animals. Woodland critters know the smell of the great outdoors, but they don’t know the smell of your Sweet-Pea and Violet deodorant. Artificially scented items can lure animals from far and wide. Keep the sweet-smelling soaps, deodorants, and lotions at home and use unscented ones instead.
• Use critter-proof containers: Another great way to keep your food from attracting animals is to lock it safely in a critter-proof container such as a bear-proof cylinder. These bags and containers are incapable of being opened by animals. However, it’s also good to use odor-proof bags; as aforementioned, it’s typically the smells that attract animals to your campsite.

Keeping your food and family safe from pesky critters like raccoons, squirrels, and even bears can feel as complicated as pitching your tent. However, it doesn’t have to be. Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts offers you and your family the campground experience, but with the amenities and accommodations of a resort stay. Make a reservation today and stay in one of our cabins, tiny houses, RVs, or yurts for a camping trip you could only dream of without the necessity of having odor-proof bags on hand!

Falling leaves and blankets around the campfire make autumnal camping some of the most charming days of the year. By choosing the right location, this year’s trip can be your best yet. A recent survey found that 43% of campers plan their trips at least one month in advance, so now is the time to book. When choosing your dream location out of all the possible places to camp, consider the following destinations for a great fall camping trip.

• North Carolina: Warm weather-lovers may want to consider this southern state for their camping destination. Cabins in North Carolina are sure to deliver that coveted charm while keeping you comfortable. There are also plenty of historical tourist attractions if you consider taking a day trip.
• New York: Home to the Adirondack Mountains, the Catskill Mountains, and the Finger Lakes; New York is an outdoor hub. This northern state will give you the full display of fall colors while you cozy up by a campfire. You may also consider venturing off site to enjoy apple picking, one of the Empire State’s trademarks.
• Delaware: One of the smallest state’s in the union, Delaware will allow you to camp just a short day trip from the ocean. You can enjoy local sea food cuisine, especially in the late Summer to early Fall. Be sure to take the time to explore Delaware’s charming towns while you are there.
• ​​​​​​​Nova Scotia: If you are feeling adventurous and want to wander up even farther north, this Canadian province is one of the most beautiful in the fall. This region is home to lovely islands and incredible waterfront views, so be sure to bring your camera if you choose to explore.

There is nothing quite like a Fall camping trip, and you can make yours the best it can be by picking the right destination. Whether you are enjoying cabins in North Carolina or Nova Scotia, you are sure to come home with beautiful photos and even more beautiful stories. Just be sure to keep the best tales for around the campfire.

Having fun as a family is essential if you want to all live your happiest lives. Rather than just staying indoors for the next few weeks and wasting the day away in front of the TV you should consider taking an exciting New York camping trip.

It’s been quite an interesting summer. We’ve seen some of the hottest temperatures on record and some of the rainiest weeks of our lives. As the warm weather winds down and fall is on its way, however, you shouldn’t just sit around and wait for the cold to get here. Why not round up your family and get outside for one more big trip?

Family camping trips can be so much fun for everyone involved. Whether you’re going for a weekend or an entire week, a New York camping trip might be the perfect way to close out a hectic summer. These trips can be an absolute blast for everyone, no matter their camping experience. If you’re the type of family that has spent decades in the wilderness, clearly you’ll all be fine going on a camping trip. But even if it’s your first time ever camping as a family, as long as you’re careful and plan ahead, you should all have a great time.

Family camping trips are actually one of the most popular recreational activities for American families and in 2015, the revenue from RV parks and campgrounds was estimated around 5.8 billion dollars in U.S revenue.

What makes family camping trips so great?

Camping will give you and your family an appreciation of the outdoors that will stay with you for ever. Because of the general population’s obsession with technology and smart phones in 2017, far too many people would rather waste their days away in front of a screen. Getting outside with your family will help you get back to your literal roots and find enjoyment in the simplest of things. In addition to playing around, having fun, and spending time together in nature, you’ll all develop strong memories that will last a lifetime.

Your kids will one day grow up and have lives of their own and certain aspects of life can always change. You never know how many more vacations you’ll be able to take as a family, so it’s best to go for it when you can. So, this fall or this coming year, plan a New York camping trip and spend some quality time with your family in the lovely outdoors. If you want to learn more about family camping then check out some camp-resorts in your area, on www.CampJellystone.com today.

So, whether you’re going for a weekend or an entire week, a New York camping trip might be the perfect way to close out a hectic summer. Camping trips can be a great experience for kids of all ages!

And no matter where you go camping, at a campground or just a family camping trip with a tent somewhere, you’re bound to have a good time if you follow these fall camping tips.

1. Stay Occupied
   While enjoying a family vacation, one of the most important things you can do is to stay occupied. You might have come out there for relaxation, but you don’t want to be bored while there are so many things you could be doing. Hiking, charades, and rock climbing are jut a few of the ways you can enjoy the last few days of warmth.
2. Eat Hearty And Enjoy
   Don’t spend your camping or vacationing days eating light and planning calories! You can enjoy all sorts of camping foods like s’mores, brats, and burgers. Break out the grill or the fire, and enjoy some camping food in the middle of the night or day, or whenever you feel like eating. You can replenish your energy and get back all those nutrients you spent being active and enjoying the sunlight.
3. Campfire Fun
   One of the best things about the campfire during fall or early fall is the warmth it provides on slowly cooling nights. You’ll have more reason than ever to sit around it with friends and family and build memories and bonds. Not only that, but you’ll be keeping warm and toasty too. This is a perfect opportunity to break out the card games or trade stories. You can even craft some tall tales to scare your friends and family.

Caution: Layers And Tarps!
If there’s one thing you should know about fall camping, it’s that the weather could turn on you at any moment. Don’t let it catch you off-guard! If you didn’t check the weather radar, make sure you’ve got quilts and tools for extra warmth around. You should also bring tarps and other water proofing equipment to keep your tent or location as dry as possible. No one wants to spend their vacations cold, wet, and miserable.

These are just a few of the many things to keep in mind when you’re fall camping, and hopefully, you have a good time doing so. If you want camping tips or maybe help to find the best place for you to go on early fall camping trips, make sure you’re adequately prepared for both treats and tricks that may sneak up on you.

Whether setting off for a weekend or an entire week, your upcoming cabin trip is an opportunity to unwind and enjoy nature. A recent study found that 47% of adult campers consider the joy of camping itself to be the single biggest motivator for taking their trips. But how can you make sure that you get as much joy as possible out of your cabin experience? Follow these tips before and during your stay at a campground with cabins.

1. Write a packing list ahead of time. By planning what to pack, you can stay prepared and avoid forgetting anything. This way, you can relax at your cabin rather than making multiple trips to nearby stores. If you are bringing children or grandchildren along, encourage them to make packing lists as well.
2. Research local activities. Camping offers an opportunity to explore the surrounding area as well. Whether you want to find the best hiking trail or most exciting amusement park, take the time to research activities that suit you.
3. Know what extra items you need to bring. Look into what is included in the cabin. Ask whether it has sheets, dishes, cooking supplies, and other items. Then take note of what you need to bring from home. This could be anything from a few extra chairs to an entire dining set.
4. Plan for the weather. Remember that you might experience rain and cold during your cabin trip. So, plan for this as well. Luckily, cabins are a perfectly charming place to spend a rainy afternoon. Bring games, cards, candles, crosswords, and books to keep you entertained.
5. Leave room for spontaneity. The best trips involve a little bit of planning and a lot of unplanned time. Leave space in your days for rest and downtime, as well as spontaneous excursions. Your entire trip will be more fulfilling for it.

Cabins offer a versatile camping experience for all ages. Whether you have been camping for 50 years, or this is your first trip, you have the opportunity to give your trip an extra boost. Just remember to relax and enjoy the cozy cabin experience.

Located just minutes from Niagara Falls, this Ontario Jellystone Park is the perfect destination if you are going camping in Canada! You can enjoy activities, amenities, events, contests and accommodations that the whole family will enjoy. If you’re looking for your next camping destination, Jellystone Park in Niagara Falls, ONT is the place to be!

No matter which type of accommodation you prefer, you have plenty of options when you visit this camp-resort. Featuring tent sites, RV sites with water, electric and sewer, pull-thru site and multiple different cabin options, you’re guaranteed to find a site type that fits your family. If you prefer to enjoy all that nature has to offer and wish to sleep under the stars, our tent sites are the perfect fit for you! Bringing your own rig? We have you covered! Do you prefer camping with all the comforts of home? If so, our cabin rentals that feature TVs, air conditioning, electricity, dishes, beds and amenities such as TV, full fridge/freezer, coffee maker and more will be the perfect fit for you!

Top-notch accommodations isn’t all this camp-resort offers. When you go camping in Canada at Jellystone Park in Niagara Falls, you can expect a weekend full of fun-filled activities and events, and family-friendly amenities! Amenities include heated swimming pool, jumping pillow, inflatable water slide, mini golf, community fire pit and more!

No matter which weekend you visit Jellystone Park in Niagara Falls, ONT, there is always a fun theme going on that you can expect to enjoy! Some themes you will see on their activity calendar are Alien Invasion week, Pirate’s Adventure, Boo Boo’s Birthday Celebration, Halloween Haunt, just to name a few.  You can expect the activities during this weekend to center around these themes so the fun never stops!

If you’re going camping in Canada, there is no better place than Jellystone Park in Niagara Falls, ONT. Check out their website and book your stay for a memorable family vacation!

Looking to plan that last minute summer family camping trip? Check out Kozy Rest Jellystone Park as your next destination! This camp-resort is located North of Pittsburgh and has something that will cater to the whole family. If you are looking for a relaxing, family-friendly and resort-like campground, Jellystone Park in Harrisville, PA is the perfect fit.

Featuring a wide variety of campsites as well as cabin rentals and yurts, no matter which type of accommodation your family prefers, Kozy Rest Jellystone Park has you covered. Some of the campsites that this Jellystone Park offers are pull-thru sites, full hookup sites, water and electric sites and tent campsites. If you prefer the comforts of home while camping, you’ll have to try out one of their cabin rentals to make your camping experience uniquely enjoyable! Some of these cabin rentals offer heat and air conditioning, kitchen, bathroom and more! You will feel right at home in their cabins.

When you’re camping at Kozy Rest Jellystone Park, the fun never stops. During weekends in the summer and in the fall, you can expect a new and different theme each weekend! Some themes you will see on their event calendar include Pirate Palooza, Sports Extravaganza,  Fall Festival, Spooktacular Campout and many more. All weekends will be filled with events, games, contests and fun for the whole family. There is never a dull moment when you are camping with Yogi Bear™!

In addition to themed weekends and events, they also offer top-notch amenities that will not disappoint. Some of the amenities they offer include a swimming pool, jumping pillow, dunk tank, mini golf, water wars, gem mining- just to name a few! While you can still enjoy the traditional camping experiences such as hiking, sightseeing, making s’mores, Jellystone Park offers those extra added benefits to make your trip special!

What are you waiting for? Check out their website for more information and book your stay today!

• Weather-Proof Clothing: Weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to prepare for the elements. Even if you are staying in a cabin rental, if you plan on hiking you could be caught in inclement weather.  Remember, high-altitude and arid locations, can produce drops in temperature so pack plenty of warm layers even during the summer.
• Outdoor And Indoor Games: You will hopefully be able to spend as much time outside as possible, so bring along your family’s favorite outdoor activities. Many of our parks are equipped to satisfy the “fun” in all of us, but packing your child’s favorite outdoor play item is always a good thing to do. Don’t forget the indoor games as well such as playing cards so you can continue the fun even if it starts to rain.
• Cooking Supplies: Before you pack, look into what type of kitchen the cabin has. Most of our cabins list what items are available so explore their website before you depart. In addition, be sure to pack outdoor cooking supplies so you can prepare the S’mores over the fire.
• Bedding: While some cabins come with bedding, it is always a good idea to bring extra pillows and blankets. Sleeping bags are also a good option if the beds come bare. This way, you can stay toasty at night without having to deal with sheets and blankets. Again, communicate with the park before you leave.
• Flashlights And Headlamps: Flashlights are a must and make it even more fun for your children. Many camping vendors sell special lanterns for cabins, campers, and tents as well.

While you are packing for your trip, remember to consider your family’s specific needs. By packing the right items and planning out activities for your family, you can get the most out of your stay at one of our campgrounds with cabins.

Whether you are an RV enthusiast, enjoy the comfort of a cabin, or prefer tent camping, Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson can accommodate you! With spacious cabin rentals, RV sites and tent sites, you will feel at home no matter how you’re camping. If you prefer all the comforts of home, they have cabin rentals with fully equipped kitchens, a full bath, air conditioning and heat, decks, picnic tables and more to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. If you prefer to “rough-it”, tent sites are located throughout the park! Bringing your RV? There are plenty of sites for you!

If you’re looking for a place to go camping in Wisconsin that offers amenities, activities and events for the kids, you’ve come to the right place! This park offers 2 heated pools, 3 playgrounds, jumping pillow, gameroom, fishing, dunk tank, ceramics & crafts, mini golf, wagon rides and skate park, just to name a few! This park is full of things to do and will keep the kids busy all trip long! Most amenities come with your camping price, but you can find restrictions here.

In addition to a long list of amenities, this park also offers themed weekends and planned activities throughout the busy season. No matter which weekend you visit, you can expect to be participating in a fun theme that varies week to week. During these themed weekends, planned activities and contests will take place ensuring your kids have a trip they’ll never forget. Check out their themed weekends schedule here and plan your trip today! Jellystone Park in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin can’t wait to host your family.

Whether you are an RV’er, prefer a back-to-basics tent site while camping or whether you enjoy the comforts of home in a cabin rental, this campground has plenty of options for you. RV sites range from no hookup to full hookup and premium full hookup sites. Cabin rentals are a great accommodation if you prefer to have the comforts of home while also enjoying the outdoors. Cabin rentals in Estes Park come with a variety of floor plans that will allow you and your family to enjoy your stay with groups of many different sizes. These rentals can accommodate 5 to 14 people! Check out their cabin rental options, here!

While camping at Jellystone Park in Estes Park, Colorado, you will enjoy planned activities, themed weekends and high quality amenities and facilities. Themed weekends and planned activities run throughout the whole season so there is never a dull moment. Some weekends you can expect to see on their themed weekends calendar are Chocolate Lover’s Weekend,  Carnival Weekend, Bingo Blowout and multiple Halloween weekends! Each weekend is filled with fun with the bears, games, contests, sports, site decorating, water activities and much more!

Aside from the planned activities, Jellystone Park in Estes Park, Colorado also offers amenities that will keep the kids busy all day long. Mini-golf, Laser Tag, pool, horseshoe pits, scavenger hunts, hiking trails, gem mining,basketball courts are just a few things that you will find on the premises. Jellystone Parks create lasting memories for your family and provide you with a memorable family trip!

Find out more information about this campground on their website, and book your stay at Jellystone Park in Estes Park, Colorado!

If you love the outdoors and enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking and more, our Jellystone Park in Madison, ME will be a perfect fit for you! This camp-resort offers a stocked fishing pond, a huge swimming pool and beautiful wooded grounds to enjoy nature. This camp-resort offers spacious sites including tent sites, RV sites, cabin & travel trailer rentals. The cabin rentals are unique, including a treehouse, and the travel trailers are fully furnished. No matter which type of accommodation you prefer, Jellystone Park in Madison, Maine has you covered! If you are looking to go camping in Maine, Jellystone Park in Madison is a top destination!

With a full activity schedule during the summer and weekend activities in the spring and fall, this campground is an ideal place to bring your family no matter what time of the year! Some activities you can expect to participate in are arts & crafts, bingo, hayrides, games, dancing, karaoke and much more fun!

When you’re not enjoying one of the planned activities at the park, there is a long list of amenities such as a large pool, arcade games, gem mining, bouncy zone, playground, horseshoes, gaga ball- to name a few! There is never a dull moment when you are camping in Maine at Jellystone Park!

Although there is plenty to do at the campground, if you do choose to leave, this park is close to shopping in Downtown Skowhegan where you will find plenty of little shops as well as other local attractions to check out. At the end of the day, you can come back and relax around a campfire with s’mores at your campsite!

For your convenience, this campground has WIFI, 24-hour laundry facility, dish washing stations, clean washrooms, free hot showers, sewer dumping station, propane filling station and a stocked camp store, complete with Yogi Bear souvenirs. They are also a pet-friendly campground, so bring your furry family members!

Book a stay at Jellystone Park in Madison if you plan on camping in Maine! Check out their website here.

While at the campground, you will experience great amenities, facilities and activities for the entire family. Event Weekends run all season long and include fun themes such as Mardi Gras weekend, Backyard Carnival weekend, Christmas in July, Bingo Bash, Luau Weekend, Chocolate Lover’s weekend and much more! Along with event weekends, they also have daily activities in season that will make your family’s stay a memorable one.

Amenities at Jellystone Park Whispering Hills include a swimming pool, mini golf, jumping pillow and pad, gem mining, fishing lake, arcade, dog park, volleyball & basketball courts, and new amenities such as gaga ball, outdoor movie theater and more coming soon! No matter how long your stay, there will be plenty of activities and amenities to keep you busy throughout your whole trip. If you’re looking for a relaxed day with no plans, this campground offers accommodations of all types that your family will love! Spend the day hanging out at your site if you’re looking for that extra family bonding.

Looking to rent a cabin for your stay? Bringing your tent or RV? Either way, this campground has you covered! Cabins and rental units include luxury manors, chateaus, estates, deluxe cabins and rustic cabins. They also offer RV rentals, too! Have your own RV? They offer over 200 spacious RV sites for your RV, travel trailer, or pop-up camper! No matter the style or size, they have a spot for you!

Jellystone Park Whispering Hills offers family fun all season long! What’re you waiting for? Book your stay!

Plan your next family camping trip to Jellystone Park in Elmer, New Jersey! Located in rural southwestern NJ, this family-oriented campground offers all the fun and adventure of the outdoors without sacrificing the most comforts of home! Featuring cabin rentals, tent sites and RV camping, you can choose between enjoying the comforts of indoors or enjoying nature! Lodge cabins can sleep from up to 8 people comfortably, deluxe cabins up to 6 and many other rental options. Some are pet friendly, too!

There are plenty of options for family fun at this Jellystone Park, including Tiki Bay splash park, a swimming pool, gaga ball, hayrides, outdoor movie theater, fishing and more! Event weekends throughout the season will keep the family entertained for your entire stay. Themed weekends include Yogi Bear’s Birthday celebration, Chocolate Lover’s weekend, Animal Lover’s weekend, Wet & Wild, Christmas in July… just to name a few! Activities will center around these themes and ensure your stay is a memorable one.

If you plan to leave the campground for the day, this Jellystone Park in Elmer, New Jersey is located near many attractions that will add a little extra to your trip! Visit Avalon Beach, Morey’s Piers or go whale watching at Cape May, all within a day! When you come back to the campground, you can expect to relax at your campsite around a campfire with your family. Don’t forget the s’mores!

Check out their website and follow their Facebook page for updates and highlights from this camping season! Book your trip to Jellystone Park in Elmer, New Jersey today to create lasting family memories!

No matter which type of accommodation your family prefers, this campground can meet your needs! They offer River Front sites, premium RV sites, tent sites, and cabin rentals ranging from rustic and deluxe cabins, to deluxe cottages and lodges, including a mountain view lodge that sleeps 16! From May 21- June 28 only, the Tiny Home RV Tour will be at the Jellystone Park in Gardiner, NY which gives you the option to stay in a tiny home!

Aside from top-notch accommodations, this park will also provide your family with activities and amenities throughout your entire stay. Some amenities they offer include an interactive splash pad, swimming pools, lazer tag, mini golf, jumping pillow, gaga ball, gem mining and much more! From water attractions to sports facilities, Jellystone Park has a variety of activities that offer family-fun and lets kids be kids! The kids will never want to leave this park.

Jellystone Park has themed weekends and exciting events all season long! No matter when you visit this park, there will be a fun theme that your family can participate in during your entire stay. From Boo Boo’s Birthday weekend, Wild West weekend to Luau Weekend, Christmas in July and Halloween weekends, there’s never a dull moment when you are camping in New York!

Looking to add a little something extra to your stay? This Gardiner, NY Jellystone Park offers extras such as golf cart rentals, hot tub rentals (delivered to your site!), pool cabana rentals, bear visits to your site and tubing/kayaking on the Walkill River. Find out more information on their website!

Book your stay at this Jellystone Park in Gardiner if you are wanting to go camping in New York. We promise you a memorable and relaxing trip!

With plenty of activities and amenities to keep you busy all trip long, you won’t need to leave the campground to find something to do. However, if you choose to leave, Jellystone Park at Lake Monroe is conveniently located just 10 minutes from shopping, restaurants, Indiana University, a golf course and plenty of other attractions.

While at the park, you will enjoy amenities including Yogi Bear’s Water Zone, swimming pools, jumping pillow, gem mining, Gaga ball, pedal carts, full activity schedule, and much more! With themed weekends all summer long ranging from Water Warriors, Stars & Stripes, Pirates & Mermaids and Christmas in July, just to name a few, you will experience a unique experience no matter which week you come. From Arts & Crafts to Breakfast with Yogi Bear, Jellystone Park at Lake Monroe will create memories for your family that will last a lifetime.

This camping and cabin resort has everything you need for a family vacation, reunion, group trip or rally. This camp-resort loves groups of all sizes! Come enjoy this Jellystone Park at Lake Monroe and make your reservation today.

Bring your tent, RV, or take advantage of their cabin rentals. The cabins they offer vary from rustic to deluxe so there’s a fit for all families.
 

When you stay at Fremont, Indiana Jellystone Park, you will experience themed weekends ranging from Cinco De Mayo, Grandparents Weekend, The Bear’s Carnival Weekend, Dancing Through the Decades Weekend and much more! You can view a full list of their themed weekends here, and plan your family’s stay around your favorite theme! Daily activities include crafts, train rides, candy bar bingo, pool games, family wagon ride and more. No day is the same as the one before!

Along with themed weekends, this park offers daily planned activities and amenities spanning the whole park. Some of the amenities they offer include 2 jumping pillows, volleyball, train rides, horseshoes, gameroom, mini golf, pedal carts, paddleboat rentals, gem mining and much, much more. You will never be hot at this campground with all of the water attractions they offer, including 3 waterslides, 3 outdoor pools, a splashpark, Aqua Play Zone and a 100 acre fishing lake. With all of these amenities located close together, you can spend all day enjoying all of the amenities Fremont, Indiana Jellystone Park has to offer!

Whether you visit this campground every year, or have yet to check it out, now is the time! Find all the offer here, and book your stay!

Located conveniently in the heart of North Carolina is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Asheboro opened in 2016 and currently building new and exciting things for their campers! A convenient drive and a must-visit destination, this parks offers activities, amenities and fun for the whole family. Themed weekends start in Easter and go through Halloween, so there is plenty of time to plan a family getaway!

Featuring a fishing pond, jumping pillow, bounce house, inflatable waterslide, outdoor theater, Gaga ball and so much more– this Jellystone Park in Asheboro will keep your family entertained for the length of your stay. Themed weekends include Yogi Bear’s Birthday, Christmas in July, Pirates and Princesses, Western Hoe-Down and many more. For a full list of themed weekends, visit their site!

While they currently have Full Hook-Up sites, they are in the process of building rental cabins and tent sites to accommodate families from all over! Along with rental cabins and tent sites, a state of the art swimming pool is also in the works! This Jellystone Park in Asheboro will continue to grow and expand with first-class accommodations and amenities.

Keep up to date with their projects and what’s to come by checking out their Facebook page and their website!

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Offering cabin and camper rentals, RV sites and tent sites, this is a great destination for all families- regardless of accommodation preference! Beyond their 1st rate accommodations, this park also offers top-notch amenities, themed weekends and entertaining activities so there is never a dull moment.

What will your trip to Jellystone Park in Monticello, Iowa look like? They offer archery tag, fishing, heated pool, paddleboat rentals, jumping pillow, just to name a few! The fun doesn’t stop there.. During the summer, this park offers themed weekends and fun activities ranging from celebrating Bear’s birthdays, honoring moms and dads on their special days, a weekend dedicated to chocolate lovers, and NEW this year: 3 Halloween Weekends! You can expect their camping season to be an eventful one.

What are you waiting for? Book your stay at our Jellystone Park in Monticello, Iowa today for great family memories, fun with Yogi Bear™ and friends and an overall fun time!

Spring is in the air and that means getting out of the house and out to your local camping sites for some family spring camping! There is no better time than the spring to head out on family camping trips, and considering that 87% of campers participate in multiple outdoor activities while camping, it is time to take full advantage of the possibilities! So here are some family-friendly camping ideas to try out at your favorite camp resorts.

A scavenger hunt

This works especially well if you have little ones that don’t do well on full hikes. Create a list of fun things to find around your campsites and then split into teams. Give the groups an hour or so, and the first ones to make it back with the most objects wins a prize! Here are some fun things to include on your list:

• A colored rock
• A piece of garbage
• A four-leafed clover
• A blue flower
• A picture of animal tracks
• A tuft of animal fur
• Berries — make sure not to eat them!
• An acorn

Bake a fun meal

Just because you are out camping doesn’t mean that your taste buds have to suffer on this family vacation! Have your family look forward to mealtime every day by creating something together. Here are some cool, campfire-ready ideas:

• Walking tacos. All you need are some small snack bags of chips, taco meat, and the fixings of your choice. Add the ingredients all together and you have an easy, hearty meal. Clean up is as simple as throwing the bag away.
• Pull-apart monkey bread. Cut some pre-made store-bought biscuits in fourths, add brown sugar, chocolate chips, even small pieces of fruit. Leave to rise overnight, then cook over the fire in the morning. There isn’t any way to mess up monkey bread, so go crazy!
• Chili. The only hard ingredient here is bringing ground beef to brown over the fire. Just add cans of beans, tomato sauce, and some chili powder, grab some bread, and you’re good to go!

Go stargazing

Spring is known for its clear skies, so take advantage of the season and spend some time stargazing. Point out different constellations, planets, and teach your children the difference between passing satellites and shooting stars! Check online to see the best days for visibility before you go, and while you’re there, download a fun star-spotting app. With these ideas in mind, your family vacation will be one for the record books!

We all know how amazing one and two-week RV Getaways can be. And we also know how hard it is to make them happen in the midst of busy schedules and demanding jobs. If you want to spend more time at the campground this year, shorter weekend trips might be the way to go. The trick is to make sure these quick escapes are relaxing and rejuvenating…not stressful and overwhelming! Here are the five ways we get the most camping mojo out of a weekend RV getaway…

1. Use those vacation days. Studies show the majority of Americans do not use all of their vacation days each year. Sure it may be difficult to escape for a week or more, but you can probably swing a Friday or a Monday off. Even taking a half-day on Friday will make the weekend seems o much longer. If you get any push back, remind your boss that time off is good for work productivity.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
2. Limit your travel time. Spending less time on the road and more time at the campground will make weekend trips seem so much more worthwhile. Find a great campground within an hour or two of your home and make that your go-to weekend retreat.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
3. Splurge for a late checkout. Many campgrounds will allow you to check out late on Sunday for a nominal fee. Linger over a lazy Sunday breakfast, then take a hike, go fishing, or enjoy some sightseeing around the campground. Make it a true Sunday Funday…instead of just the day you pack up and go home.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
4. Have a set weekend meal plan that is super simple. For short two-night getaways, it pays not to stress too much over the meal planning. If you have a set menu and shopping list, you never have to worry about what you are going to make and whether you have the ingredients. Save the fancy stuff and creativity for longer trips.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
5. Consider a seasonal campsite. If there is a campground close to home that you love and adore, check into whether they offer seasonal site rates. If so, you can pay one yearly fee to leave your RV on the same site all season long. Then all you have to do is throw some clothes in a bag and some groceries in the cooler, and head out to where your RV is all set up waiting for you. This is a great way for folks with hectic schedules to squeeze in as much campground time as possible.

Most RVers look for every opportunity to get that rig out of the driveway and into the campground. We can’t always pull off epic two-week road trips, but a great weekend getaway can leave us feeling just as rejuvenated. Follow these five tips and get the most out of your brief RV escapes!

Camping in Texas is 1st Rate!

Camping vacations are a great way to spend time with the people you love. In fact, around 12% of adult participants went camping for the first time with their immediate families. No matter where you decide to go on your family camping trips, get ready to enjoy a great time and build connections that can last a lifetime. If you’re planning on a Texas camping trip this season, then plan on staying at one of the best campgrounds TX has to offer; our family of Texas Jellystone campgrounds!

There’s nothing quite like going camping in Texas, but it’s even better when you come here for summer camping trips. When you come to the finest campgrounds TX has to provide, you get the best of both worlds: you’ll be surrounded by nature, but you won’t have to completely rough it. There’s plenty to see and to do, and your experience can be as authentic or as cushy as you want it to be. But before you head to the Lone Star State, here are a few tips that might come in handy:

• Don’t assume the weather’s going to be hot
  While our summers do get heated, the evenings can still be cool and crisp. That can be ideal for sitting around a campfire. But don’t forget to pack extra layers and to check the forecast before you set out. You don’t want to be stuck shivering on a chilly night. Whether you stay in a tent or in the comfort of a cabin, you should definitely bring along sweatshirts, long pants, and even a jacket.
• Explore the area
  When you come to our campgrounds, you can certainly hike and explore to your heart’s content. But that’s certainly not all there is to do in Texas. You can go swimming and enjoy our awesome waterpark, attend one of our themed weekends, play 18 holes on our miniature golf course, or take in the amazing sights in the surrounding area like the San Jacinto Monument. Whether you come camping as a couple or bring the whole family, there’s no shortage of fun things to do!
• Know some basic safety rules
  Camping with your family will be even more fun when you know how to stay safe throughout your trip. In the summertime — and especially in a state like Texas — it’s important to hydrate. Make sure you drink a lot of water throughout the day and watch for signs of dehydration. That could put a real damper on your plans! Use the buddy system at all times, especially if you’re exploring the wilderness. And you should also familiarize yourself with the kinds of local wildlife or poisonous plants you might run into in order to avoid them. Even if you don’t plan on roughing it, this information can be extremely helpful in case of emergencies.

If you want to enjoy a great time with your loved ones this summer, Camp Jellystone is home to some of the most highly rated family campgrounds TX has to offer! For more information or to start planning your trip, get in touch with our parks today.

Smartphones make RV travel a lot easier by offering us the ability to stay connected even as we venture far away. But there are thousands of apps out there, and it can be pretty tricky to find the ones that actually help make the journey more enjoyable. So here’s a list of 5 workhorse must have apps that we highly recommend.

1. Allstays Camp & RV (Android and iOS). This app costs $9.99, but is worth every penny. Allstays offers the most comprehensive information on campgrounds and RV parks in the US and Canada. You can filer for national parks, private campgrounds, overnight parking, or BLM sites. Plus, Allstays will give you all the campground details including hookups, amenities, and Wi-Fi access.
2. GasBuddy (Android and iOS). If you want to access all your nearby gas options and find the lowest price, download the GasBuddy app. This app is particularly useful if you are traveling in a diesel unit. Plus, some of the gas stations have crowd-sources photographs which will help determine whether you can easily navigate the space in your rig.
3. Roadtrippers (Android and iOS). The Roadtrippers app is the perfect planning companion for RV travelers. You can map out your route in advance and the app will help you discover interesting places nearby, including historic sites, scene overlooks, and even breweries. If you are all about enjoying the journey as much as the destination, this app is a must.
4. Sanidumps (Android and iOS). The tag line for Sanidumps is “when RVs have to go” and that sums it up perfectly. If you enjoy dry camping in state and national parks or boondocking on BLM lands, eventually you will have to empty those tanks. This app will help you locate the nearest spot to get the job done.
5. Chatbooks App (Android and iOS). The Chatbooks app is all about preserving the amazing memories you create when traveling in your RV. There is simply no easier and more affordable way to make photo memory books after a trip (or even on the drive home!!!). Getting those pictures off our devices and into a photo album has brought back the joy of sharing our trips with family and friends.. in real life.

No one wants to be buried in their devices while on an RV adventure. However, there are some great apps out there that can enhance the traveling experience. These five apps make our trips easier, more comfortable, and way more fun. Now it’s time to hit the road!

Back in 2010, nearly 40 million people went on a total of 515 million camping trips. The popularity of visiting campgrounds in Colorado, New York, Ohio, and elsewhere has only grown since then. It may still be winter, but it’s never too early to start planning your spring camping trip. Here are our top tips for springtime camping:

1. Examine everything before you leave 
   Most people don’t get the opportunity to use camping gear during the colder months. Even if you’ve used your tent lately, it’s a good idea to check everything you’ll need before you head out. If your equipment has been sitting in storage or you simply forgot about a necessary repair, you’ll want to give things a thorough once-over and replace anything that isn’t in good condition.
2. Check the forecast 
   Spring weather is predictably unpredictable. Temperatures can range from freezing to pleasantly warm depending on the day and even the hour. You might encounter storms or strong winds that could put a real damper on your family camping vacations. Make sure to watch the weather forecast carefully; if there are signs of extremely bad conditions, you should probably delay your trip until the danger has passed. Knowing what to expect weather-wise can help you prepare a whole lot better. That way, you won’t get caught out in the cold.
3. Wear layers 
   Speaking of being caught out in the cold: you’ll want to dress appropriately. The best way to do this is by dressing in layers. If it’s unseasonably warm, you can easily remove a layer or two; if the weather turns frigid, you can add them on. You’ll also want to bring a waterproof jacket and boots, as spring can be quite rainy!
4. Use tarps 
   Tarps can help keep your tent warm and dry. Set up a large one going over the top of your tent and tie it to the surrounding trees. The end result should look like a roof going over a house, with a peak in the center and sloping sides. You should also put a tarp under your tent to protect from cold, wet conditions.
5. Prepare for nighttime 
   In the spring, nighttime temperatures can still dip quite low. Make sure your sleeping bags are rated for temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also want to use foam pads underneath your sleeping bags to act as a barrier between you and the cold, wet ground while you sleep.
6. Don’t forget to hydrate 
   Just because it might be rainy or cooler than summertime doesn’t mean you should neglect your water intake. Drink plenty of water throughout your trip. You can bring this along yourself or use your own filtration system.

If you’re looking to plan your visit to our campgrounds in Colorado, New York, or Ohio – there’s no better time to get started! The season opens soon, so make your spring camping trip reservation today and for more information, get in touch with one of our campgrounds today!

It wouldn’t be a camping trip without sitting around a campfire, making s’mores, getting smoke in your eyes while your marshmallow on the stick burns to a black inedible mess. After burning your fingers trying to get the sticky marshmallow onto the graham cracker you smile and say, “I love S’mores!” The following are some ways to add a twist to this traditional campfire treat. Don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of chances to get smoke in your eyes and burn the marshmallow.

1. Forget the Graham Cracker: Want a streamlined way to make a S’more? Instead of using graham crackers, purchase a package of fudge striped cookies. Then simply roast your marshmallow and place it between two cookies. The cookie gives support, the chocolate gets melted and you have a S’more without having to wait for the normal piece of chocolate to melt.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
2. Everything is Better With Nutella: While many people prefer to eat Nutella directly from the jar with a spoon, try using this delicious hazelnut-chocolate spread for S’mores. Spread Nutella on your Graham Cracker, add the oeey-gooey marshmallow and you have a first-class S’more!‍‍‍‍‍‍ 
3. Salty S’mores: Many snacks now center around a “salty-sweet” taste. How about trying a S’more with a salty, buttery flavor? Simply replace the graham crackers with two Ritz crackers. You’ll still get the full taste of a S’more, but with a little “kick”.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
4. Breakfast S’mores: Want to give your kids a real camping treat? Surprise them with Breakfast S’mores. Slice a bagel in half and use a toaster (if you brought one) or insert a stick so you can lightly toast the bagel over the campfire. When toasted, place a thin piece of chocolate on the bagel, add sliced bananas and top with melted marshmallow. Now before someone complains that this too sweet for breakfast, is it any different from making chocolate chip pancakes doused in maple syrup? Breakfast bagels for all!‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
5. More Chocolate, More Crunch: Here’s a way to get a double layer of crunch in your S’more. Set out Oreo cookies, which will replace the normal graham cracker. Adding additional chocolate is optional. Most people simply put their roasted marshmallow between two Oreos and munch away. Generic Oreo-type cookies work as well.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
6. Not Just One Type of Chocolate: Yes, it’s traditional to use Hershey chocolate in S’mores. But let loose and try some other chocolates. How about using Andes Thin Mints? Or Campfire mints? Ever try a Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup between graham crackers? Try adding a layer of peanut butter to the chocolate and marshmallow to create that perfect chocolate-peanut butter combo S’more.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
7. Mini S’mores: Trust me on this idea. It’s fun and safe. If it’s raining and you can’t make S’mores over a traditional campfire, try making these mini-s’mores… under adult supervision of course. Set out Teddy Bear type graham crackers, along with miniature marshmallows. (Or break regular graham crackers into smaller pieces.) Melt some mini-chocolate chips in the microwave. Have children spread the melted chocolate on the Teddy bears. Here’s the fun part. Light a few votive candles. Children use toothpicks, (or bamboo skewers if you are extra cautious) and “roast” the mini marshmallows over the candle flame. Then just put the melted marshmallow between Teddy Bear crackers and you have a delicious mini-treat. An extra bonus is that kids concentrate on their tiny marshmallow with such concentration that they are very quiet!

Scavenger Hunt

Think of all the different things you might spot while out hiking – birds, insects, little creatures, rocks, leaves, fungi and more. Make a check-off sheet of the things you want your little explorers to keep an eye out for. You can laminate them or put them in a clear plastic bag for safe keeping against the elements and rigors of the trail. Set a time limit, though, to say, 30 minutes. This way, the hunt won’t go on endlessly and the kids won’t become bored with the game.

Geocaching

You can do this one with a smartphone. Sure, handheld GPS units are better overall, but if you’re hiking in an area with cell service, you can easily have plenty of fun geocaching with no extra investment on your part. Before you head out on your hike, visit www.geocaching.com to see what’s hiding out in your area. The site also includes information about hiking difficulty ratings, so be sure to choose caches within a reasonable hiking distance for kids. Once you find the cache, take your prize, but also replace it with another object. Keep a log of what you take and leave, and when you return home, upload your data to the website. Let the kids keep the record and let them submit the online data. That’s part of the fun!

The Alphabet Game

This game requires zero technology. Begin with the letter “A” and identify something on the trail that begins with “A” then work your way through the alphabet, passing through each person in the group sequentially, so everyone is engaged and constantly looking for the next thing.

Engage the Senses

Here’s a mindful game that you can do when you’re taking a rest. Stop and listen. How many different sounds do you hear in 60 seconds? Bring paper and writing utensils and have your kids jot down the different things they hear in that minute. If they are little, you can have them say what they hear as they hear it.

Journaling

Speaking of pen and paper, a journal is an excellent way to encourage your kids’ creativity while spending time in nature. Give your children time to document their experience through drawing or writing. They can also collect things in their journal like leaves or tracings.

The “Unending” Story

Here’s a game that will keep everyone going all day long. One person begins to tell a story then passes it to the next person to continue the narrative. It’s like 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall without the beer or the headache of listening to that song all day long. On second thought, it might be a good idea to put a time limit on this one also.

Hide and Seek: Trail Edition

In this version of the classic, have the hiders run 10 or 20 feet ahead of the group and have the seeker count to 50. Then, the seeker can find the hiders, and everyone can regroup and rotate, because rotation is a great way to keep kids from becoming disinterested or restless about going further along the trail.

In addition to having a well-planned route, a host of games and plenty of snacks, bring along some layers and extra socks. If you and your kids aren’t comfortable, it’s going to be a miserable hike, no matter how many games you play. You can find some great value in quality children’s goods from a trusted outfitter like Carhartt.

If you’re a fan of family camping trips, you might think you’ll have to wait until next year to head back to your favorite camp resorts. In reality, you can enjoy this favorite family pastime year-round when you visit our campgrounds in Texas. Whether you love to spend time in a cabin or have your own RV, you can take your next family vacation within the next few months at our campgrounds in Texas. Here are just four reasons why you should head to the Lone Star State for your winter camping trip:

• Mild climate 
  There’s a reason why many snowbirds choose to spend the winter in Texas: the climate is comfortable and you’ll likely never see a flake of snow. Depending on where you are in the state, you can expect temperatures from the 50s to the 70s. When you camp in Texas, you’ll never have to worry about camping in the snow or dealing with dangerous ice, yet you won’t have to concern yourself with overheating or annoying bugs. It’s the perfect time to set up camp because you’ll always be comfortable and at ease.
• Lots to do 
  You definitely won’t feel restricted on your Texas winter camping trip. There’s always something to do either on site or in the area! Aside from all of the fun that goes along with camping excursions, our campsites have loads of activities. Studies have shown that 87% of campers participate in multiple outdoor activities, and we’re definitely not short on things to do. From planned potlucks to swimming in our heated indoor pool, you’ll never be bored. Plus, the surrounding area has great attractions like museums, zoos, and shopping centers for those who want a break from camping.
• Variety of accommodations 
  Whether you like roughing it with tent camping or would prefer deluxe cabin accommodations, we’ve got an option you’re bound to love. Our premium RV sites are outfitted with picnic tables and grill tops, as well as sewers and plugs for your convenience. And since many of our cabins can provide sleeping quarters for larger groups as well, you can bring the entire family along!
• Beautiful scenery 
  Here on our campgrounds in Texas, wildlife is plentiful year-round. Oftentimes, trees don’t lose their leaves and the grass stays green. That means that you can appreciate the beauty of nature throughout the season. If you’re an avid animal watcher or love taking hikes, this is the perfect environment and season for you to appreciate everything our area has to offer.

Want to take a camping trip in Texas this winter? Our campgrounds are the ideal destination for you and your family! Contact one of our parks in Texas to find out more about our rates and everything we have to offer.

Family camping can be a fun time for the whole clan, but in an age when we increasingly rely on technology, it can be hard to tear yourself away from your phone screen. If you’re looking for ways to get your family more involved in camping and make it a fun experience for everyone, here are a few helpful tips:

Tacos in a Bag

Everyone loves taco night, so why give it up because you’re out on a family camping adventure? Grab a few snack bags of tortilla chips and the rest of your favorite taco fixings. Open each chip bag, then layer toppings like cooked ground beef or chicken, cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream and hot sauce on top of the chips. Give everyone a fork, and dig in! The best part about this simple meal? Almost no dishes to clean up afterwards!

Solar-Powered Lights

If your kids are scared of the dark or you’re scared of tripping over tent stakes in the night, this is definitely a good investment. Plant a few solar-powered garden lights in the ground near your tent early in the day, and come nightfall they’ll be charged and ready to glow. That way, you can avoid stubbing a toe or tripping during that midnight bathroom break.

Scavenger Hunts

Take a little bit of time to research your campground before your family vacation, and you can put together an amazing nature-themed scavenger hunt. Simply print out pictures of leaves or stones native to that area and then stick them on paper bags to create a fun, easy scavenger hunt that will keep your family active and exploring.

Bring a Telescope

One of the best parts about camping, and why campers travel an average distance of 186.7 miles to reach camping destinations, is getting away from the lights and noises of a big city. Bring a telescope to help your family identify stars, constellations, and even planets, along with an astronomy guidebook. This is a great way to stay up past normal bedtime.

Family camping might seem like a bore to a lot of kids, but these tips can help you make it a fun, active, and educational outing for the whole family. Keep the family safe, too, with these tips!

Family camping vacations are a great way to get out into nature and appreciate the beauty of the world, but your campsite is only just the beginning! Hiking is one of the most popular activities to pair with a camping trip. In fact, hiking trips are on the rise: more than 38 million Americans went hiking in 2014, an increase from the 29.2 million who said they’d gone in 2008.

While there are places to hike all across the country, one state with an enormous array of sights and trails is Michigan. From the shores of Lake Erie to the vast expanse of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan campgrounds provide access to incredible hiking opportunities right in your own backyard. Here are five of our favorite spots to get out for a walk while you are camping in Michigan.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreThe high dunes and bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan are unlike any other in this region. Many of the hikes are steep but well worth the effort for the view at the end.
• Huron-Manistee National ForestThis park boasts nearly 1 million acres of land and over 5,000 acres of wetlands in the northern part of the lower peninsula. It’s a great spot for leaf-peeping in the fall or even snowshoeing in the winter.
• North Country TrailA good portion of this 4,600-mile trail passes through Michigan, with access points near Lowell, Marquette, Fife Lake, and more. Follow the trail long enough and you might end up in New York or Montana in either direction!
• Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreThis scenic landscape runs along Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. From your Michigan campgrounds, you can explore the area by land, boat, or bicycle.
• Historic Bridge ParkFor history and architect buffs, this park and open-air museum near Battle Creek is a treasure trove of information. True to its name, there are six historic metal truss bridges for pedestrian crossings only.

If you want to spend your next outdoor adventure camping near a lake, Michigan is a natural choice. Bordering four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan campgrounds across the state offer instant access to some of the most amazing landscapes in the north. With so many trails to conquer and a changing seasonal climate, no two trips to Michigan will ever be quite the same!

You may also want to start that research today if this sounds interesting, since now is the time of year when many campgrounds book seasonal spots for 2017.

Here are five reasons why this RV lifestyle might be right for you.

1. You can’t store your RV at home. Many people are members of Homeowners Associations that do not allow recreation vehicles or boats to be stored in the driveway or yard. If you have to pay storage fees anyway, crunch the numbers on a seasonal spot. It may not cost that much more to find storage than renting a campsite for an extended period.
2. You want to camp more than you did last year. We hear from so many of our podcast listeners that their primary goal is to camp more. Do you love your time at the campground, but find it difficult to make plans and reserve spots in advance? If you have a seasonal site, the RV is parked and waiting. All you have to do is show up with some clean clothes and a bag of groceries!
3. Your work and activity schedules keep you from taking extended vacations or long weekends. The two-week family vacation has vanished from many workplaces in America, and many RVers struggle even to take a long weekend off. If your job makes is difficult to schedule time off in advance, a seasonal campsite will help you make the most of your brief breaks from the daily grind.
4. You want to maximize time at the campground and minimize packing, setup, and breakdown. Short weekend getaways become even shorter when you factor in all the preparation and cleanup. When you have a seasonal site, your RV is set up and ready to go when you arrive on a Friday evening after a long weekend at work. A huge bonus is that you do not have to leave on Sunday morning. Sleep in and enjoy that cup of coffee…there are no check out times when you are a seasonal camper!
5. You love spending time in a region or area close to your home. If there is an area within two hours of your sticks and bricks home that you return to over and over again, look for a seasonal camping spot in that region. It might be a lake, a state park, or the beach. If you can picture your happy place within easy driving distance, that is the perfect spot to park your rig!

If any of these five scenarios describe you, take a look at seasonal camping opportunities in your neck of the woods. It may just transform your RV lifestyle!

Going on a family vacation can without a doubt be stressful. There is a lot to plan when it comes to family camping trips, so to make the whole process easier, here are some do’s and don’ts for your next camping trip to keep in mind.

Do: Arrive before nightfall.

Even if you are going to family campgrounds, it is always a good idea to arrive while the sun is up. You will want plenty of light to help you set up, and once you are done you can go and explore your immediate surroundings to help you feel more comfortable in your home away from home.

Don’t: Forget your essentials.

The last thing you will want to do after spending all day traveling and setting up is to run to the store for some forgotten essentials. Make sure to include these items in your packing list: matches, a compass, flashlights, a first aid kit, medications, and bug spray.

Do: Plan your activities out before you go.

A full 87% of campers participated in multiple outdoor activities on their recent trips. So when you are planning your family vacation, prepare everything you need for the activities you want to do. For example, if you want to spend a majority of your time swimming, book your campsite near a lake. Or if you’d like to hike and experience nature, ensure there are trails near your cabin!

Don’t: Eat bland food.

Just because you are camping doesn’t mean you are limited to bland food like crackers or peanut butter and jelly. Get creative with your campfire cooking! With a cast iron pan, some aluminium foil, and some spices you are able to cook eggs, pancakes, saute fish and meat, roast potatoes, and steam vegetables.

Do: Think of Mother Nature.

Keep your carbon footprint in mind during your family vacation. Always dispose of your trash in the proper receptacles and leave with every single item you came with.

Don’t: Leave your food unattended.

Even if you are staying in the relative area of your tent or cabin, it is still important never to leave your food unattended. This is the easiest way to attract unwanted bears, mice, snakes, squirrels, and bugs into your tent! If you are nervous about leaving your food, ask the campground if they have locker storage you can use.

Taking the time to organize your vacation before you leave will make your time under the stars that much more relaxing and pleasant. So go pack your car and off you go!

1. Fall foliage 
   The beauty of fall in New York State simply can’t be beat. Appreciate the serene scenery of autumn while camping near a lake. The fall colors of wooded campgrounds are a stunning sight to see, and one that your family will remember for years to come.
2. Ideal weather 
   The heat of summer camping trips can be a draw for some, but others will enjoy the cooler temperatures much more. Early fall camping trips provide crisp, clear mornings and comfortable days that are perfect for enjoying your favorite activities. If the humidity is too much for you in the summertime, you’ll enjoy one of the best campgrounds NY state has to offer during the autumn season.
3. Fewer crowds 
   In the summertime, family campgrounds are bustling with activity. If peace and quiet is what you’re after, NY camping in the fall is perfect for you. People aren’t as inclined to go on camping vacations or trips during the school year, so you’ll be able to appreciate the tranquility of the superior campgrounds NY has in store during this time.
4. Fewer insects 
   Bugs can be a real deterrent for summertime campers. Mosquitoes and other pests are never fun to deal with, but one of the great things about fall camping is that the majority of these insects will have gone away with the hot weather. When you don’t have to deal with nuisances like these, you can focus on enjoying your family camping trip without any distractions.
5. Seasonal activities 
   Summertime is great for swimming and boating, but fall camping definitely has its perks. You can go apple picking, head to a nearby pumpkin patch, enjoy the changing leaves on a hiking trail, or enjoy fall fishing on the lake. Plus, you can enjoy the bounty of the fall harvest by incorporating autumnal comfort foods into your campsite cooking.

Whether you’re a camping veteran or want to get out into the woods for the first time, we have the ideal accommodations for your camping trip.

When you are prepping for a family vacation, it can be easy to forget some items in your stash. You don’t want to shell out a lot of money replacing forgotten items at your camp resort’s store, so here is a list of some must-bring camping items. Be sure to check these items off your pre-camping checklist so you never go without on those family camping trips!

A first aid kit

You are bound to experience a bump, bruise, scratch, or burn while on a camping trip. Carry one with you at all times and make sure it is stocked with plenty of bandages of all sizes, anti-septic cream, burn ointment, gauze, and medical tape. While you’re at it, be sure to pack things like asthma inhalers or Epipens as needed!

Peanut butter and Nutella

These two snack staples are a must for any family vacation, as they are well-liked by all ages and can be used for many different purposes. Peanut butter especially is a great source of protein that can be used for a makeshift dinner, or to even remove gum from your hair!

A couple pairs of matches and a lighter

You can leave matches in your camping bag for long periods of time, but it is always a good idea to have a couple more for backup. It can also be helpful to have a lighter on hand in case the matches get wet.

Tarps

These are great if you are camping in tents and need a little extra protection. They are easy to store and take up virtually no space in the car.

Flashlights and Lanterns

You can never have enough sources of light when you are camping. Bring at least one flashlight for every person in your party to use, and toss a few lanterns in your bag. Don’t forget plenty of extra batteries, too.

A water filter

For those roughing it, it is a good idea to bring a water filter so you will not be concerned over the quality of the water you’re drinking. You can get portable water bottle filters, or a big jug or pump for the entire family to use.

An extra set of sheets and blankets

Mother Nature can surprise you and deliver a rainstorm at the most inopportune moment. Leaks happen quite frequently when tent camping, so you can never be too safe. Always pack extra bedding, just in case. After all, who wants to sleep in damp sheets?

On average, camping aficionados spend 14.9 days a year camping. No matter where you stay, remember these items for a family vacation with no stress!

1. Pick a single pop or highlight color and then use it throughout the RV. Choose a color that you love and one that blends with the textiles already in the RV. Maybe blues help you feel relaxed and peaceful. Or perhaps reds bring you excitement and energy. Whatever highlight color you decide on, use it in every room to make the space feel roomier and unified.
2. Splurge on bedding. A good night’s sleep is so important when traveling in your RV, so don’t overlook the bedroom. A mattress topper, quality sheets, and a fluffy comforter will make sure you get your beauty rest, even when you are on the road.
3. Add some pillows and throw blankets. Using your chosen highlight color, find some patterned throw pillows for the couch and dinette. A couple of cozy throw blankets will also go a long way to making your RV feel like your own personal happy place.
4. Put up some custom wall hangings. You do not have to put any holes in your RV walls to display treasured family photos or collected prints. Adhesive squares and sticky Velcro will hold up great if attached properly. Some RVers create a feature wall by framing and hanging postcards from their travels.
5. Only introduce items you love. A new RV is clutter free, and keeping it that way will ensure that you enjoy all the time you spend in your home on wheels. Choose every item that you add with care, and at the end of every trip, remove items you didn’t use.

Your RV is your home away from home, and you can to feel as comfortable and relaxed while traveling as you do in your sticks and bricks. These five tips will help you personalize your RV in a simple and affordable way so you can focus on the fun part…the amazing adventures ahead.

Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi are the co hosts of the weekly RV Family Travel Atlas and Campground of the Week podcasts, as well as the creators of the RVFTA Podcast Network. They are also the authors of The Idiots Guide to RV Vacations and the Acadia National Park Adventure Guide. After buying their very first pop up camper six years ago, Jeremy and Stephanie caught the RV bug in a big way, and now spend over 70 nights a year in their travel trailer with their three sons, Theo, Max, and Wes, and sweet Maggie the pup. You can follow along on their adventures (and misadventures) at rvfamilytravelatlas.com.

To most, cabin camping sounds more luxurious and relaxing than tent camping, but the truth is that the two are very similar. In fact, it might even help you to think about cabin camping as roughing it in a hard-shelled tent. Cabin camping is a great introduction to camping for beginners, and for more seasoned adventurers, it can be a welcomed change of pace. You get all the benefits of a traditional camping experience, but without the trouble of setting up and taking down a tent, or worrying much about the weather.

No matter what, it is still important to come prepared in mind and body. Here’s what you should expect from your cabin camping experience:

Campgrounds with cabins can have accommodations that range in size and quality from basic, four-walled structures with cots and bunks, to deluxe accommodations including kitchen appliances and air conditions. Some cabin sites, similar to tent sites, will come with a picnic table and a fire pit. These two ingredients are often all you need to have a great time at the campsite in between outdoor adventures — 87% of campers participated in multiple outdoor activities during their stay, which is why it’s a great idea to have a comfy campsite ready to go.

Bedding will be just as important in the cabin as without for all family vacations — it can get chilly at night, even in the summer! Make sure you know what the accommodations are in the cabin — you may need to bring sleeping bags and pillows and some extra blankets.

One thing you now have room for in your cabin, as opposed to the old tent, is full sized towels! They will be a luxury after a day on the lake, or after a big rain.

Speaking of rain — now that you have a dry area to enjoy for those rainy days, come prepared with games for a family vacation like cards and board games to occupy the time until the sun shines again. Of course, all the standard camping amenities should not be forsaken — coolers, warm clothes, fire starting gear, cooking and cleaning gear, and food are a given! Jellystone Parks have great planned activities in all types of weather, so bring different types of layered clothing.

Camping is well loved. In 2010 alone, approximately 40 million people went camping for a total of 515 million outings, and American families, in particular, spent 534.9 million days camping altogether in 2011, but make sure you come prepared for your vacation cabins and enjoy!

Perhaps the best part about campgrounds in Texas is that there is something for everybody. Parents can relax with a glass of the best wine in the country while kids play around in a fun-filled Splash Park. No matter what you’re looking for in a vacation, you can find it in Texas. Here are three of the best campgrounds in Texas to consider for your next vacation:

• The Texas Wine Country. There is nothing that can quite compare to camping with your family, but if you’re headed to the Texas Wine Country, you should also bring some friends along. Campers include friends on their trips 70% of the time, and the Texas Wine Country is ideal for those busy professionals who need a weekend to unwind with their pals. Plus, while you’re enjoying delicious wines with your friends, the kids can stay entertained in the campground pool or clubhouse.
• Guadalupe River. Drinking wine is great, but you should also try to get the full outdoor experience during your camping vacation. About 87% of campers participate in multiple outdoor activities, and the Guadalupe River campground is the perfect place to spread your wings in the great outdoors. It features some of the best fishing spots in the country, and beautiful deer are always grazing in plain sight for a photo op.
• Canyon Lake. Most camping (about 70%) is done in public campgrounds, and the best campgrounds are full of exciting amenities. If luxury and amenities are more your speed, you will absolutely love Canyon Lake. Located right outside of San Antonio, this campground features a sand volleyball court, half-court basketball, horseshoe pits, a playground, arcade games, karaoke, and so much more. You can rent a cabin, bring your RV, or rough it in a tent depending on what you prefer.

You’re strongly encouraged to take family camping vacations no matter where you live, but there really is no place that can compare to Texas. Check out any of these amazing campgrounds in Texas and see why everything is bigger in The Lone Star State!

Regardless of where you choose to visit, camping with family is truly a special experience. An estimated 40 million people went camping in 2010 for a total of 515 million outings, and that number continues to grow with every passing year.

While you really cannot go wrong when selecting a place to bring your family, you should strongly consider camping in North Carolina. Between its beautiful year-round weather and eclectic mix of camp resort destinations, it’s no surprise that camping in North Carolina is one of the most popular options for vacationing families.

Campgrounds in NC are full of families just like yours who could use a nice retreat away from the smartphones and tablets that currently dominate our free time. You can bring your RV or even take advantage of cabin rentals to indulge in a more luxurious camping experience. The list is quite long, but here are just a few places you should consider when camping in North Carolina:

• Marion. Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your family will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the country at this incredible campground. Marion is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities, particularly camping. Hiking is the most popular activity among campers (about 92% said they hiked,) and the Blue Ridge Mountains are full of exciting trails to discover.
• Cherokee. Deep in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina is Cherokee, a unique campground in which your family can opt for cabins, RVs, or tent camping. Nearly 70% of tent campers have one to two-night outings, but your family can camp in a tent for much longer in Cherokee because of its great weather and wide range of amenities.
• Asheboro. If you’re not planning on camping in North Carolina until the spring or summer, you absolutely need to reserve a spot in the Asheboro campground. This new site is scheduled to be ready for rental in the spring, which will be just in time for most families’ vacations. There will even be Wi-Fi in this new campground for those who just can’t afford to go a few days without the Internet.

North Carolina has dozens of unique campgrounds just like these, so you really can’t go wrong regardless of which one you choose. Check out any of these great places for camping in North Carolina and experience everything the Tar Heel State has to offer.

As is the case with most things in life, there is no one “right way” to have fun on family vacations, unless you’re having a family vacation at our campgrounds! The activities and amenities at your family’s disposal are truly endless, and it is up to you to decide where you want to stay on these exciting vacations.

Generally speaking, the three most common ways to enjoy your family vacation is through tent camping, RV camping, and or renting a cabin. The most popular form of camping is by tent, as 86% of people who responded to a survey saying that they prefer to “rough it.” About 33% said they prefer cabin camping, and another 24% of families bring their RV along for the ride. Each of these options has its own benefits, and we suggest you try each of them before choosing one as your favorite.

While more “experienced” campers may opt for a tent, cabin camping could be best for your family if you’re not ready to rough it in the great outdoors. Whichever one you choose, your family is guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime. Here’s a quick overview of the three most common places to stay on family vacation campgrounds:

• “Roughing it” in a tent. If your family just wants a brief escape from life to recharge your batteries, you should consider the simplistic experience of tent camping. Nearly 70% of tent campers have one to two-night outings, so it’s perfect for those quaint weekend getaways. Tent camping also makes it easier to enjoy classic camping activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting.
• RV camping resorts. RV campers tend to have the longest outings, with 28% spending five or more nights on a trip. This is likely because families can bring all of their personal belongings on the RV and feel more comfortable on their trip. If your family is new to camping, look into RV rentals and embark on a road trip to one of the many amazing campgrounds in the United States.
• Vacation camping rentals. Family vacation cabins are absolutely ideal for those who are used to more luxurious vacations. These days, family vacation campgrounds are much different than decades ago. Now, our campgrounds have tons of exciting amenities near the cabin rentals, including splashparks, playgrounds, and even party events with DJs and music. So you will enjoy no matter how you choose to camp with us!

Whether you want to “rough it” in the woods or wake up in a cozy cabin, there is no limit to the ways that your family can customize your camping experience. Check out any of our great family vacation campgrounds around the country and start a fun new tradition with your loved ones.

Camping is one of the most fun things you could ever do with your family, and millions of people embark on exciting adventures every single year. In 2010 alone, about 40 million people went camping for a total of 515 million outings, making it one of the most popular vacation options in the country.

If you’re planning a camping trip, you may be wondering where to find the best camping amenities and other unique perks. Ohio campgrounds are truly some of the most amazing destinations in the entire country, blending tons of excitement with the serenity that you would expect when enjoying the great outdoors.

From splashparks to the Amish Country and everything in between, there is nothing that Ohio campgrounds don’t offer. Here’s are just three of the most unique and entertaining perks of Ohio campgrounds that your family needs to check out:

• Splashparks. Family camping trips are supposed to help you bond with your loved ones, but it’s always important to throw in a bit of excitement during your vacation as well. Most camping (about 70%) is done in public campgrounds, and your family will be convinced to make this a yearly event after they experience Ohio campgrounds. For example, the Columbus North campground has an incredible splashpark with water slides that both the kids and adults will love.
• Playgrounds, games, and more. Campgrounds in OH are really something special, and in fact, they’re more like camp resorts. For instance, the Akron/Canton Jellystone park is truly something to behold. There is a massive pool, a staggering 144-ft. water slide, a 100-ft. playground slide, and an 18-hole mini golf course. If your family prefers a bit of fun in the sun mixed with some friendly competition, you will be thrilled with Akron/Canton.
• The Amish Country About 13% of adult participants camped because they wanted to spend more time with their families, and there’s no better place to do just that than in the Amish Country. While Ohio campgrounds are known for the excitement they offer, it’s also the perfect place to relax with your loved ones. The Amish Country in Holmes County is full of beautiful hills, rolling farmlands, and colorful parks to enjoy Mother Nature.

Every family has a different set of expectations for a vacation, but Ohio is truly one of the only places that can fulfill the wants and needs of every family members. Check out Ohio campgrounds for your next vacation and have an experience you’ll never forget.

When you think of a great cabin camping destination, where do you think of? Cabin camping in Kansas, Missouri, or South Dakota may be some of the first places that come to mind for most. However, if you really want your family to experience something unique and unexpected, you need to consider cabin camping in Illinois.

Illinois may be known for deep dish pizzas and rabid sports fans, but it’s actually one of the best places in the country for cabin camping. If you’re not a fan of roughing it, cabin camping is the ideal way to enjoy some finer camping amenities without sacrificing the appeal of the outdoors. Each camping participant, whether they stayed in a tent, RV, cabin, or otherwise, spent an average of 14.9 days camping. Cabin camping is ideal for longer vacations because it’s basically like living in a rental home for two weeks.

Most campers travel an average distance of 186.7 miles for camping trips, but you won’t need to travel nearly this far to experience everything cabin camping in Illinois has to offer. This is because cabin camping in Illinois is done on public campgrounds, which is truly the best way to go on a camping vacation. In fact, most camping (about 70%) is done in public campgrounds, and your family will be convinced to make this an annual event after experiencing family vacation campgrounds.

Three of the most unique and exciting campgrounds for vacation cabins in Illinois are within just 26 miles of each other. Therefore, your family won’t have to drive around the entire state just to absorb the full experience. These cabin camping sites provide a wide array of amenities for your family to enjoy, including splashparks, DJs, fireworks, playgrounds, and so much more. Plus, all of these campgrounds are within miles of some of the most notable landmarks in Illinois, such as Wrigley Field and the Sears Tower.

If your family is tired of going on the same monotonous trip every single year, consider the endless benefits of cabin camping in Illinois. Located in one of the most exciting places in the country, your family can bond with one another while having the most fun you’ve ever had.

One of the easiest ways to prepare in advance is by doubling your dinner recipes the week before and stocking your RV refrigerator with the extra portion. That way, you won’t have to do additional meal planning and food shopping for your short weekend getaway.

Here are three of our favorite make-ahead meals for weekend camping trips.

Tortilla Pie

Ingredients 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes
• 1 large can of beans, black or pinto
• 12 large flour tortillas
• 12 ounces grated cheddar cheese

1. Prepare the ground beef according to the seasoning packet instructions. Add in the can of diced tomatoes and the can of beans. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Using non-stick cooking spray, coat the bottom of a casserole dish large enough to fit the tortillas.
3. Place a tortilla in the bottom of the casserole dish. Cover the tortilla with some of the meat mixture. Top with a thin layer of cheddar cheese. Place another tortilla on top of the cheddar, and repeat the process until you have layered all the tortillas with meat and cheese.
4. Sprinkle cheese on the top of the tortilla pie and cover in foil. Store in the refrigerator.
5. At the campground, cook the tortilla pie at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and hot. Serve with rice and a fruit salad.

Pasta Salad

Ingredients

•  1 pound bowtie pasta
• 1 6-ounce jar of prepared pesto
• A medley of your favorite roasted vegetables (I roast asparagus, grape tomatoes, and yellow bell peppers on a sheet pan at 425° for 25 minutes)

1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain.
2. Mix pasta with pesto sauce.
3. Add roasted vegetables. Store in the refrigerator tightly covered with plastic wrap.
4. This is the perfect dinner to serve on Friday night when arriving at the campground. A loaf of crusty bread makes a complete and hearty meal!

Barbeque Meatloaf Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

1. Mix all of the ingredients together except for the BBQ sauce.
2. Form into a loaf and place in a shallow pan.
3. Pour BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Bake at 350° for 1 hour.
5. Cool and store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Serve at the campground on slices of sourdough bread with prepared coleslaw and potato salad.

Keeping meal preparation simple will ensure that those quick RV getaways are relaxing and refreshing.  That way you can return to work on Monday, rested and ready to plan your next great RV trip.

See you at the campground! 

Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi are the co hosts of the weekly RV Family Travel Atlas and Campground of the Week podcasts, as well as the creators of the RVFTA Podcast Network. They are also the authors of The Idiots Guide to RV Vacations and the Acadia National Park Adventure Guide. After buying their very first pop up camper six years ago, Jeremy and Stephanie caught the RV bug in a big way, and now spend over 70 nights a year in their travel trailer with their three sons, Theo, Max, and Wes, and sweet Maggie the pup. You can follow along on their adventures (and misadventures) at rvfamilytravelatlas.com.

It’s good to dream up amazing vacations, but some families can get a bit too creative when it comes to planning their next holiday. Like most things in life, it’s best to stick with the basics. Family vacation campgrounds have been helping to give families the time of their lives for decades, and remain the premier option for family fun in the summer.

Family camping adventures allow the whole gang to try new things while enjoying the company of one another. These days, kids (and parents) are usually too focused on their smartphones and tablets to actually have a conversation. At family vacation campgrounds, such as Camp Jellystone parks you’ll find that it’s never been easier to bond with your loved ones.

You also may run into other families during your trip as well, which makes the experience even more exciting. You never know what to expect in family vacation campgrounds, which is probably why millions of people spend time there every single year.

That’s not all, though. Here are just three of the many reasons to consider family vacation campgrounds for your next getaway:

• Spend time with loved ones. Camping is still one of the most popular activities for families, because it brings loved ones together unlike anything else. In fact, family camping vacations are one of the most popular choices for Americans, and they spent about 534.9 million days camping altogether in 2011. If you feel as if your relationship with your family has suffered since technology became so prominent, you need to check out some family vacation campgrounds.
• Meet new people. In 2010 alone, approximately 40 million people went camping for a total of 515 million outings. As you might expect, this staggering number means that you’ll probably run in to some other like-minded families during your camping adventure. Meeting new people is perhaps the best part of family vacation campgrounds, and these random run-ins often lead to families becoming lifelong friends.
• Experience different regions and environments. There are campgrounds all over the nation, and each and every single one offers a unique and distinct experience. There are campgrounds in Wisconsin, campgrounds in Texas, and even campgrounds in New York. Each of these family vacation hot-spots offers something totally different, yet all of them are supremely entertaining.

Most camping — about 70% — is done in public campgrounds, and your family will be convinced to make this a yearly event after they experience family vacation campgrounds. Check out some campgrounds near you and start a new family tradition this year!

There’s nothing quite like spending some quality time with family on vacation, and camping is the ultimate way to enjoy the company of loved ones in the great outdoors. When planning your next vacation, consider camping in the Northeast at one of the many popular destinations in the region.

The West Coast might be a beloved vacation destination because of its weather, but camping in the Northeast is an experience unlike any other. Americans went camping for a total of 516.6 million days in 2013, and many of these families took advantage of the incredible campgrounds near New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario.

Most campers went on five camping trips that year, traveling an average of 191 miles from their home to the campground. If you live anywhere in the Northeast, you’re already within driving distance to some of the most amazing camping destinations in the country. In fact, you can see all of these places in one weekend if you plan your trip just right.

Here are a few of the best places to check out when camping in the Northeast:

• Camping in New York. New York is generally known for its skyscrapers and snow, but hardcore campers know that it’s arguably the best state in the country for some quality camping. Upstate New York is full of unique campgrounds where families from all over the country gather to have the time of their lives. Most camping (about 70%) is done in public campgrounds, and you can find some resort-style campgrounds in NY if you know where to look.
• Camping in Pennsylvania. Drive just a few hours south from your campground in New York and you’ll land in beautiful Pennsylvania, also known as The Keystone State. Pennsylvania is known for having some of the friendliest people in the country. When you reach your campground, you’ll find plenty of other families who can show you the best places to hike, fish, hunt, and enjoy other activities.
• Camping in Ontario. If you choose to head north after you leave your New York campground, you’ll find yourself in gorgeous Ontario. Americans may not see Canada as the spot to vacation, but the entire country is a well-kept secret for savvy American campers. Ontario is a city with deep roots in the great outdoors where you’ll find world-class ice fishing spots as soon as you cross the border.

Camping in the Northeast is full of possibilities, and each of the places mentioned above are among the greatest places in the country to spend time with family. Consider camping in these areas for your next family vacation and enjoy the unique serenity of the Northeast.

It’s understandable why some don’t “get” winter camping. After all, the most popular parts of camping don’t seem to be too conducive to winter.

Consider the fact that the most popular type of camping is by tent, as 86% of survey respondents said, while 33% said they preferred cabin camping; 30% backcountry/backpacking; 26% drive-up campsites; 24% RV; 11% camped in a backyard; and 8% slept under the stars. What’s more, about 70% of tent campers — the majority of the majority — have one to two-night outings. Plus, 92% of people say that hiking is their favorite camping activity.

All that being said, wintertime family camping is a whole different experience in and of itself, and that’s what people don’t get about winter camping. Of course winter camping can also be done in milder temperatures as well but there is something to be said about camping in crisp clean wonderful air.

Everything is still and everything is quiet during the winter. There’s not the usual background, woodland chatter you might hear during the summer, and if you are camping in the snow, this beautiful blanket quiets the area.  Camping in the winter can be an incredibly peaceful, tranquil, and quiet experience — even more so than nature usually is.

Going wintertime family camping is also like taking an adventure to a whole new world with your favorite people. Sure, you’ve probably gone camping before, or at least been in the woods, but in the winter, the snow changes everything. It looks like an entirely different place once it’s been frosted with snow.

Most importantly, there are some camping activities you can only do in the winter, like build a snowman, have a snowball fight, go snow shoeing, try ice climbing, or even ice fish. If you don’t go winter family camping, you may never get as good of a chance to take advantage of the icy weather.

If you’ve never gone wintertime family camping before, do yourself a favor and go. Granted, these colder months may not seem too conducive to the outdoor experience, but once you go, you and your family may experience a new and wonderful experience together.

Many of us RVers brave the winter in our rigs, and there are plenty of Jellystone Parks open throughout the chilly season to accommodate us, but for many more, winter means putting the ol’ rigs into storage. But, it’s not as simple as just parking them in the garage. When it comes to our RVs, we need to properly prepare them for winter storage so we don’t have any issues come springtime. When we’re ready to dust them off and take them out for another season of warm weather fun, we want them to be ready to go with minimal maintenance and preparation. Here are some steps to follow to get your rigs ready for a safe winter hibernation:

RVs

If your RV isn’t a tow-behind and has an engine, you’ll want to change the oil, top off all the fluids, and fill up the gas tank with some fuel stabilizer. Make sure to idle it for a few minutes after adding the stabilizer to distribute it through the fuel system.

Cleaning your RV is a very important step. First, you’ll want to make sure to get any trash, food particles, and food items out of the inside to reduce the chance of destructive pests making a home in your rig throughout the winter. Second, use your time cleaning the outside to inspect all the seals and roof seams for cracks or deterioration. Water damage is extremely costly, so it’s best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Making any necessary repairs before winter storage will save you a ton of money and time in the future.

The next thing you’ll want to do is check all of your electrical and gas appliances to make sure they’re working properly. You’ll always want to examine the propane lines for leaks before and after a long storage period. If you smell or suspect a leak, a simple way to find it is to use a spray bottle with soapy water. After you ensure the lines are all in order, fill up your tank and close all of the valves. If your tank isn’t removable, cover it to prevent rusting.

Now it’s time to winterize the water system. This usually involves draining and cleaning your holding tanks, flushing out all of your plumbing, and then pumping antifreeze into your pipes to protect them from frost damage. For this process it’s best to refer to your owner’s manual because it varies widely depending on your make, model, and amenities, but this guide can definitely help.

The last thing you’ll do is charge and unhook your batteries (negative charge first.) Clean off any corrosion with a solution of baking soda and water, and consider removing it and storing it indoors if it will get too cold throughout the winter.

As always, when it comes to expensive investments, always check your owner’s manual for any additional recommendations, and also print up this storage preparation checklist to make the process easy and pain-free.

Boats and PWCs

If you haul a boat or personal watercraft behind your rig, you’ll want to prepare it for winter storage as well. This will always start with a thorough cleaning. Prepping your engine for winter storage will vary widely depending on your type of watercraft and the type of engine it has, but at the very least it will involve cleaning the engine with soap and water (especially important for any outboard engines,) changing oil and oil filters, topping off fluids, and either unhooking your fuel line and running it until it shuts down or filling up the tank with a fuel additive. Almost all marine engines will need fogging oil sprayed in the cylinders and on all the fittings. As with any motorized vehicle, if it’s not going to be started and ran every month or so, you’ll want to charge and unhook the battery. Here is another maintenance preparation checklist you can print off to have on hand while getting your marine machines ready to stow away.

Happy Hibernating!

Exploring Camp Jellystone’s vast menagerie of amazing parks is fun no matter how you do it. For those of us who enjoy them with our RVs, we want to be able to come back year after year, so make sure to prep them well for winter so there won’t be any problems when it’s time to spend another summer season romping around our amazing continent!

AJ Earley is a travel junkie, freelance writer, and root beer float enthusiast from Boise, Idaho.

Why should you consider camping in New York? Here are three wonderful reasons to try it if you haven’t already.

• • Camp out on all kinds of terrain in New York State. Whether you enjoy the mountains or want to stay near the water, there are all kinds of different parts of the state to enjoy. Most campers (about 87%) prefer to participate in more than one activity when they go camping, with hiking being the most popular for 92% of campers surveyed. New York’s mountain ranges make the state ideal for those who enjoy the challenges of hiking, backpacking, and climbing.
  • See one-of-a-kind sights at New York’s camping resorts. Some parts of New York are like no other state when it comes to their unique landscapes. From the tranquility of the Finger Lakes to the gorgeous gorges in Ithaca, or from the Catskills to the Adirondacks, there is sure to be something that everyone will love when they visit the state. Campgrounds in New York also feature a number of other attractions, from hiking trails to water parks and more.
  • Experience all four seasons of the year at campgrounds in New York. One of the things that really stands out about New York is that it’s got weather like no other state. You can camp out in the heat of the summertime or bundle up for some winter camping. Spring and autumn also offer more temperate camping weather for those who love the outdoors. Fall camping in New York is especially popular because of the changes seen in the foliage during this time of year.

Whether you choose tent camping in New York, which 70% of tent campers choose for just a day or two, or you decide to rent a cabin at one of the state’s campground locations, you have plenty of options throughout New York State. Get in touch with us to find out more about our New York campgrounds.

Campers in the United States have plenty of camp sites to choose from, and each state has its own benefits in terms of outdoor offerings. Those who live on the East Coast or near it may want to head to Virginia for a fun and family-friendly camping trip. Largely considered to be the nation’s birthplace, Virginia is known for its coasts, mountains, and other geological features, all of which allow visitors to experience the beauty of nature.

Are you thinking of visiting one of the many Virginia campgrounds this season or perhaps in the future? Here are the four C’s to remember before choosing to camp out in the Commonwealth of Virginia:

• Consider the season. Virginia is a state that is lucky enough to see all four seasons of the year, so seasonal camping doesn’t have to end at any particular time. Although it can be considerably warmer than visiting a fall or winter campground in Canada, for instance, you are still likely to see snow during the winter. Additionally, the summers are going to be hot, so you’ll need to hydrate and dress appropriately for camping in Virginia from June to August.
• Contemplate your accommodations. Are you interested in roughing it, or do you like the luxury of camping in style? No matter what you and your family prefer, there’s something for everyone in the nation’s campgrounds. Most Americans prefer camping in a tent; in fact, 86% of people surveyed say that these were their accommodations. However, one-third of respondents (33%) opted to stay in a cabin. Around 30% of campers backpacked, 26% chose drive-up campsites, 24% stayed in RVs, and 2% were unconventional and chose yurts. Location also mattered. Eight percent of those surveyed said they slept under the stars, and 11% didn’t even leave home and camped out in the backyard. The campsite you choose is up to you. Just make sure that you’ll be comfortable wherever you stay.
• Choose travel companions. In general, most campers like to travel with family or friends, especially when they go camping. Family camping trips are actually one of the most popular choices for vacations, with Americans spending roughly 534.9 million days camping in total per year. The trick to harmony? Make sure you have plenty to do!
• Create an itinerary. Finally, don’t just stick to your cabin or tent when you go camping in Virginia. There are plenty of natural wonders to see when you choose campgrounds in the state. In the U.S., 87% of campers surveyed participated in multiple outdoor activities, with 92% choosing hiking and making that the most popular activity. Figure out what’s in season at your Virginia campgrounds and get moving!

No matter which campground locations you want to choose, and no matter which state you live in, there’s plenty to do at Campjellystone.com resorts. Thinking of heading to Virginia campgrounds soon? Discover what makes our campgrounds so unique.

Tent camping at area campgrounds may be preferred by 86% of campers, but for some people, camping in tents can get a little old. Tents might be ideal for backpackers in the middle of nowhere, but for those looking for family camping adventures, they can be difficult to set up and sleep in when little ones are in tow. Tent camping also offers few amenities. Those who are fans of “roughing it” might love it, but those who want to enjoy nature without braving the elements may find themselves dismayed by the lack of creature comforts found out in the wilderness.

Choosing from cabin rentals at a favorite camp resort, however, can be a better option for those who need to keep themselves and their children happy. Cabin rentals are the preferred camping accommodations for one-third of all campers, beating out camping at a drive-up campsite (26%), in an RV (24%) or in a yurt (2%). Here are three things that families are sure to love about renting a cabin at your favorite camping resorts:

1. Cabins give you access to vital utilities: Most campers get by with a few lanterns and a campfire once the sun goes down, but that’s not always convenient for family activities. Today’s cabins are more than bare-bones structures. They often come equipped with electricity, heating, water, and more, so you can have all the comforts of home away from home. Having those amenities might also help you get to enjoy your camping trip longer. A typical tent camping trip only lasts for about one or two days for 70% of those campers; the more comfortable you and your family are, the more you’ll want to stay on your camping trip.
2. Renting a cabin is easy when staying in a family-friendly resort: Some campers prefer to stay in more basic cabins in the middle of nowhere, and they usually have to purchase and maintain these properties themselves. Those who want more short-term accommodations without the hassle can rent a cabin instead at their favorite campgrounds. Families can also choose to stay at resorts that offer plenty of family-friendly activities, including anything from hiking and swimming to fun at a water park. With 87% of campers participating in more than one activity while camping, these resorts offer plenty of fun for campers of all ages.
3. Luxury cabins make camping trips special: Are you more of a fan of “glamping,” or glamorous camping? If your idea of communing with nature means having a WiFi hotspot or a gourmet kitchen, then it may be time to take your camping rentals to the next level. These cabins also come with enough space for the whole family, so everyone can spread out in his or her own bedroom.

Don’t let your family camping trip be more difficult than it should be. Choose cabin rentals at your favorite campground locations to make your vacation comfortable and one of a kind.

Whether you’re camping in Texas or cabin camping in Ohio, there are a number of spots you can choose for winter camping. But not all campgrounds locations are created equally. Depending on the weather and the accommodations, you could have a vastly different experience at one campground or another.

For example, much of a camping trip is dependent on the weather. Of campers surveyed, around 70% of those who stayed in tents only stayed out one or two nights — no matter what the weather. By comparison, those who stayed in an RV tended to have the longest trips on average, and 28% of them spent five or more nights camping. Booking cabin rentals can also extend a trip and keep the family better sheltered in all types of weather; this is the preferred method of camping for about 30% of campers.

Being prepared for anything (rain, snow, or shine) is a necessary part of camping around wintertime in any part of North America. How can you make the most of a winter camping trip? Make sure you don’t leave home without these three essentials:

• Warm bedding and outerwear: At night, especially, temperatures can drop to their lowest point of the day, even during the summer. As a result, you’ll need to find as many ways as you can to stay warm. Don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing, boots, outerwear, hats, and gloves for everyone on the trip, especially children. You’ll also need to make sure you have the appropriate items for sleeping, including insulated sleeping bags and bedding in materials like flannel and fleece. Even if you’re staying in a cabin, you’ll still need to bundle up to keep warm, and this is especially true if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
• Food and cooking supplies: Because temperatures may be below freezing on your trip, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough food and supplies to make warm foods and drinkings. Bring pots and pans to cook over the fire, if you’re staying outdoors; if you’ll be in a cabin, bring warm drinks with you like tea or cocoa. If your winter camping trip will last several days, ration your food so everyone has plenty to eat.
• Someone else: Finally, whether you’re headed to your favorite camping grounds or planning a trip in the wilderness, make sure that you take someone with you. Surveyed campers indicate that they bring a friend with them 70% of the time, so planning a trip with close friends, a significant other, or family members is the best course of action. Not only can this help you have fun as you participate in outdoor activities, but it’s also safe. Should you get hurt, wind up lost, or have some other kind of emergency, having someone to travel with ensures that help will be there when you need it.

Being prepared for anything (rain, snow, or shine) is a necessary part of camping around wintertime in any part of North America. Enjoy your family adventures in camping by being safe!

Did you know that the most popular type of camping is tent camping, with 86% of survey respondents saying that’s the sort of camping they preferred? What’s more, 33% of participants said that they prefer cabin camping, while 30% preferred back country/backpacking. About 26% chose drive-up campsites, and 24% liked RV camping. Only 11% went camping in a backyard, and 8% slept right under the stars. Also, 2% slept in a yurt, according to the survey.

No matter what type of campgrounds you prefer, there are some things you’re probably going to want to do. After all, about 92% of survey participants said they hiked, while 87% of campers said they participate in multiple outdoor activities.

One thing that you’re more than likely going to do, though, is build a fire. Camp fires are, after all, one of the very best parts of camping. Please make sure all fires are put out properly, allowing the embers to be completely dowsed. With that in mind, here’s a few simple steps to enjoy a great fire.

Getting It Set Up.

First things first, you’re going to want to put some tinder in the center of your fire pit. These are the small twigs, sticks, and leaves you’re going to use to start the start the fire. The easier your tinder burns, the easier it’ll be to build your fire. Stack a few sticks so that they’re in the form of a tepee. It works best if you use three or four, and build a sort of pyramid shape. Put some leaves and other tinder in the center of the tepee.

Building the Fire.

Technically, you’re now able to start a fire, but hang on. It’s a good idea to plan how you’re going to build the little flame into a proper bonfire. Basically, you have two options. First, you can stack progressively larger sticks around the fire in a log cabin fashion, which is great for heat. Second, you can continue trying the tepee method, which is easier for building into a big fire, because you can simply continue laying on bigger and bigger pieces of wood.

Lighting the Fire.

Now, you’re ready to light a fire. Get your matches, and set your tinder on fire in a few different places, so that it spreads more quickly. It’s also a good idea to blow on the embers, which will feed it oxygen. You’re also going to need to continue adding tinder until the tepee actually catches. Once it does, add progressively larger and larger sticks, until you can add actual logs to it.

Fall may not be quite as warm as the summer, but it’s just as perfect a time to go camping — if not better. Here’s what you should know.

The Foliage.

One of the main reasons it might be better to go camping in the fall is because of the foliage. As nature gears up for winter, the leaves take on bright, vibrant, beautiful colors. It’s simply picturesque. Campgrounds in New England are famous for their foliage, but there are a ton of other places that also have amazing foliage, such as Colorado, North Carolina, Michigan, Washington, and New Mexico. Plus, since almost 70% of tent campers have one to two-night outings, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the amazing scenery.

Tons to Do.

While hiking is the most popular activity amongst campers — with 92% of survey participants saying that they hiked when camping — there’s plenty of other things to do. In fact, about 87% of campers participate in multiple outdoor activities. In the fall, you can do tons of fun things that you wouldn’t be able to do at any other time of the year, such as pick apples, carve pumpkins, check out harvest festivals, and even fish in some derbies.

The Timing.

When you go camping in the summer, you often have to pay a bit more, and have to deal with a ton of bugs. If you go camping in the fall, you won’t have to bother with these problems. Campsites often drop their rates, and stop taking reservations after Labor day, making it way easier, and way more affordable. The chill of fall also chases the bugs away, which means there won’t be as many mosquitoes and gnats to bite you.

Whether you like camping in tents, or prefer cabin camping, fall is the perfect time to go out, and enjoy some time in nature. If you have any questions about checking out some campgrounds this fall, feel free to share in the comments.

There are few things better than taking the family on a camping trip. Just consider what recent years have shown. In 2010, 40 million people went camping for a grand total of 515 million outings. In 2011, families spent 534.9 million days camping altogether. Then, in 2013, Americans went camping for a total of 516.6 million days.

Autumn camping, in particular, is one of the best things you can do with the family. The crisp, cool breeze blowing. There’s fresh air, the vibrant colors of the foliage, and the wonderful harvests that are coming in.

Before you go family camping this fall though, you’re going to have to pack. Here’s just a few things you should take with you to the campgrounds.
 

• Shelter. – To set up camp, you’re going to need your tent, a ground cloth, tarps, extra stakes, rope, a hatchet, a hammer, a mat for the tent’s entrance, a broom, and a dust pan.
• Bedding. – If you don’t sleep well, you’re not going to have a good time. This is why you need to bring a good sleeping bag, an air mattress or a foam bed pad, sheets, blankets, a good pillow, an air pump (if you take an air mattress or a blow up pad), and a repair kit for said air mattress. If you make a nice little nest, you’ll sleep just fine, no matter how hard or cold the ground is.
• Clothing. – Though the fall weather can be warm during the day, it can get pretty chilly at night. You need to pack a variety of different clothes, including jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, extra underwear, extra socks, a cap, shoes, boots, a jacket, sleeping clothes, rain gear, towels, and a laundry bag to put it all in when it gets dirty.
• Cooking Gear. – Food cooked over a campfire just seems to taste better, but you’re going to need to remember to bring your cooking stuff with you. Depending on what you plan to make, you’re going to want to bring a water jug, a water bucket, coolers, thermoses, propane stove, a lighter, pans, pots, campfire grill, firestarters, plates, bowls, silverware, garbage bags, measuring cups, aluminum foil, paper towels, dish soap, cooking oil, plastic containers for leftovers, potholders, oven mitts, spatulas, knives, cooking spoons, tongs, skewers, can openers, bottle openers, a folding table, mugs, paper cups, mixing bowls, cutting boards, napkins, dish pans, dish rags, scrubbing pads, and condiments.
   

So long as you remember to take all this with you to the campgrounds, you’ll undoubtedly have one of the best camping trips of all time.

Tom’s Creek Falls

Tom’s Creek Falls is a relatively short and easy one mile roundtrip hike to an 80 foot waterfall. It is located about 15 minutes from the campground in Pisgah National Forest. Pack a picnic lunch and relax at the bottom of the falls where your kids can splash and play. Watch out for swallowtails and black snakes! Looking for a more challenging hike? Ask Mama Bear or Running Bear back at the campground. They have this area wired.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a classic American drive that stretches for 469 miles from Southern Virginia to Western North Carolina. It is easily accessed near Jellystone Marion and its hiking trails, wildflowers, and stunning mountain vistas are well worth a long, relaxing drive. Bring comfortable shoes and consider a short hike to stretch your legs.

The Little Switzerland Inn

After a long afternoon exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway there is no better place for dinner than the Little Switzerland Inn. The views of the mountains are stunning and the prime rib is the best we have ever had. The upscale dining room does not look family friendly, but the entire staff made us feel welcome. Save room for desert. You won’t regret it.

KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum

We had one rainy day while we were camping at Jellystone Marion, so we headed over to KidSenses in charming downtown Rutherfordton. This children’s museum was awesome and it kept our boys busy for hours. They loved the kid-sized grocery store and television studios along with the big climber and creation station. There’s a good coffee shop around the corner—so grab a cup and relax while your kids play. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Jellystone Marion, and we spent most of it at the campground having fun. But we also loved this gorgeous and quiet part of Western North Carolina. We think you will too.

Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi are the founders of the RV Family Travel Atlas podcast and blog. They spend over 40 nights a year in their RV traveling with their three young sons, sharing their experiences as they explore the new golden age of RVing.

Camping has long been a favorite type of vacation for American families. In 2011, they spent a total of 534.9million days camping together. Often, those family camping adventures involve plenty of outdoor time. Hiking is enjoyed by about 92% of campers, and 87% of campers say they like to participate in more than one outdoor activity. But camping vacations don’t have to be all about the great outdoors. There are campgrounds quite near to some of the United States’ greatest cities — meaning you can see all a city has to offer while still returning to a comfortable, relaxing camp resort when you’re tired of the hustle and bustle.

Tennessee campgrounds are one great example of this opportunity. In fact, there are Tennessee campgrounds just outside of Nashville. Here are a few ideas of what you could do in Music City besides enjoying the amenities of your camp:

1. The Country Music Hall of Fame
   It doesn’t get more Nashville than the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s been around since 1961, but in 2001 moved to a stunning new building a few block outside downtown. Plus, the exhibits are always changing, so there will be something new to see even if you’ve been in the past. The attraction also offers tasty dining options and retail space, so it’s a good place to spend the day and pick up your souvenirs.
2. Grand Ole Opry
   This legendary radio and stage show has hosted some of the greatest stars of country music over the more than 90 years it’s been around. Its stars still perform several nights a week, and often bring in guest artists. Be sure to arrange for tickets and tours in advance.
3. Music Row
   Music Row is a country music history buff’s dream. RCA Studio B is where Elvis recorded more than 200 songs — and Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins and more have also recorded nearby. You can grab a tour starting from the Hall of Fame.
4. General Jackson Showboat
   General Jackson is a riverboat that offers cruisers the experience of 18th-century showboats. Country music is typically featured (no surprises there), but you might also get a variety of musicals or gospel music. There are normally two cruises each day.
5. The Parthenon
   The world’s only full-scale reproduction of the ancient Greek Parthenon is situated in Nashville’s Centennial Park. You may have seen pictures, but you have to visit in person to fully grasp the scale of Athena Parthenos, the sculpture by Alan LeQuire that dominates the interior. In fact, she is 42 feet tall, making her the tallest indoor sculpture in the West. There’s also an art gallery and museum to enjoy.

Camping is one of the most popular family pastimes in America. In 2010, a reported 40 million people went on a camping trip. In 2011, this number was up to 42.5 million. Tent camping is the most popular form of camping, with 86% of people who camp identifying this as their preference. However, tent camping is the most labor intensive form of camping, with the most moving pieces and parts. The big elements, like the tent, cooler, and grill are the easiest to remember, but often lots of little things are forgotten in the preparation process. Here is a list of the most frequently forgotten items at campsites:

1. Wood
   Some campsites forbid you from bringing in outside wood, while others forbid you from foraging around the campground for wood. Know the policies ahead of time and either way, don’t get caught in the cold and dark with no fuel for the fire!
2. Batteries
   You got your lanterns and flashlights, but what’s your back up plan if one of them dies? Make sure you have some spare batteries on hand.
3. Wet Wipes
   These little powerhouses have dozens of uses on a camping trip that you won’t realize until you’re looking for one. Don’t miss them!
4. Duct Tape
   From fixing tent tears to holding down table cloths on a windy day, you do not want to forget this multipurpose tape.
5. Ice
   So you packed all your food in the cooler to bring to the campsite, but did you remember to get ice to keep it fresh? Remembering this essential could be the difference between fresh food and granola bars your whole trip.
6. Trash bags
   Most campgrounds are carry in/ carry out, and carrying all the waste from your trip out by hand would be a real drag! This item is essential to a clean, tidy, campsite.
7. Hatchet or hammer
   Often overlooked, this tool is usually needed to chop more wood and can double as a hammer when driving the spikes for your tent.

It’s a question many of us have undoubtedly thought about for hours on end. In a rap battle between a traditional tent camping enthusiast and a more modern “glamper,” who would come out victorious?

That very question is answered in a new YouTube video, aptly titled “Rap Battle: Camper vs. Glamper.”

According to the Inquisitr, the video begins with the humble camper sitting alone in the woods, peacefully watching the birds as they fly by. Soon, however, a group of unruly glampers arrives with unhappy children in tow, disturbing the peace and flaring tensions.

The glamper invites the camper to dinner, since he is so obviously unprepared; the camper retorts that the glamper is overprepared. Before long, camper and glamper stand toe-to-toe, eye-to-eye, each convinced that his way of going camping is superior to the other’s.

“Call me king of the woods, lord of the lake,” the camper begins to rap — and the rest is history. Each camper boasts about how superior his preferred method of camping is over the other’s.

In recent years, with camping on the rise, the art of glamping, or glamorous camping, has become much more popular. Of the 42.5 million people who go camping each year, a significant portion choose to go glamping by staying at luxury camping resorts.

Statistically speaking, at least, tent camping is still the most popular choice among the millions of people who flock to the nation’s campgrounds each year, with 86% of campers regularly camping in tents. Meanwhile, 33% of campers go camping in cabins, 24% choose to go camping in an RV and a mere 2% go camping in a yurt — one of the most popular glamping choices.

With Americans spending an amazing 516.6 million days camping in 2013 alone, it’s clear there are plenty of camping and glamping opportunities available for all of us.

Did you watch this video? What were your thoughts? Share any comments and questions you have about tent camping resorts and campsites by leaving a comment below.

Are you looking for a family campground that is a destination in its own right?  Where the fun starts each morning with a “hey hey ride” and only ends when the kids go to bed at night? Than Yogi at Shangri-La in Milton, Pennsylvania may just be the spot for your next great family vacation.  Once you check in you will not want to check out.

This campground has over 50 sites that overlook the peaceful Chillisquaque Creek, which wraps around the western side of the property. It also has camping cabins, deluxe cottages, tent sites, pull-thrus and back-ins that can accommodate everything from the smallest pop up camper to the biggest rig.

All of these sites and cabins were booked over Memorial Day weekend and every family was having fun. Correction.  Super-duper-fun.  Here are seven reasons why:

1. The playground rocked. The boys spent hours there. What did mom and dad do while they played? They relaxed with a cup of coffee and chatted with other parents at the picnic tables nearby.
2. The large common areas gave the kids room to spread out and enjoy the beauty of the campground—which was full but didn’t feel crowded. Want to play horseshoes? Check. Volleyball? Check. Basketball? Check. Play catch on a huge grassy field? Check.  These options also let each age group gravitate towards appropriate activities. The little kids were happy. The big kids were happy. The teenagers were happy. This meant that the moms and dads were happy too.
3. Feel like wetting a line down at the fishing hole? Well, that’s a great option too. Just remind Yogi and the kids that it’s catch and release.
4. Want to cool off on a warm summer day? Go for it! The pool is large and clean and the snacks at the snack bar are tasty and affordable. There are also many places to sit and relax so grab a towel and stay awhile!
5. Rainy morning at the campground? No problem. Bring the kids to the indoor activity area for coloring and Yogi Bear cartoons.
6. Looking for a more adventurous way to beat the heat? Try the Wet-and-Wild Heyride. We smiled from beginning to end. Can you say highlight of the weekend? We can. Our kids had fun too!
7. Are your competitive juices flowing? Try the air hockey machine in the arcade. Our twin boys were locked in a dead heat after two games. For only a buck per game I gladly treated them to a best of three.

I often think that our children’s hyperkinetic energy and desire for nonstop adventure is irrepressible.  But by the end of each day, thanks to Yogi and his crew, they were exhausted and ready for bed. Hey mom and dad, now that your little Boo Boos are in bed—why not start a campfire and pull out a good book? You’ve definitely earned it.

Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi are the co-hosts of the RV Family Travel Atlas podcast, which is available for free in the iTunes store, and on their blog.

Family camping vacations might be the most popular way for Americans and their families to escape the hectic distractions of the modern world and spend some quality bonding time together. In 2013, we spent a combined 516.6 million days at campsites all across the country, and the average camper takes five trips throughout the year.

If your family includes a dog, you probably want to bring your canine friend along for the ride. In addition to including your pet on your family fun, he or she will benefit immensely from the extra exercise and fresh air.

Want to include your dog on your next family camping vacation? Be sure to follow these three pointers for a fun-filled camping trip everyone will enjoy:

Preparing for your trip

Before you even book your next camping trip, be sure to find out whether or not the campground allows dogs. It’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with the campground’s specific rules on pets before you embark on your camping vacation. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all his or her vaccinations; you may want to have your dog vaccinated against tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease or mosquito-borne heartworms, as well. Lastly, be sure your dog has a collar or harness with an identification tag.

Packing for your dog

If there isn’t a source of drinking water near your campsite, be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog — and never allow your dog to drink out of standing bodies of water like ponds. Bring along enough dog food and treats to last the duration of your trip, as well as bedding and toys. To keep your dog safe and healthy in the event of an emergency, pack a first aid kit and bring along a copy of his or her veterinary records.

Camping with your dog

There are countless ways to enjoy the outdoors with your dog during your family’s next camping trip. From playing frisbee to going on a hike together — 92% of campers go hiking regularly — there’s no shortage of ways to keep your dog entertained. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash or lead at all times so you don’t disturb your fellow campers, and to always clean up after your dog.

Have any other tips or tricks for bringing pets along on a family camping vacation? Let us and your fellow readers know in the comments below.

Few activities offer more family bonding time and exciting outdoor recreation than going camping. That’s why more people are taking their families on camping trips than ever before! In fact, three million more Americans went on a camping excursion in 2012 than they did in 2010, a major increase in popularity.

But each year, countless families will arrive at their camping sites and make a horrifying discovery: they’ve forgotten to pack an important item, and now the camping trip is all but ruined!

Don’t be like these families — always arrive at your camping sites packed and prepared. To make sure you and your family are ready for anything during your family summer camping excursion, we’ve compiled this list of the most essential items to pack:

Accessories

• Hiking boots
• Sunglasses
• A hat or bandanna
• Backpack

Toiletries

• Biodegradable soap
• Antibacterial wipes
• Deodorant
• A hairbrush or comb
• A first aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Prescriptions and medicine
• Insect repellent
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Other various personal hygiene items

Clothing

• A light jacket or sweater
• A pair of gloves or mittens
• Hiking socks
• Long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts
• Underwear
• A raincoat
• Pants
• Moisture-wicking socks and long underwear

Camping gear

• A tent and related tent equipment
• Camera and camera accessories
• A collapsible water bottle
• A lantern
• Sleeping bag
• Matches or a lighter

Food and cooking items

• A small, portable stove
• Cooking and eating utensils
• Food, including plenty of snacks
• Napkins and paper towels
• Plates and cups
• Plastic garbage bags

And for an even smoother camping experience, encourage the kids to pack their own bags — this lets them get involved in the packing process and also allows them to pack their favorite toys, books and other belongings!

Know of any other must-pack items to bring before leaving on a family camping trip? Share your own tips and tricks with us in the comments below!

It’s not exactly the ideal family camping trip, but one group of brave souls will be taking last summer’s “ice bucket challenge” idea to a new extreme, with the same focus on raising awareness for a good cause.

According to a January 19 HTRNews.com article, four men from Manitowoc, WI will be going tent camping for 24 hours at the camp sites at Point Beach State Forest to raise money and awareness for homelessness.

Mark LeGreve, board president of homeless shelter The Haven, decided to take this self-dubbed “Human Icicle Challenge” with three of his friends after seeing the success of other creative fundraisers. Last year, the ice bucket challenge raised an unprecedented amount for ALS research.

While going tent camping for a 24-hour period during the dead of winter may sound like a novelty idea for some, it’s what the homeless have to live with every day, through rain, snow and freezing temperatures.

“There are people who do not have a place to stay who, no matter what the weather is, they worry about where to sleep,” LeGreve explained.

According to HTRNews.com, LeGreve and his friends will complete the Human Icicle Challenge from 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1. The men are asking for members of the community to either join them or to give pledges and donations to The Haven, an eight-bed shelter for men.

Like many tent camping sites across the country, Point Beach State Forest is open to campers year-round, which not all people are usually aware of. So if you want to get a taste of the great outdoors this winter, there’s no better way to do it than to go camping for a weekend — just remember to stay warm and dry!
What are your thoughts on this story? Have any questions for us about going camping during the winter? Let us know what’s on your mind in the comments below!

Every November, the Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts team gathers to recognize the very best of the best: parks in our family that have gone above and beyond during the previous camping year. We’re proud and excited to announce this year’s winners; stop in and tell their staff congratulations!

Camp-Resort of the Year: Caledonia, WI.

This is our very highest honor, given to the Camp-Resort whose facilities and operators exceed all Jellystone Park™ standards. The winner must achieve strong growth in business, implement sustained improvements, and be known as a leader in the camping industry. Way to go, Caledonia!

Entrepreneur of the Year: Canyon Lake, TX; Madison, FL; and Milford, Delaware.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award is presented to Camp-Resorts that showed a strong growth in business over the past year.

Operator of the Year 

Rick and Shelly Spear, Estes Park, CO 

Jackie Maguire, North Java, NY

This award recognizes individuals and teams directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of their Camp-Resort. The Spears and Jackie earned their accolades for excellence in management, improved ratings, and growth in business.

Maple Leaf Award

Kingston, Nova Scotia

The Maple Leaf Award goes to the Canadian park in recognition of

their strong commitment and dedication to the

Jellystone Park™ family and values.

Facility of the Year

Harrisville, PA; and Woodridge, NY

These two parks were recognized for making sustained improvements to their facilities. This includes adding features for guests, building new programs, and more.

Dan O’Connell Service Award 

Jim Leaming, Sturbridge, MA

The Dan O’Connell Service Award goes to one person in the

Jellystone Park™  system who has shown tremendous, long-time support and work to improve the campground industry. Jim Leaming’s ongoing leadership and commitment to teamwork made him the perfect choice.

Watch the Jellystone Park™ Journal for more on each of these winners in the coming months. In the meantime, be sure to tell them GREAT JOB!

The pumpkin pie is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dessert tables across the United States. For many families, Thanksgiving (and occasionally Christmas) are the only times this tasty dish is served – and everyone wants to learn how to make Grandma’s family recipe taste just like hers, so they can pass the pumpkin pie tradition on to their own children and grandchildren.

How did the pumpkin pie because synonymous with our holiday of gratitude? No one really knows. Historians say the pumpkin is native to North America, and Native Americans likely cut the pulp into slices and roasted them over the fire. When European settlers arrived, they began exporting the big orange gourd. There, the French and the English prepared it as a dessert, but differently from the presentation we’re used to. They stuffed the whole pumpkin with apples, spices, sugar and even honey, and then baked it whole.

Here in the United States, recipes for pumpkin pie as we know it began showing up on Thanksgiving tables in the early 19th century. As a fall crop, pumpkins were likely considered a symbol of the autumn harvest and were plentiful; cooks of yesteryear were accustomed to making the most of what was available, so it’s no wonder they found a way to make delicious pumpkin pie.

If this is your first time making Grandma’s famous family recipe, or you just want to perfect your own pumpkin pie, here are a few easy tips to make it turn out just right.

Be careful not to over-beat the filling. Pumpkin pie is supposed to be thick and creamy; too much mixing will add air and thin out the texture.

Brush the pie crust with a slightly-beaten egg white and pre-bake it before filling it. This helps the crust stay flaky and crisp.

If you’re having a hard time getting the crust just right (it can be tricky), consider using a refrigerated pie crust. No one will know the difference – and we’ll never tell!

Buy an extra pie crust and use cookie cutters to cut it into festive shapes for the top – autumn leaves, pumpkins and so forth. It will look beautiful.

• If you’re in a hurry, canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling will work. Or roast a sugar pumpkin and puree the insides.

Fold crushed toffee into whipped cream for a deliciously decadent pie topping.

Keep an eye on the pie while it’s in the oven. Overbaking leads to the pie “weeping,” which makes the crust soggy and creates cracks in the surface.

Keep the pie refrigerated until it’s ready to be served.

Happy baking!

Temperatures are dropping. Frost may even have made its first appearance. Soon, it may not seem warm enough to camp at all. More Americans, however, are realizing that camping can be a great family vacation and/or a relaxing getaway year-round. What are the best ways to keep camping feasible and fun in the chilly fall months – and even during the winter, too?

Pack And Plan Accordingly

Seventy-four percent of campers try something they were initially afraid to do – and sometimes that can include fall or winter camping. Winter camping does not have to be a daunting prospect, however – especially if you are well-prepared. Pack snow boots, hats, gloves, and scarves along with head and feet warmers and some thick, wool blankets.

What Are The Best Fall-Themed Campfire Foods?

Sitting around the campfire at family campgrounds may seem even more inviting in the chilly fall or winter weather. Similarly, toasty campfire foods are just the thing to keep you warm on a cold, winter morning. Heat up some soup in a pot over the fire, create a stew- like, hobo meal (throw some vegetables and meat into some tin foil), or even indulge in one of Antarctic explorer Sebastian Copeland’s favorite treats, a cranberry and bacon grease spread. Copeland recommends eating it on a bagel with a slice of cheese, or even topping off cereal with the cranberry spread, for a flavorful treat high in healthy fats and rich in antioxidants.

Forget About Roughing It

The best thing about fall and winter camping, however, is that it can allow you to enjoy the great outdoors and take in the beauty of fall foliage or snow-capped pine trees without roughing it. Skip tent camping in favor of cozy cabins or RV camping.

Either way, you can continue enjoying camping year-round.

Here’s a list of our Camp-Resorts open in the winter:

Elberta, AL

Cobb Mountain, CA

Larkspur, CO

Montrose, CO

Madison, FL

Bremen, GA

Goodfield, IL

Millbrook, IL

Portage, IN

Lawrence, KS

Cave City, KY

Robert, LA

Sturbridge, MA

Pelahatchie, MS

Cherokee, NC

Tabor City, NC

Mill Run, PA

Milton, PA

Swansea, SC

Memphis, TN

Nashville, TN

Burleson, TX

Canyon Lake, TX

Fredericksburg, TX

Tyler, TX

Waller, TX

Emporia, VA

Gloucester Point, VA

Take a look at our new infographic up on our blog!

Over the last five years we have spent more than 120 nights camping at dozens of campgrounds with our three young boys Max, Theo, and Wes. Well, after four days camping in Virginia at Jellystone Park in Luray, our boys have proclaimed it to be their Favorite. Campground. Ever.

On our first day there we realized it would be possible to have an amazing family getaway without ever leaving the campground. The packed schedule of activities, wonderful amenities, and energetic staff kept our whole family happy from breakfast to bedtime.

Here are our top 12 reasons why your family should choose Jellystone Park in Luray, Virginia for your next family camping adventure:

1. Spacious Campsites: Easy to back into, our site was roomy enough for the boys to run and stretch their legs. We also enjoyed the added benefit of being directly across from the playground. This meant that we could relax in our zero gravity chairs while watching them climb and play.
2. Fun and Friendly Staff: Throughout our entire stay, we were incredibly impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. The Rangers were willing to give directions and tips on where to eat. The camp store was well-stocked and run efficiently. The young activities coordinators, such as Ryan Cubbage (pictured above), were warm and welcoming. The staff made our boys feel special from the time we arrived to the time we departed.
3. Cute Crafts and Terrific Tie-Dyes: Everyday this campground offers an opportunity for the kids (and adults!) to get creative. There is always a free craft available during craft time such as the medals we made for Wacky Olympics Week. You can also pay to paint ceramics or color a pillowcase or bag. The prices were very reasonable, so we didn’t have to blink when our boys wanted to try painting the $2 dinosaurs. We have made a lot of campground tie dyes, but the staff at Jellystone Luray helped our boys make their best shirts yet.
4. Two Large Pools: The two large pools gave our kids plenty of room to splash, jump, and dive for rings. Our boys are not yet confident swimmers, so we loved the large, shallow kids’ pool with the fun water fountain feature.
5. Yogi Bear’s Water Zone: The colorful and exciting water zone had plenty of opportunity for imaginative play. Our five year olds loved the slides, and our one year old hung out around the edges, happy to watch the water show in front of him. Next year he will definitely be excited to plunge in.
6. Wonderful Water Slide: This is a pretty amazing water slide for a campground. Its fast and ridiculously fun for the adults as well as the kids. The best part is there are no long lines for the slide—even on a weekend. Although all of the kids rushed in when it opened in the mornings, for the most part you could walk right up and slide right down.
7. Perfect Playground: There are a few separate sections to this playground, so many kids of all different ages can enjoy the equipment without it feeling crowded. We particularly appreciated the smaller enclosed play set, perfect for our 16 month old.  Our boys walked across the moving steps (pictured above) dozens of times each day.
8. Two Jumping Pillows: Max and Theo wanted to visit the jumping pillows both before and after any scheduled activity with Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear. We probably stopped between 6-8 times a day for a brief but intense aerobic workout. Two pillows meant there was always room for all the kids to comfortably jump. In the late afternoon or evening, you might even get the pillow all to yourself.
9. Peaceful Mountain Setting: Even though this Jellystone Park was an action packed place for the kids, it was also a deeply relaxing setting for us, since we had panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains no matter where we were on the property. From the morning mountain mist to the evening sunsets, we truly enjoyed the beauty of this campground’s Shenandoah Valley location.
10. Room to Roam: We love it when a campground has a large, grassy common area, and Jellystone Luray delivered on this in spades. Over the course of our stay we saw games of frisbee and catch, families picnicking, and people napping on the grass in front of their cabins. This wide-open field invites families to relax and play together…and isn’t that what vacation is all about?
11. Pancakes with Yogi Bear: On Sunday morning the Cartoon Cafe serves up a fun Pancake Breakfast, attended by Yogi Bear himself. You can order the Yogi (three pancakes) or the Boo Boo (two pancakes) depending on how big of an appetite you worked up during your pre-breakfast jumping pillow session.
12. Tractor Rides: Our boys have been on many tractor rides over the last five camping seasons. This was by far the most fun for them. Yogi Bear and Boo Boo both took turns on the tractor (yes, we went on two rides), but perhaps the best part was the sing along. Both parents and children enjoyed clapping and singing standards such as Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Yankee Doodle, and the Wheels on the Bus.

Jellystone Park Luray offered more activities and amenities than we could possibly experience over one long weekend. We didn’t even get to the Laser Tag building, and we couldn’t fit Story Time with Boo Boo into our packed schedule. There is always next time.

So what are your family’s favorite things about Jellystone Luray? Let us know what you would add to our list!

CAMPING AT DISCOUNTED RATES

Are you one of those lucky folks who get to flee the frozen north every winter and spend the coldest months of the year staying warm in the South? With scenic, full-service RV parks in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts offer snowbirds the perfect winter getaway. You’ll find new friends, lots of amenities and deeply discounted off-season prices. Our parks offer:

• Highly-rated campgrounds
• Clean comfort stations
• Well-maintained grounds
• Activity centers
• Convenience stores
• Large pull-thru sites
• Concrete pads
• Nearby attractions
• Laundry facilities

As you get ready for your winter migration, see if one these campgrounds might be your seasonal home. Check the campgrounds’ websites for special snowbird rates.

Alabama

Elberta, AL – Fall in love with Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast at our Elberta park, only 20 minutes from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and five miles from Pensacola – in fact, it’s one of only a few RV parks in the Pensacola area. With 43 full-service campsites, free WiFi, a clubhouse and a fully-stocked fishing pond onsite, the Elberta Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is perfect for a winter stay.

Florida

Madison, FL – This 125-acre North Florida RV park with its own lake and sandy beach is close to Florida and South Georgia attractions. Its all-natural setting and perfect weather make a quiet, peaceful winter getaway. A pet park, catch-and-release fishing, pools, camp store and snack shop offer plenty to do onsite. Enjoy old-Florida charm and salty breezes in a laid-back atmosphere.

Georgia

Bremen, GA  – Less than an hour west of the bright lights of Atlanta, our Georgia campground offers a country getaway with easy proximity to city entertainment. This award-winning campground features full hookup RV sites in a lovely, relaxing setting.

Louisiana

Robert, LA – Located within easy driving distance of the Big Easy, Baton Rouge, and the Gulf Coast the Robert Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort offers two fishing lakes, golf cart rental and storage, free WiFi, a convenience store and more.

Mississippi

Memphis, TN (Horn Lake, MS)– Just five minutes from the home of the King, this northern Mississippi park was built in 2007 and offers all the modern conveniences you would expect. It’s the perfect base for exploring Graceland, sampling barbecue, checking out the Beale Street blues scene, and enjoying all the peanut butter and banana sandwiches you can eat. The park is also close to nine Mississippi major casino resorts. All RV sites are full hookup, and the park offers cable TV, free WiFi, and propane.

Pelahatchie, MS – Located east of Jackson, MS, this award-winning park is situated on the peaceful 95-acre Pelahatchie Lake. Lakefront, off-lake and premium RV sites are available, all full hookup with free WiFi. A camp store is onsite for last-minute needs, and the lake is fully stocked for fishing in the cool winter air. A 24-laundromat is also available.

North Carolina

Cherokee, NC  – Nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains, this beautiful park is a peaceful getaway with amazing scenic views. RavenFork River runs the length of the park, and many sites offer a river view; trout streams are also on property. Fire rings and picnic tables come with many RV sites as well. Three bathhouses, a park store, 24-hour laundry room and craft center are onsite. If exploring the area around the Smoky Mountains is your goal, this is your park.

Tabor City, NC – Not far from the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach, the Tabor City Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort boasts numerous awards and offers a welcoming home for the season. Perfect for the nature lover, fishing and hiking opportunities abound. Tabor City offers 125 RV sites, all with a fire ring, picnic table, 20/30/50 amp service, cable TV, WiFi, and water/sewer. Enjoy the tranquility of the beach during the uncrowded winter months and get to know the friendly staff at this beautiful park.

South Carolina

Swansea, SC – Find plenty of Southern hospitality on this park’s 43 acres of rolling South Carolina farmland. The accents are sweet and the tea is sweeter!  Catch bass, sunfish and bream in four fully-stocked fishing ponds, and walk the park’s nature trails winding down to the North Edisto River. This pet-friendly campground is found less than half an hour from Columbia, SC and less than an hour from the legendary links of Augusta, GA.

Texas

North Texas/Burleson, TX – They say everything is bigger in Texas, and with 248 full hookup RV sites, this park just might prove it. Enjoy all the big city attractions of Dallas/Ft. Worth while soaking up the relaxing country atmosphere at North Texas Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort.

Canyon Lake, TX – Located in breathtaking Texas Hill Country, a half mile from the Guadalupe River and 2 miles from Canyon Lake, the area around our Canyon Lake park offers plenty to do, such as floating and fishing the Guadalupe River, onsite fishing, boating, sailing, or scuba diving; biking trails, hiking trails, Schlitterbahn, and Natural Bridge Caverns. New Braunfels is just 15 minutes away, and San Antonio is a 35 mile drive. The legendary music scene of Austin is less than an hour away, making this a perfect base for exploring all that this area of the Lone Star State has to offer.

Fredericksburg, TX  – Just outside historic Fredericksburg and in the heart of Texas Wine Country, this beautiful park offers an upscale retreat – even the bathhouse has granite tops! Oversize RV sites offer a variety of views and are pet-friendly. Enjoy wine country tours and tastings, explore nearby art galleries, and sample a long list of award-winning restaurants during your stay.

Tyler, TX – Located on 47 acres in the rolling hills of the East Texas Piney Woods north of Tyler, Texas, Whispering Pines is one of the most beautiful parks in the South. With 130 full-hookup RV sites, there’s lots of opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the wide open spaces and clear starry skies of East Texas. Two saltwater swimming pools (one for adults only), a catch-and-release fishing pond, a convenience and gift store, golf cart rentals and more make the award-winning Tyler Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort a great choice.

Waller, TX – Explore Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast from the Lone Star Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Waller, 35 miles northwest of the city. A stocked fishing lake, scenic lakeview sites, beautiful landscaping, a park store and more make Tyler a quiet, relaxing getaway.

Wichita Falls, TX  – One of Jellystone Park’s newest additions, this park offers true Texas country on the edge of city convenience! Jellystone Park™ at Coyote Ranch is host to 123 beautiful RV sites (73 pull thru and 50 back in.)A 90-acre fishing pond, wedding chapel, event site complete with catering, two pavilions, two swimming pools, golf cart rentals and free DirecTV are just a few of the things that make this park unique. A dog run is onsite – and you can even book spa treatments at Coyote Ranch. Golf, shopping, top-notch dining, museums and much, much more are nearby.

When the temperature rises, there’s only one place to be – in the cool, clear water. While nearly every Jellystone Park™  Camp-Resort boasts a sparkling pool, 39 of our campgrounds offer some serious splash-time fun, either onsite or just next door. Here’s a list of seven parks that added to their water attractions this summer camping season – you’ll find everything from the thrill of a 400-foot waterslide to relaxing lazy rivers and toddler-friendly fountain fun. And be sure to check with your favorite Jellystone Park™  to see what they’ve got in store to keep your family cool and active.

Pittsfield, IL: This park has added new water toys for its lake, and offers a swimming pool and splashpad.

Bloomington, IN: You’ll love the brand-new $750,000 interactive water play attraction that includes water slides, water blasters and dozens of interactive water features that spray, splash and dump thousands of gallons of water, including a 30-foot tall Giant Hydro Storm that dumps 500 gallons of water. There’s also an outdoor pool, indoor pool and kid’s pool with splash feature.

Fremont, IN: Look for a $750,000 climbable water feature with a tipping bucket in late July or early August. In the meantime, cool off in three outdoor swimming pools, one indoor pool, a water splash playground and three giant water slides that are 42 feet high and over 300 feet long.

Mt. Gilead, OH: Zoom down the new 75-foot long tubular slide, then take a plunge on the 250-foot long waterslide. The park also has two heated swimming pools and a 6-acre lake with a floating jungle gym as well as paddle boat and kayak rentals.

Burleson, TX: The owner of this Jellystone Park™ is nearing completion of a $1 million expansion of Pirates Cove waterpark, a separate facility located next door to the campground. New attractions at Pirates Cove include a 60-foot tall kamikaze slide that provides a nearly vertical slide as well as a 60-foot tall “fast track” with six side-by-side lanes that provide a 350-foot-long slide. The park is also installing two 40-foot-tall corkscrew slides that dump into a swimming pool as well as a paintball play area and a new food court. Other new features will include a 700-foot-long lazy river with zero entry lagoons and a stage area for concerts and “dive in” movies.

Waller, TX: A new lazy river and a 565-foot family slide join the park’s 2,500-square-foot splash pad that includes various water slides, dump buckets and spray toys, an activities pool and a 350-foot Pine Tree Plunge water slide.

Wichita Falls, TX: This park, which recently joined the Jellystone Park™  system, is completing a new spray ground, set to open early July 2014.

More often than not, some rest and relaxation — or a nice, long vacation — are a welcome change from the daily grind. The 43 Americans who camped last year, moreover, were onto something. Camping can be a fun and restful idea for family vacations, but it can also be a great solitary activity. What are some tips for Americans who want to strike out and go camping on their own?

Carefully Inspect Any Gear and Equipment Before You Leave

“Test your camping gear before you pack — especially if it has been sitting unused in storage for a while. Bring extra batteries, matches, a lighter, tinder and paper in a plastic bag so they don’t get wet,” The Travel Channel recommends. Decide from the start whether you will go cabin camping or tent camping. If you are camping in a tent, make sure it is practical to place all of the poles on your own.

Do You Have a Dog? Consider Bringing Him or Her Along

Solo campers can guarantee a certain amount of companionship and safety simply by bringing a dog along. (Okay, so that’s not strictly alone — but dogs are likely to be relatively silent and agreeable companions!) Dogs can pick up on sounds before humans, alerting you to any animals near cabin rentals or near your tent in family campgrounds. “It was only because of 2 dogs that I survived a run-in with a mountain lion in New Mexico,” one lone camper tells The Travel Channel.

Don’t Stray From The Marked Trails

Some campgrounds have luxurious amenities that can easily keep you occupied all day long. If you want to venture out into nature, however, stick to marked paths — especially if you are camping by yourself. That way, if you lose cellphone service and you need help, you’re likely to run into someone.

Cabin camping — or even camping in a tent — can be an extremely relaxing experience with friends and family, or even on your own! Know what to expect and be careful if you do plan to go camping alone.

Yogi Bear™ and the Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts family continues to grow and offer our guests more options than ever for the perfect family getaway. Only the best campgrounds earn the Jellystone Park™ name, and we are so proud to welcome our latest addition: the former Coyote Ranch Resort in Wichita Falls, Texas, an easy drive from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. Our sixth park in the Lone Star State, the Wichita Falls Jellystone Park™ offers true Texas country on the edge of city convenience.

With 123 beautiful RV sites, plus 25 cabins and cottages to choose from, the new 90-acre Wichita Falls park is a perfect choice for a family visit or a big get-together. The onsite Lodge and its two outdoor pavilions are great sites for business meetings, weddings, family reunions, church or Scout retreats, receptions, parties and more. The park’s breathtaking 200-seat Wedding Chapel offers a beautiful site for one of the most important days of a couple’s life together: the soaring 30-foot tall arched ceilings and impressive wall of windows make an amazing backdrop for the perfect celebration. The park can even keep everyone fed through The Orchard catering service.

And when it’s time for the real fun to start, you won’t be disappointed. With two sparkling swimming pools, a jumping pillow, a big cedar playground, 18-hole miniature golf course, a volleyball court and a stocked fishing tank, everyone will find something they love to get into. Don’t feel like cooking for your brood? Hunts’ Brothers Pizza and the park’s new Picnic Basket restaurant have you covered. An exciting brand-new splash park is set to open this summer, and of course Jellystone Park’s beloved daily activities and themed weekends are all part of the package.

The new Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort at Wichita Falls is located at 14145 US 287, Wichita Falls, TX. The campground is open year-round; for reservations, call 940-767-6700 or visit www.coyoteranchresort.com. We look forward to meeting you there!

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Hagerstown, MD is excited to be the first Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ to offer the Extreme Engineering Fly Wire Zip Line.

The Fly Wire Zip Line will become a part of the variety of amazing amenities that Jellystone Park™ Maryland already has to offer, including a 3,200 square foot Water Zone featuring a heated interactive pool, beach entry, eight foot raindrop and built-in seating for adults with hydro-therapy jets.  In addition, campground guests can enjoy LaZer Tag, Water Wars, Gaga ball, Jumping Pillow, Mini- golf, Pedal Carts, basketball, horseshoes, hiking trails, wagon rides, fishing, playgrounds, and of course, appearances from Yogi Bear™ and friends. With themed weekend planned activities from March to November and a variety of lodging options, there is something for all ages and all types of campers to enjoy.  For the novice, cabins and cottages that sleep anywhere from 4 to 8 people are available to rent.  For the experienced, the park has Standard, Preferred or Premium RV sites.  For those looking to get back to nature, primitive tent sites offer a more rustic experience.

But for thrill-seekers, the addition of the award winning Fly Wire Zip Line will provide the ultimate rush of zip-lining across the sky 220 feet – roughly two thirds the length of a football field. With speeds reaching up to 21 MPH, the Fly Wire is the only zip line of its kind using the safest decelerator on the market, the Decelinator, which is a proprietary device that fully lowers zip-liners safely to the ground so riders can soar through the air with confidence. Offering unparalleled “quick cycle times”  to serve up to 90 riders an hour, there is no other zip line product in the world that can compete with the Fly Wire’s completely controlled method of keeping zip-liners safely off the ground.

The Hagerstown Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort is located at 16519 Lappans Road in Williamsport, MD. For more information or reservations, call 800-421-7116 or visit www.jellystonemaryland.com.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts has teamed up with Livin’ Lite Recreational Vehicles and RVTrader.com to bring you a very special giveaway – just in time for camping season!

Grand Prize: Win a Coleman® Ultra Lightweight Automotive Tent Camper – a state-of-the-art pop-up trailer than can be towed even by small cars. Grand prize winner will be announced in July.

Weekly Prize: Twelve winners will receive a 2-night camping stay at any of the 81 Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts in the U.S. or Canada. One winner will be announced each week starting Monday, April 7, 2014.

Visit www.WinAColemanCamper.com between now and June 30 to enter.

Don’t miss your opportunity to win a brand-new pop-up camper – we’re rooting for your family to win!

Buying an RV can be an exciting, yet stressful time.  Properly educating yourself prior to beginning your search can help you make confident and well-informed purchasing decisions.  Follow these five simple steps to make buying your RV an easy and enjoyable experience.

1) Do Your Research

Determine your budget, what you want to use the RV for, and how often. Research the types of RV’s available, as well as different manufacturers.

2) Determine The Right RV For You

Browse a large selection of RVs online to narrow down what interests you most. You can easily conduct your research AND find RV’s for your sale in your area by visiting www.RVTrader.com.

3) Contact Sellers About RVs

Email or call dealers or private sellers in your area that have RV’s for sale that match your buying criteria.

4) Select Your RV Choices

After gathering the information from the sellers, select the top 3 or 4 RV’s that you are interested in, and physically visit the dealer or private seller to do a thorough inspection of the vehicle.

5) Select You RV

Review your buying criteria, RV’s for sale in your area, your budget, price and anything else critical to your buying decision. Determine the RV that best suits your needs.

Top 5 Selling Tips

Are you considering selling your RV? Whether you’re looking upgrade or downgrade, you’ll want to make sure you have utilized every resource available to ensure you receive the best return for your sale.  Follow these five simple steps and you’ll be on your way to selling your RV in no time.

1) Do Your Research

Look up similar RV’s for sale and determine the average selling price, so you can list a price that is competitive with others in your market. Place an ad online at www.RVtrader.com/sell.

2) Advertise A Complete Description of Your Unit

When you place your RV for sale, be sure to provide a thorough description of your unit, including year, make, model, amenities, slide-outs, price and other defining features.

3) Include Multiple Photos of Your RV

Be sure to also include multiple photos of the inside and outside of your RV. Include as many photos as possible!

4) Provide A Brief Video Walkthrough Of Your RV

Give a quick walk-thru of your RV on your phone or camera to post online. Videos can really help showcase a unit to a potential buyer.

5) Follow-Up with Any and All Incoming Leads

Be sure to follow up with any and all leads you receive. You never know who might just be the future owner. Don’t forget to be kind and courteous!

Whether you’re new to RV’ing or an avid enthusiast, these tips will provide the guidance necessary to confidently buy or sell your RV.  Do your research, make educated decisions and above all, enjoy the experience!

Next time you are camping in Texas, visit North Texas Jellystone Park™ Burleson and tell General Manager Steve Stafford congratulations – he’s been named Operator of the Year by the Jellystone Park franchise system. The Operator of the Year Award is presented to the person or people directly responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Camp-Resort. It represents excellence in management, improved inspection ratings, and growth in business. In other words, Steve is tops in our book!

Here’s Ranger Steve and one of his staff at an event – now you see why he’s awesome!   Located 15 minutes south of downtown Fort Worth and 40 minutes west of Dallas, the year-round Texas campground has 37 custom-built luxury cottages (25 of which have a two-person spa and fireplace) and 248 RV sites with full hookups, 50 amp, and cable connection. Amenities include two family pools, a kiddie pool, playground, four meeting facilities, and more. Families will also love the laser tag field, candy bar bingo, hayrides, visits from Yogi Bear™ and fire truck rides.The park’s Pirates Cove Wet & Dry Fun Park is located next door to the resort and offers seven waterslides, multi-platform play area, inflatables, arcade games and more. Add themed weekends throughout the summer, and it’s a perfect getaway.

North Texas Jellystone Park™ is known for its innovative features . You’ll find the Lost Maze to be a fun challenge for parents and kids to navigate together, while the improved Crafts & Activity Room offers opportunities to indulge your creative side through candle-making, woodcrafts and more. The Inflatable Corral is a Texas-style “bouncy” park sure to wear any kid out; woodlands walking and biking trails are perfect for strolls or family rides. And this past summer saw the opening of a Tropical Sno Cone stand at the park’s Ranch Pool. If that’s not enough to keep your brood busy – all we can say is, Paintball is coming very soon.   The North Texas Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort is located at 2301 S. Burleson Blvd. in Burleson, TX and is open year-round.  Find more information and reservations visit www.northtexasjellystone.com or call 800.855.9091. Don’t forget to tell Steve and his team they’re doing a great job!

Texas camping used to be synonymous with staying in a tent or RV.  But Texas camping resorts across the Lone Star State are finding they can accommodate bigger groups and introduce more people to camping by making park model rental accommodations available to them, according to Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners.

“We’re seeing a dramatic increase in the number of parks that offer rental accommodations,” said Schaeffer, whose organization launched a separate website called TexasCabinRentals.net to help people find campgrounds with park model rental accommodations.  Park models are 400-square foot, factory built units that are built on a chassis, like a trailer, but look like cabins or cottages. They come fully furnished with beds and kitchen appliances. Some even have lofts for the kids.

“We’re adding a dozen of them to our park this year,” said Steve Stafford, manager of the Jellystone Park Texas Camping Resort in Burleson, outside of Dallas.
Major campground chains like Jellystone Parks have joined independently owned and operated campgrounds across the country in adding park models as rental accommodations for their guests. Government run campgrounds are also investing in park models.

More information on the park model surge in Texas is available from the Texas Association of Campground Owners, the Crowley-based trade association that represents and markets campgrounds, RV parks and resorts across the Lone Star State. The association’s 2013 RV Travel & Camping Guide to Texas highlights the fact that Texas is a birders paradise and includes detailed information on campgrounds, RV parks and resorts, as well as old Western style maps.

But perhaps the best part of the new South Haven Jellystone Park is that you never have to leave the park at all. Full of features you expect and love, this campground offers a beach-entry pool, gem mining, a jumping pillow, playgrounds and of course our famous themed weekend activities. If you’re in the area this month, check out their Halloween Spooktacular.

Family Camping in Michigan – Choose from tent campsites, RV campsites or Vacation Rentals

While the campground offers tent and RV sites for camping in Michigan, they also have plenty of vacation rentals available. From a one-room cabin to cottages with private baths and even a hot tub, you can enjoy all the fun without a tent or a rig. Or check out their poolside campsites, where the pool is just a few feet from your camper.The South Haven Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is at 03403 64th Street in South Haven, MI. To check it out or make a reservation, visit www.southhavenjellystone.com or call 269-637-6153. We’re looking forward to seeing your family there!

James Leaming, manager of the Jellystone Park Sturbridge Massachusetts campground, has been recognized as Operator of the Year by the Jellystone Park franchise system.

The Operator of the Year Award is given in recognition of excellence in management, customer service, inspection scores and growth of business.

“We are so excited to be recognized as Operators of the Year,” said Leaming. “We truly love taking care of our guests, and we’re proud to bring families a great budget-friendly way to enjoy each other and make wonderful memories.”

The closest Massachusetts campground to historic Old Sturbridge Village, the park features full-hookup RV camping, tent camping and rustic cabin rentals. Guests will enjoy the well-stocked private lake with its sandy beach, the Aqua Center with pools, Jacuzzi and waterslide, and an award-winning recreation program featuring movies, mini golf, a video arcade, shuffleboard, a sport court and two playgrounds. Pets are welcome at campsites and cabins (leash and proof of vaccinations required.)

Massachusetts Campground Activities

In 2013, a full schedule of seasonal entertainment kicks off April 19. Plans include live bands, nationally-known impersonators, clowns, magicians, hypnotists, record hops and more, performed live under the stars at the park’s poolside patio lounge.

Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Sturbridge is located at 30 River Road and is open year-round. For more information and reservations 508.347.9570.

Families who visit the Jellystone Park  campground in Williamsport, Md. find that the forested campground is green in more ways than one. The Maryland campground not only has several onsite recycling centers for aluminum cans, paper and cardboard. It also provides boxes for recyclable waste inside each rental cabin.

“We give our recycled materials to Goodwill and to a local non-profit center for people with special needs,” said Carrie Cerrito, the campground’s general manager.

Meanwhile, at the Jellystone Park in Fremont, Indiana, solar heating is used to provide supplemental heating for outdoor swimming pools, while the Jellystone Park in Larkspur, Colo. has integrated a goat ranch into its operations for fire mitigation and guest education purposes.

But the green initiatives underway at Jellystone Park campgrounds aren’t limited to recycling programs and infrastructure improvements. Many Jellystone Parks are also developing nature-focused activity and education programs.

“Across the U.S. and Canada, growing numbers of Jellystone Park Camp Resorts are complementing their green initiatives with activity and education programs that encourage children and adults alike to take better care of the environment,” said Michele Wisher, Director of Marketing for Milford, Ohio-based Leisure Systems Inc., which franchises Jellystone Parks across North America.

The 79-unit family campground chain was the first campground organization in the U.S. to join Leave No Trace, a Boulder, Colo.-based non-profit organization that develops educational programs to help children and adults take better care of the environment.

Leave No Trace provides Jellystone Park operators with information on how to develop their own nature education programs, which park operators can tailor to suit their guests’ interests. Here is a sampling of some of the nature oriented activities taking place at Jellystone Parks across North America this spring, summer and fall:

— Austin, Minnesota: This campground recycles water bottles for use in arts and crafts activities.  They also have a junior ranger program filled with nature-focused activities. On Mother’s Day, children also planted a flower garden for Cindy Bear.

— Bloomington, Indiana: This campground offers daily nature hikes. WildCare Inc., an organization dedicated to rehabilitating and taking in injured and orphaned animals from around Monroe County, is also bringing in three of their ambassadors to teach campers about responsible wildlife interactions and what to do if they find an injured animal in their own backyard.

— Bradford, Ontario (Toronto Market): This campground offers a weekly nature walk and scavenger hunt followed by a nature craft activity.

— Fremont, Indiana: This campground has nature focused scavenger hunts, craft activities involving recycled materials and Leave No Trace activities.

— Indian River, Michigan: This campground offers nature crafts; nature hikes; bug hunts; and pond exploration activities. This fall, the park will also offer Northern Michigan Safaris to give campers the ability to spot as many different types of wildlife as possible.

— Larkspur, Colorado: This campground has a goat ranch integrated into the operations of the campground with daily opportunities for campers to feed and pet the goats. Other nature oriented activities include brushing a miniature horse; collecting eggs from the chicken coop; and preparing the campground’s gardens. The campground also has an observation bee hive and displays on bee keeping, the history of bees and the importance of bees.

Summer goes by fast – make your reservation for a fun-filled summer vacation at Jellystone Park campgrounds today!

Tabor City Jellystone Park guests enjoy 350 acres of meticulously manicured grounds, concrete pads, sparkling ponds, and hiking trails.  Tucked away on aquiet farm in Southeastern North Carolina, the campground is just a short drive away from the attractions of Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, NC. Whether you are an angler at heart, enjoy hiking, are a social butterfly who loves planned activities or you just want to relax, you will experience natural beauty like you’ve never seen before at this North Carolina campground. Guests can choose from a range of accommodations, from tent and RV sites to North Carolina cabins and even pet-friendly yurts.

First-rate amenities include free wi-fi, accommodations, and activities for the whole family.  There’s also a pool, lap pool, Yogi Bear’s Splash Zone, and Water Wars for fun in the sun; an arcade, indoor theater and amphitheater; a jungle gym playground; mini golf; gem mining; basketball and volleyball courts; and the Locomotion Ride Truck, which takes guests on a four-wheel open-air trek through muddy terrain.  Nature lovers will enjoy miles of hiking trails and fully-stocked fishing ponds at this North Carolina campground. A camp ministry team leads worship services and Bible studies, and a helpful, attentive staff will make sure the entire family enjoys their getaway.

“We are thrilled to have won the “Facility of the Year” award,” said owner Rick Coleman, who runs the North Carolina campground with his family. “Our family started this operation in honor of our dad in 1999, and over the years we have grown to love providing a fun, family-friendly destination for our amazing guests. The entire Daddy Joe’s team is outstanding and this award honors all of them.”

The Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Daddy Joe’s is located at 626 Richard Wright Road and is open year-round.  If you are camping in North Carolina, visit this award-winning campground!

Located 15 minutes south of downtown Fort Worth and 40 minutes west of Dallas, the campground has 37 custom-built luxury cottages (25 of which have a two-person spa and fireplace) and 248 RV sites with full hookups, 50 amp, and cable connection.

Amenities include two family pools, a kiddie pool, playground, four meeting facilities, and more. Nearby entertainment and attractions include golf, shopping, restaurants, museums, theme parks and professional sports and racing. Families will also love the laser tag field, candy bar bingo, hayrides, visits from Yogi Bear and fire truck rides.

Pirates Cove Wet & Dry Fun Park is located next door to the resort and offers seven waterslides, multi-platform play area, inflatables, arcade games and more. Add themed weekends throughout the summer, and it’s a perfect Texas camping getaway.

The North Texas campground’s management team looks to continue the entrepreneurial trend with the addition of new attractions and programs in 2013. The new Lost Maze is a fun challenge for kids and parents to navigate together, and the Crafts & Activity Room will offer opportunities for families to indulge their creative sides with activities like candle making, tie-dyeing, and woodcrafts; the soon-to-open Inflatable Corral is an innovative “bouncy” park sure to wear kids out and ensure a good night’s sleep, while older kids will love the new woodlands walking and biking trail. The park’s Ranch Pool will feature a Tropical Sno Cone stand for summer 2013, and improvements to the onsite activities center include a new stage, movie screen and karaoke sound system.On the value side, guests can now choose from package deals like the Build Your Own Birthday package and Stay & Play wristbands, which allow unlimited enjoyment of all the park’s offerings.“We are always looking for ways to add value and family fun for our guests,” said owner Ron Bowyer. “We are excited that the Jellystone Park system recognized our efforts, and I am so proud of my entire team for always focusing on improving our guests’ experience. We look forward to an amazing 2013.”

The North Texas Jellystone Park campground is located at 2301 S. Burleson Blvd. in Burleson, TX and is open year-round.  If you are camping in Texas, check them out!

Don and Jan Tardy, who acquired the campground in May of last year with Jan’s adult children, Colt and Bree Perrin, said they wanted to join the Jellystone Park chain to expand their marketing reach.  “I like the concept of Jellystone Park and I want to emphasize the fact that we are a park that caters to families,” Don Tardy said.

Jellystone Parks are famous for offering fun, family activities that include everything from crafts and games to “hey rides,” birthday parties with the bears and daily appearances by Yogi.

The campground will celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with spa-like amenities that include special stations and supplies that will be set up so that kids can give their moms manicures, pedicures and massages.  The park is also planning a mom and kids team tournament, a scavenger hunt, and craft activities, which give children the opportunity to create memorable gifts for their moms and other special people in their lives.

“You don’t even need a tent or RV to camp with us because we have cabins and other vacation rentals,” said Michele Wisher, a spokeswoman for Milford, Ohio-based Leisure Systems, Inc., which franchises Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts.

The Tardys, who run the park with Jan’s adult son, Colt Perrin, already have a head start on the family activities and nice amenities, including two salt water swimming pools and a fishing pond, which is stocked with perch, bass and brim. But they plan to make more improvements to the campground in preparation for the upcoming camping season.

“We’re about to add five more cabins,” Tardy said, adding that the new cabins should be in place by May 15.  Whispering Pines also has four large meeting rooms with separate kitchens to accommodate large groups. Other amenities include basketball, horseshoe, ping pong, shuffleboard and volleyball courts, a camp store and a poolside cafe.

Tardy said his market primarily involves the area between Dallas and Shreveport, La.

If you are camping in Texas, visit one of five Jellystone Parks in the state. Other Jellystone Park Texas campgrounds are located in Burleson, Canyon Lake, Fredericksburg and Waller.

The Operator of the Year Award is given to the individual or team directly responsible for the day-to-day operation of a Camp-Resort in recognition of excellence in management and customer service, improvement of inspection scores and growth of business. The award was presented at the annual meeting of the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort group in Cincinnati.

“We are so excited to be recognized as Operators of the Year,” said Al Sahli. “We truly love taking care of our guests, and our staff is the best in the great state of Oklahoma. We’re proud to bring families a great budget-friendly way to enjoy each other and make wonderful memories.”

Located on the beautiful sandy shores of Oklahoma’s largest lake, the campground offers the best swimming, boating and fishing experience under the Oklahoma sun. Every campsite and cabin offers a view of beautiful Lake Eufaula; RV campsites are full hookup and cabins offer flat-screen TVs, kitchens and sleep up to six people. Two sandy swimming beaches, a swimming pool and a Wibit floatable sports complex and waterslide provide wet and wild fun for all ages; paddleboats, canoes and pontoon boats are also available. Kids will love panning for sparkling keepsakes at Rock Creek Gem Mining; if they have any energy left, families can check out the playground and enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant or Snack Shack (or boost their energy at the park’s Starbucks.)

In 2013, a full schedule of themed weekends is planned, starting with the Sailboat Regatta at Eufaula Marina Cove May 16-19. Summer weekends include Father’s Day Weekend June 14-16; Eufaula’s Whole Hawg Festival July 25-29; and Totally Retro Week August 16-19.

Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Lake Eufaula is located at 610 Lakeshore Drive in Eufaula and opens for the season on May 18.

Vacation is about exploring somewhere new and escaping the rigors of everyday life, and what better way to explore than in a camper or motor home. The comforts of home and the open road combine to create the ultimate RV vacation experience. Road warriors take advantage of good food, ultimate freedom and an inexpensive mode of transportation. Oftentimes after a trip filled with exotic terrain and fun activities, the road-trip jokes and conversations leave a lasting impression. RV traveling emphasizes comradery and leads to lifelong memories.

Before you hit the highway, school yourself on these time-tested road rules.

RV Vacation Rules:

Spring for Insurance: Whether your renting an RV or driving your own, vehicle insurance will cover your RV in the case of an accident on the road. Be careful inside, however, many road insurance providers don’t cover interior damage.

Inspect the RV: You can’t eliminate the risk of a breakdown, but checking the RV’s tire pressure and liquid levels will start your trip with the right foot forward. Fill up tires to their ideal pressure, which is listed on the tire wall, and check that oil and coolant levels are stable.

Plan for the Worst: Hopefully, you never need to use it, but a thorough medical kit is a necessity when traveling cross country. Basic items such bandages, ibuprofen and and gauze should be included as well as more involved items like an EpiPen and burn relief ointment.

Map Your Stops: Positioned near some of the most beautiful terrain in the U.S., campgrounds offer a great opportunity to meet like-minded travelers. The wind may blow you in a unique direction, but planned stops will help you make the most of your trip. GocampingAmerica.com lists information on RV parks across the U.S.

Don’t Pack Too Much: Only pack enough clothes and food for a few days. You can do laundry at campgrounds and buy food in towns you visit. A camper may feel like home, but that doesn’t mean you have to bring your entire wardrobe.

Don’t Overbuy: When you purchase souvenirs, take care not to overcrowd your motor home; you can ship large items home.

Limit Driving: Try not to drive more than 400 miles each day. Take the time to stop and enjoy sites. Too much driving dulls your senses and increases risk plus, vacation is about enjoying the ride, so why not take a look around?

Plan Meals: Plan your meals as best as you can. Most RVs come equipped with a limited kitchen, so it’s possible to stock a freezer with meat and produce. Take advantage of grilling at camp locations as much as possible to avoid lingering smells in the camper and to avoid clutter.

Look for Bargains: Search the Internet for inexpensive local campgrounds.

Travel Off-Season: Plan your trip during less popular vacation times for big savings and less-crowded attractions.

The time is now to start planning your cross-country road trip adventure. Take the time to map out your route and find fun and unusual attractions and sites to visit along the way as you explore Americas roads.

Post by Dee Paulson

A retired world history teacher, Dee travels the world and shares cultural and political viewpoints in her stories online. She visits Cairo and Italy every year.

Here’s a nice article we found about the Jellystone Park in Caledonia, WI. Thought we’d pass it along if you’re looking for a vacation in Wisconsin.

Looking For A Place To Beat The Heat Or Have A Stay-cation?

By Denise Lockwood

The hot weather has zapped all of us, but here’s a fun place you can go to beat the heat and even have a few laughs and giggles around the campfire.

Looking for a place to cool off? Yogi’s got you covered.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, 8425 State Road 38, just may be one of the coolest places to escape the hot weather, and the park and RV/campground isn’t far from home.

Randy and Theresa Isaacson, along with their three adult daughters – Rachel, Bridget and Marley and their families – operate the camp-resort from early May through mid-October each year.

The campground recently added a 173.5-foot waterslide that drops 25 feet, new mini golf greens, and two premium campsites, and four basic cabins to the 250 plus sites. They also upgraded the bathrooms.

Bridget Bender, the general manager for the park and Randy and Theresa’s middle daughter, said they added the amenities to provide their guests a better camping experience.

“The feedback we’ve gotten from riders has been fun to listen to,” Bender said. “Everyone loves the new waterslide, but the adults seem to be more surprised by it than anyone. This is what might explain the look on people’s faces as they exit the flume. Everyone has a shocking look on their face initially as if they are surprised by its speed, and then it is all smiles.”

Next year a second slide will be added, Bender said.

The park also features recreation activities and just recently held a mystery-themed weekend where campers needed to figure out who stole Yogi’s picnic basket and JellyFest, which features everything from karaoke to a “gel…ly hair style contest,” will be held from July 13 through July 15. They also have laser tag, a jumping pillow, pool and water balloon slingshots.

“We want our guests to have an experience that they can’t get anywhere else,” Bender said.

But you don’t have to camp at the park to enjoy the pool and recreation area. Day passes are $14 for an individual or $50 for a family from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, but some weeks are excluded.

Visit the campground’s website for campground pricing. Camping prices include all of the activities and recreation events.

They offer sites for tent and RV camping, but if lugging around all of that camping gear isn’t your thing, they also have a number of cabins, and they have air conditioning.

“We’re an expensive campground, but we offer a value vacation,” Bender said.

These Jellystone Parks are in the top 100 of all Good Sam parks and are named the “Best of the Best” for 2012.
Harrisville, PA
Woodstock, NB

Woodall Publications announced the top-rated, privately-owned RV parks and campgrounds in North America through its 5W/5W rating system. Of the 8,000 privatelyowned parks listed in its 2012 North American Campground Directory, 363 parks earned the highest and most coveted designation in the Woodall’s rating system.

Congrats to these parks for their award!
Amboy, IL
Fremont, IN
Lawrence, KS
Hagerstown, MD
Frankenmuth, MI
Horn Lake, MS
Pelahatchie, MS
Gardiner, NY
North Hudson, NY
North Java, NY
Woodridge, NY
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Harrisville, PA
Mill Run, PA
Quarryville, PA
Gatlinburg, TN
Caledonia, WI
WI Dells, WI

Campers who stay at the park from Spring Break through Earth Day may get a chance to bottle feed a new generation of Nubian dairy goats

LARKSPUR, Colorado – The Grenier family can hardly wait for Spring Break. Not only because they get to go camping at the Jellystone Park campground , but because the timing might work out to bottle feed the park’s newest members – a new generation of Nubian dairy goats! “The goats have roped us in!” exclaimed Lisa Grenier of Castle Rock, whose five children have become enamored of Jellystone’s goats, particularly her 12-year-old daughter, who got a chance to trim the hooves of one of them last fall.

Several Castle Rock families, in fact, are staying in close contact with Jellystone Park owner Ian Steyn regarding the park’s new arrivals. “We’re really looking forward to going there and bottle feeding the baby goats,” said Jennifer Sturgeon of Castle Rock, who has taken her two boys, ages 6 and 9, to the park several times in recent months to interact with some two dozen goats that live on the property.

Steyn brought what he thought were 24 male goats to his campground last year after a local dairy goat farmer expressed remorse over having to butcher the males, since they couldn’t produce as much milk. But Steyn later discovered that four of the goats were “mis-sexed,” and he wound up with four doelings, who later became pregnant does that are about to give birth.

But since Steyn bottle-fed all of his goats from infancy, the animals are unusually tame, companion goats that interact gently with guests, sometimes even jumping on their laps like cats or dogs. “They’re great entertainment for the kids, and they’re just fun to watch,” Sturgeon said, adding that they can also be trained to go hiking. “You can put a pack on them and they’ll go hiking with you.”

In addition to providing entertainment for children, Steyn uses the goats to naturally maintain and fertilize the grass on the campground’s 2-mile long disc golf course. He also uses the does to educate park guests about the benefits of goat’s milk and the cheese that’s produced from it, which is called “chevre.” In fact, the park frequently holds classes for guests who want to learn how to milk a goat and make various products from it, including cheese, butter, ice cream, pudding and goat soap.

Guests also help with bottle-feeding, since young goats need to be fed three times a day. Some guests have even adopted some of the goats, and care for them on a regular basis. “We use the goats to tow sleds in the winter, and in summer, they tow little carts that the kids can ride,” Steyn said.

Close to 20 goats are expected to be born at the Jellystone Park at Larkspur around the time of spring break and will need to be bottle fed for several weeks, potentially until Earth Day. For more information about the goats and other family activities and attractions at the Jellystone Park in Larkspur, visit www.jellystonelarkspur.com.

The Jellystone Park campground in Sioux Falls is seeing more local campers and fewer long-distance travelers, a change the park attributes to rising fuel costs and difficulties people have getting away for longer trips

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota – When Ray Aljets built the campground that later became Jellystone Park Camp-Resort 23 years ago, most of his business was east-west traffic, particularly families from Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis who traveled westward to visit the Black Hills.  Today, however, 65 to 70 percent of the Jellystone Park’s business is families who live within 100 miles of the park. “We still get the east-west traffic,” said Aljets’ son, Bruce, who now runs the park with his wife, Donna, and two of their children, Ray and Christina. “But now most of our business is local.”  

Business is strong, too. Last year, for example, the park surpassed its 2010 revenues by 11 percent, and this year looks to be just as strong as last year, if not stronger, Bruce Aljets said, adding that his park opens for the camping season on April 1st.  But the dynamics are different.

Fuel costs are higher than they used to be, which encourages people to visit campgrounds that are closer to home. Today’s families also have a harder time getting away for extended periods of time. Both parents usually work and often have a harder time getting their vacations to coincide. Kids also have more sporting activities available to them in the summer than they used to, all of which encourages families to camp closer to home. The good news, Bruce Aljets said, is that camping is as popular as ever, with one caveat. “People don’t want to rough it,” he said. “They want the comforts of home when they camp. Even tent campers want Wi-Fi so they can watch Netflix movies.”

As a result, Aljets provides his guests with cabins with house-like amenities, including cable TV and Wi-Fi service and hot showers. The campground also has a jumping pillow, pedal cart rentals, a heated swimming pool and spa, an indoor theatre and a miniature golf course. And for those who don’t have a tent or RV, the park provides a dozen rental cabins. 

Aljets’ Jellystone Park also has an activities director and provides organized family activities from May through the end of October that are designed to appeal to all ages, including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekend events; Mardi Gras and Christmas in July celebrations; and Bruce’s favorite, the “Messy Weekend” July 27th to 30th, which includes a chocolate pudding Slip N Slide, bobbing for worms and other messy activities. Late summer and fall activities include a corn maze and Halloween-themed weekend events, including costume and campsite decorating contests. A complete listing of activities and themed weekends is available at www.jellystonesiouxfalls.com.

The Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Larkspur is planning at least five gourmet dinners from Memorial Day weekend through late September.

LARKSPUR,  Colo. – The nights are still chilly on the east slope of the Rockies.  But that’s not stopping Matt Fredell at Jellystone Park campground in Larkspur from planting his first boxes of produce. Fredell, an organic farmer, is building planter boxes with lids that can be closed overnight, protecting newly planted vegetables from frost. “We can extend the growing season to as much as nine months by doing this,” Fredell explained, adding that he expects the first seedlings to be sprouting by Earth Day.

And by the time summer is here, Fredell expects to have a garden full of spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and herbs, which campground owner Ian Steyn hopes will inspire his guests to take an interest in organic farming, while learning more about how we grow our food.  “We want to start teaching our guests about the principals of good stewardship, of taking care of yourself and the things around you,” Steyn said.

But Steyn’s efforts aren’t limited to the park’s organic garden. Steyn has also hired award-winning chefs Tom and Shari Fritz-Scholten, who will offer classes and prepare gourmet meals and wine pairing events throughout the summer months. The Scholtens, who previously owned and operated Fritz Alpine Bistro in Keystone, won Wine Spectator magazine’s “Award of Excellence” four years in a row, from 2004 to 2007.

“We want people to come to our events and enjoy wine pairings that match our sustainable food,” Tom Scholten said. “We also want to promote the fact that Colorado is becoming an incredible wine destination.”

The Scholtens’ summer schedule at Jellystone at Larkspur includes:

• An outdoor food and wine pairing class on Memorial Day weekend
• A gourmet barbecue class on June 16th in celebration of Father’s Day and to help guests prepare for their own July 4th celebrations
• A “farm to table” gourmet weekend on July 21st, celebrating Colorado’s history and agricultural heritage
• A wine pairing class on August 18th, which will help guests prepare for Labor Day weekend activities
• A fall farm to table celebration on Sept. 21st.

But while the Scholtens’ food will be top notch, don’t expect it to be served on silver platters or bone china. “We plan to serve the food on recycled paper plates, which will then be fed to 10,000 earthworms that will consume the paper and any leftovers. We will then use the casings from the worms as fertilizer for our organic gardens. So everything will go full circle,” Steyn said. Steyn said his park is the first in the Jellystone chain of resorts to feature gourmet food with organic garden. “We want this to be a unique, informative and entertaining experience,” he said.

You are invited to bring the family to camp at the Jellystone Park™ in Bremen, GA for a spring-filled fun Easter Egg Hunt with bunnies, basket decorating for the kids, train rides, hay rides and of course, Yogi Bear™! All the fun takes place March 17, 18, 24, 25, & 31 and April 1 & 7 from 1-5PM. The hunt, which includes an Easter Basket as well, is only $3.00 per child in addition to the camping rate.

If you come for a day pass only, the cost is $6 for children (includes basket) and $4 for adults (rates subject to sales tax). No reservation is required for the Easter Egg Hunts. Visit the Georgia Jellystone Park website for details.

Edited from the Nashville Ledger:  

The announcement of a new $50 million water and snow park being built by Nashville entertainment giants Dolly Parton and Gaylord would seem to be great news for all of Nashville. More tourists, 450 new jobs and positive national exposure – who couldn’t rally around this news?

How about the owners of Nashville’s existing water parks, Nashville Shores and Wave Country? Surely they are feel like a mom-and-pop business watching a Walmart pop up next door.

Actually, even they seem excited.

“We think it will definitely be very helpful for business in this area,” says Lou Anne Wheeler, a manager at the nearby Jellystone Park campground. “We just went to an RV show in Huntsville and everyone who stopped at our booth said they heard about the new water park, so the excitement is everywhere already.”

Nashville Jellystone Park has 230 camping sites, and Wheeler says they are full during CMA week and would like to see more people stay there and enjoy the new theme park.

“We anticipate we will get busier when it opens because we are a family-oriented campground to begin with. We are pretty excited about it,” she adds.

Read the full article here.

From Yahoo News: The Mile High Disc Golf Club in the front range of Colorado is not only making great strides in helping to spread the word about disc golf, over the fall and winter seasons they’ve worked hard to help the hungry in the region.

Their Winter Warrior Series took place starting in early November and ran through the end of January. Disc golf players came together braving especially tough conditions with the Denver area experiencing a lot more snow and extreme cold temperatures than is typical for the region. Disc golfers competed on courses like the beautiful Beaver Ranch Disc Golf Course in Conifer, and the Disc Golf Course at the Jellystone campground in Larkspur , all to help a great cause.

Proceeds from the Winter Warrior Series tournaments went to the Food Bank of the Rockies, a local charity helping to feed the hungry in metro Denver and areas beyond, such as northern Colorado, eastern Colorado and the Western Slope.

 Click here to read the full story.

Here’s a fun picture from the Jellystone Park campground in Estes Park, Colorado.

The Jellystone Park™ family is excited to welcome our first Alabama Park — the former Lazy Acres Campground in Elberta, AL, joins us this camping season. Located just 17 miles from Alabama’s famous Gulf Shores (and five miles from West Pensacola), Lazy Acres campground was built from the ground up 14 years ago. The owners carefully preserved the natural setting by cutting down as few trees as possible to make room for campsites and amenities. The result is a Deep South getaway that makes the perfect home base for exploring all of Floribama, from Mobile to Gulf Shores to Pensacola, FL.
 

The campground offers 43 full service sites as well as campsites for pull-throughs and tents. A pool, playground, volleyball court, and meeting room are all onsite; a fully-stocked lake offers free fishing.
 

While you’re there, you’ll want to explore the area. Be sure to visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile; Gulf Shores National Seashore and Waterville, USA in Gulf Shores; and the greyhound track, and Pensacola Beach in Pensacola. The park is currently offering a free third night stay for guests who reserve a site for two nights.
 

The new Alabama Jellystone Park is open year-round and is located at 12160 Wortel Road in Elberta, AL. For reservations, call 251-986-3566.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort of Sioux Falls, SD is honoring the true Super Heroes – police, firefighters, emergency personnel and armed forces – of our communities the weekend of September 16-18, 2011.

A number of special events and programs are scheduled for Saturday, September 17, 2011. A portion of the proceeds from the weekend will be donated to Operation Cares—an organization that provides support to families of service men and women who have been called away to support and defend our country.

“We’re excited to once again recognize and honor our everyday ‘superheroes’ who risk their lives helping our community,” said Donna Aljets, owner of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort. “In addition, due to the outpouring support we had last year, we look forward to hosting a number of events that will also benefit Operation Cares.”

Activities scheduled for the day include: a rocket launcher, humvee and obstacle course provided by the South Dakota Army National Guard; presentations on “Stranger Danger” by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s office; the Brandon Fire Department’s fire truck; the Sanford Helicopter; wagon rides; visits from Yogi Bear and Boo Boo; an evening community bon fire; and other activities throughout the day.

All campsites and cabins are discounted 25% to any retired or active “superhero” with a valid ID. For those “superheroes” who are not campers, the daily admission fee at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is also discounted 25%.

The festivities begin on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude around 10:00 p.m. The event is open to the general public. For more information, call 605-332-2233 or visit http://www.jellystonesiouxfalls.com/ for more information.

Labor Day weekend may mark the end of the traditional summer camping season, but for the Jellystone Park™ Campgrounds that offer Halloween-themed activities; their busiest season is just beginning.

“We’re just now getting into our busiest time of the year,” Dana Gabriel, co-owner of the Jellystone Park Campground in Swansea, S.C. , stated in a news release. She added that her park offers five consecutive Halloween-themed weekends that include carnival games as well as costume contests for adults, children and pets; campsite decorating contests; and trick or treating. Halloween-themed activities have gotten to be so popular, Gabriel said, that the park ratchets up the scariness, with “no scare” Halloween events on the last weekend of September and first weekend of October, followed by three full-on scary weekends for older children and adults that also include a haunted house, which Gabriel and her family created out of an old barn.

Most Jellystone Parks now offer Halloween-themed activities. Activities typically include campsite decorating and costume contests as well as trick or treating and, in some cases, haunted houses and spooky nighttime walks in the forest.

For the third consecutive year, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Campground of Sioux Falls is welcoming families to get lost in seven acres of twists, turns and dead ends in the world’s only Yogi Bear Corn Maze.

Opening Friday September 2, the corn maze is located at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground at the I-90 Exit 402. Admission is open to the general public and includes the corn maze with two levels of difficulty, jumping pillow, wagon rides and visits by Yogi Bear. Discounts are given to camping guests or groups of 20 or more

“Whether you solve the maze under blue skies, with flashlights, or the light of the moon on a starry night, the maze is fun for all ages,” said Bruce Aljets, owner of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground. “Once again, we are excited to offer folks from the tri-state region a unique, budget-conscious option for the whole family to enjoy.”

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground of Sioux Falls was named Campground of the Year in 2009 by the Jellystone Park franchise system. The campground has won a number of awards since it was founded in 1989.

For more information regarding the corn maze hours and rates, visit siouxfallscornmaze.com or call 800-638-9043.

Penny-Pinchers Looking to Get Away This Summer Trigger Uptick in Visits to Campsites, Parks With Perks
By: EJ Schultz

Here’s an article excerpt from Advertising Age magazine about the trend for upscale camping. Families looking for a fun but economical vacation are finding campgrounds like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks to be just the ticket!  

When Gaynell Garcia began planning a family reunion for this summer, she had to make a decision: Rent a home, book a hotel or go camping? She decided to rough it. Well, sort of.

Her extended family — more than 50 kids, parents and grandparents — will meet this Fourth of July weekend in the Rocky Mountain foothills at the Jellystone Park in Larkspur, Colo., which in addition to the usual tree-lined campsites touts a heated pool, 24-hour laundry, remodeled bathhouses and free WiFi. “We have a pretty large group going so we wanted to make sure we could accommodate everybody,” said Ms. Garcia, who will make the four-hour drive to the campsite from her southern Colorado home. “With the economy and everything, we just thought [camping] would be the best option.”

Camping is emerging as the top choice for many families this year, as the industry touts new amenities to draw penny-pinching vacationers who still want to get away, but can’t afford shelling out big bucks for airline fare, posh resorts or pricey home rentals. The road to recovery started last year, when revenue for the nation’s more than 13,000 privately run campgrounds and RV parks grew 3% after falling 4.8% in the wake of the recession in 2009, according to a new report by IBISWorld, which provides market intelligence on a variety of industries. Although hurt somewhat by the recession, camping didn’t fall as fast as other travel segments, such as hotels and motels, whose revenue plummeted more than 9% in 2009, according to IBISWorld.

But campsites are not taking future growth for granted. Many sites are upgrading facilities to lure picky campers who are often looking for more than just a patch of dirt to pitch a tent. Consider the Jellystone Park franchise, where several sites are adding “splashgrounds” and water slides. Sites are also adding more rental cabins to attract visitors who don’t own an RV, or don’t like to sleep outside. “People who don’t normally consider themselves campers can still have the outdoor experience,” said Michele Wisher, director of marketing for Leisure Systems, parent of the Jellystone franchise, which covers 78 camping locations nationwide.

Read the full article here. 

The Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground in Mill Run , PA has been recognized with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Jellystone Park franchise system. The award recognizes Campgrounds that show a strong growth in business over the prior year.

The premier campground in Southwest Pennsylvania, Jellystone Park at Mill Run is in the heart of the Laurel Mountains and perfectly situated to easily enjoy nearby activities and attractions like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Living Treasures Animal Park, nature hiking, white water rafting, kayaking and antiquing. Onsite amenities provide fun for all ages, including recently-added snowless tubing tracks, two swimming pools, mini golf, a gem mining sluice, carousel rides, fire truck rides and more. The 2011 season will offer seven new camping cabins and 20 additional full hook-up campsites; a new store and restaurant; and a drive-through check-in process. And Memorial Day Weekend the park will introduce its new Yogi Bear’s Wet Lands water feature, with a Spray Zone, new pool and two new waterslides. While the park is open year-round, daily activities are offered Memorial Day through Labor Day.

“The team at Mill Run Jellystone Park works hard to constantly upgrade and improve our facilities and ensure our guests enjoy a fun, friendly, top-notch family getaway,” said park owner Randy Work. “We are honored to be recognized by the franchise system and look forward to a great 2011 camping season with lots of new amenities and activities.”

Themed weekends include the Grand Opening Celebration of Yogi Bear’s Wet Lands (June 10-12), complete with pirates and a magician; Christmas in July (July 8-10), when the park will be decked out in holiday lights and kids can get an early visit from Santa Claus and take a moonlit wagon ride; and Country Western Wet and Wild Weekend (August 19-21), with a haunted wagon ride and ghost town tour.

The Mill Run Jellystone Park Campground is located off Route 381. Find more information and reservations visit  jellystonemillrun.com  or call 800.439.9644.

Larry and Kim Jones, owners of Jellystone Park™ Campground Hill Country in Canyon Lake, Texas, have been recognized with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Jellystone Park franchise system. The award recognizes Campgrounds that show a strong growth in business over the prior year.

Located on 27 acres in the beautiful rolling hills of Texas Hill Country, the campground is just 13 miles from New Braunfels and less than an hour from Austin and Houston. Guests will love the brand-new sparkling pool and kid-friendly splash park that opened for the 2011 camping season, as well as the indoor pool, Jumping Pillow, meeting rooms, Laser Tag, disc golf, Gem Mine, sand volleyball court, half court basketball, horseshoe pits, playground and Jellystone Hall, which is perfect for family reunions or church retreats. The park also allows day visitors to its pool and splash park, and rents its meeting rooms and Jellystone Hall to the public, making it a great day destination for locals.

The Joneses, whose children also work at the campground, were chosen for their commitment to consistent improvement to their growing park. In addition to the new pool, splash park and disc golf, they have recently added a jumping pillow and camping cabins.

“We’ve been very blessed with strong business growth thanks to our wonderful staff and our amazing customers,” said Larry Jones. “Our team, the unique Texas economy and the great regional attractions that surround our park have helped us build a strong repeat customer and referral base.”

Themed weekends provide additional family fun, with a different theme every weekend all summer long. Kids and adults alike will enjoy events like Hero’s Weekend (May 20-22), when all law enforcement, doctors, nurses, EMTs, firefighters and military personnel camp two nights for the price of one; Western Roundup Weekend (June 24-26), when guests can don their cowboy duds and Under the Sea Weekend (August 12-14), including sand castles, blowing bubbles, crafts, crab races, and of course, lots of water activities.

The Jellystone Park Campground Hill Country is located at 12915 FM 306 in Canyon Lake and is open year-round. Find more information and reservations visit jellystonehillcountry.com or call 877.964.3731.

The Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Campground in Toronto, Ontario has been recognized with the Maple Leaf Award by the Jellystone Park franchise system. The award honors a Canadian franchisee for commitment and dedication to the Jellystone Park franchise and to providing a top-quality camping experience for guests.

Jellystone Park Toronto offers guests a choice of 150 spacious campsites, each with a picnic table and inground campfire ring, or their unique “Canadian Habitats,” 200-square foot, full-frame camping shelters (sometimes called “yurts.”) The closest campground to Canada’s Wonderland theme park, the campground also features a heated swimming pool, sand volleyball, mini-putt golf, playground, walking trails, wagon rides with Yogi Bear, and an activities pavilion. Just a short drive away are: golf courses, antiquing, the Metro Toronto Zoo, The Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Skydome.

“Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks are a great place to camp as well as work,” said owner Gary O’Rourke. “I very much enjoy the opportunity to meet people from around the World and help make their vacations that much more special. Jellystone Parks across Canada and the U.S.A. are a great destination for clean, fun family camping. It is an honor to receive this award.”

Theme weekends begin May 20-23 with Victoria Day Weekend, when guests will enjoy a fiesta-style celebration complete with spicy salsa music. Not only will families create new memories, but they will enjoy camping while making use of the park’s recreation program at discounted pre-season rates. Another example is July 1-3, Canada Day/Western Weekend, when the park will celebrate the weekend ‘western style’ while participating in a western style dance and the annual corn roast.

The Toronto Jellystone Park Campground is located at 3666 Simcoe Road 88, on the northwest corner of Hwy. 400 & Simcoe Rd. 88 at Exit 64B West. The park opens for the season May 1, 2011. For more information or to book a reservation, visit www.jellystonetoronto.com/ or call (905) 775-1377.

The Barry and Corcimiglia families, owners of the Jellystone Park™ Campground in Fremont, Indiana , have been recognized with the Facility of the Year Award by the Jellystone Park franchise system. The award is given to the Campground that has added new amenities and facilities while also showing sustained improvements on current amenities.

Located on northeastern Indiana’s beautiful Barton Lake, Fremont’s Jellystone Park Campground offers 540 scenic campsites and 36 cabins and cottages; three additional rustic cabins will be available this season. The campground features a wide array of amenities, from indoor and outdoor pools to a water playground, Zoomflume and Speed & Tube waterslides, five playgrounds, kiddie train rides, Water Wars, paddle and rowboat rentals, and so much more. A new lounge pool will make its debut in the swimming area this season. Planned activities and themed weekends make camping more fun than ever all season long. This year’s weekend lineup includes Fantasy and Fairytale Weekend (May 13-15), when guests can dress up as their favorite storybook character; Honor our Heroes Weekend (June 3-5), which offers 25% off two-night reservation fees to all active military, veterans, firefighters, police, EMTs and teachers; and Cindy Bear’s Sweet Delights Weekend (July 29-31), where each guest’s sweet tooth will enjoy special treats!

The park earned the Facility of the Year award in part due to the 2010 addition of a fourth swimming pool complete with a pavilion. “We are honored to have received the 2010 Facility of the Year Award from our franchisor,” said Roger Barry, who has owned the Fremont park for more than 30 years. “We take great pride in providing excellent amenities and customer service so each guest has the ultimate camping experience.” The campground has won the Facility of the Year award a total of five times since joining the Jellystone Park family in 1982.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Fremont opens for the 2011 season on April 16. For reservations, call 800-375-6063 or visit jellystonesbest.com.

Your family’s list of must-visit destinations for 2011 just got a little longer: Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Luray, VA has been named Camp-Resort of the Year for the Jellystone Park franchise. The Camp-Resort of the Year award is the highest honor in the franchise, recognizing one campground above all the rest as the very best of the best for management, operations, appearance and performance.

Owned by the Rust family, the picturesque Luray Jellystone Park is found at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. You’ll find Luray Caverns, world-famous Skyline Drive and the main entrance to Shenandoah National Park just a few miles away.

The park boasts lovely tent and RV sites, as well as 50 cabins. There’s even the Three Bears Lodge, which sleeps 10 and includes a gas fireplace. Activities abound for every member of the family – a twisting, turning tornado of a waterslide; Laser Tag; pedal boats; Old Faceful gem mining; two swimming pools, including one with a spray feature; kiddie pool; miniature golf; fishing; a game room; and a Jumping Pillow. The kids will have the time of their lives (while building memories to last a lifetime) and they’ll be so worn out at the end of the day, bedtime will be a snap, leaving you plenty of time to unwind by the campfire in peace.

While Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Luray is open year-round, some activities are seasonal. Planned activities and themed weekends kick off March 26 with the Wake Up the Bears/Two for One Weekend, when guests can camp two nights for the price of one (not valid on cabins and cottages.) Visit http://www.campluray.com/for a full schedule and rates.

Featuring hundreds of thousands of energy-efficient LED lights synchronized and dancing to classic tunes like the “Hallelujah Chorus”, this is one of the biggest light shows in the country! When the drive is done, visit Santa’s Village and warm up with cider or cocoa, toast a s’more, get your picture taken with Santa Claus, and visit the gift shop and Kids’ Craft Corner.

The fully-computerized, custom-designed drive-thru holiday light tour is open 6-10 p.m. through January 2. Admission is $25 per carload, or reserve a Sugar Creek Carriage ride and enjoy the show in the open air (blankets are provided.) Guests will also receive a free local discount card valid for all of 2011.

With more than a quarter mile of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music you’ll enjoy through your radio, it’s sure to become a family tradition. Even better, proceeds benefit the Gloucester Mathews Humane Society and the Abingdon Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

You can also donate canned goods for the local Humane Society and area food banks. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the spirit of the season while making an impact on local lives.

Join Yogi and the gang at Jellystone Park™ at River Bottom Farms in Swansea, SC  and ring in the New Year with style! Friday, December 31, they will be hosting a Karaoke New Year’s party in the Recreation Center, followed by fireworks over the pond.
 

A Pot Luck Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, January 1. Traditional black-eyed peas and greens, tea, bread and a meat will be provided; just bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share. Afterward, enjoy a game of Candy Bar Bingo and win a sweet snack to eat during the Saturday night Family Fun Movie!

Don’t miss the food, friends, and fireworks!
Jellystone Park™ at River Bottom Farms
357 Cedar Creek Road
Swansea, South Carolina 29160
Dec.31-2010 to Jan.2, 2011

Open every night from Nov. 19 – Jan. 2, this driving tour lights the night from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 5:30-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. The cost is $18 per family vehicle, or $30 for commercial vehicles such as limousines and small buses. Visit www.santasmagicalkingdom.com or call 636-938-5925 for group rates and more information.

You’ll see Santa’s elves hard at work in his workshop; Rudolph leading the pack on his annual Christmas Eve journey; and a 15-foot high gingerbread house covered in sparkling candy. After your cruise, stop in Santa’s Coffee Shop, where you can warm up with a homemade latte, mocha, hot cocoa, or cinnamon apple cider. While you’re there, you can pick up those last few gifts on the holiday list and even have the kids’ photo made with Santa, who stops by every Wednesday and Saturday evening.

The Wisconsin Carnival of Lights is open every Sunday-Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays up through New Year’s (closed Christmas Day.) The fun begins just south of Oak Creek, WI located 1/2 mile south of the Milwaukee County line in Caledonia, WI right off HWY 38. For more information, visit www.wichristmascarnival.com or call 262.835.2565.

GetawayUSA online magazine promotes Campgrounds and RVing depicting four states monthly with spectacular photography and interesting editorial on what to do in each state. Camping and accommodation options are covered with campground and state park features. Interesting topics like recipes, traveling with pets along with plenty of competitions and prize give aways make the magazine a must read for those interested in camping and RVing. The pages promote family values, getting back to nature and spending quality family time together.

“The USA – You own it but have you experienced it yet? GetawayUSA is all about introducing you and your family to the Natural Wonders, the Historic sites, the Varied Culture and the interesting Places and People of this great land”

The current issue features four states, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia and Oregon with the November issue featuring Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Arizona. Be sure to register and receive your issue of GetawayUSA.
The magazine is free but those that want to receive discounts are asked to pay a yearly subscription of $12.
Click here for the latest issue: http://issuu.com/industryenews/docs/getawayusa2 when open click the full screen button on the left for best viewing.

Click here to subscribe: http://www.getaway-usa.com/competitions.html

Join the spooky Halloween family fun at Jellystone Park™ Campground in Sturbridge, Massachusetts  October 29-31. There are treats for tricksters of all ages, including arts and crafts, scarecrow building, leaf gathering, bingo, spider-walk races, pumkin bowling, holiday parade, trick-or-treating, Halloween dance, Enchanted Forest walk, haunted story teller, and more. Plus there will be costume contests for adults and children with awesome prizes.

New in 2010, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run Pennsylvania introduced the first snow-less snow tubing track into the camping industry.

Yogi Bear, Boo Boo and Cindy Bear took the first ride down the track as onlookers cheered them on waiting anxiously to take their turn sliding down the hill. Kids and adults of all ages enjoy the fun that this brings into the Mill Run Pennsylvania campground. Rider’s line up, to either form long trains or race each other to the end. Evening parties have been started to do late night glow stick riding which brings a different twist to the ride. The cooler the evening  gets,  the faster the track starts to run and with it being dark and unlit, the thrill of not knowing where you will end up, excites the campers even more.

While waiting for your turn campers enjoy snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn and drinks at the activity table. Anyone passing through Mill Run Pennsylvania should stop by and try out the slides. Just think you don’t have to put snow boots, gloves , hats and extra clothing on to enjoy the same fun you have in the winter. Plus there is no chance for frostbite.

By Anthony Breznican, USA TODAY

Dan Aykroyd is bringing back a wild and crazy guy from his youth, but it’s not one of the “swinging Czech brothers.”

Aykroyd voices the newly digitized Yogi Bear in a 3-D film, set to open Dec. 17, re-creating a childhood influence that nudged the Saturday Night Livea nd Ghostbusters star into comedy.

Even when his parents tried to put a limit on his after-school cartoon consumption, “I would sneak and watch them, and my brother would watch. Of course it became ingrained,” he says. “When I heard they were doing this project, I called my agent and said I would love to be a part of this, because it’s a part of me, all those voices.”

Aykroyd co-stars with Justin Timberlake, 29, who voices Yogi’s diminutive, long-suffering sidekick, Boo Boo.

Both came aboard because of their ability to mimic the original sound of the Hanna-Barbera characters: Yogi’s affable bluster and Boo Boo’s nasal pinch.

“Justin, it’s little known, used to imitate cartoon characters when he was younger,” says Yogi Bear director Eric Brevig. “He said when he was learning to sing, doing vocal exercises or singing lessons, part of what he did was imitate these characters. So he came in with a prepared Boo Boo voice that he’d been doing all his life, too.”

Aykroyd, 58, needs zero coaxing to break out his imitation, answering his phone with the talking bear’s familiar “Hey, hey, hey … ”

Yogi, as voiced by the late Daws Butler in the early 1960s, was a takeoff on Art Carney’s Ed Norton from The Honeymooners— itself a character heavily influenced by the Borscht Belt and vaudeville comics.

“It’s about hitting certain notes, going back to those old Lower East Side rhythms, the Catskills, Jersey, Upstate New York,” Aykroyd says. “It’s the Yiddish language, essentially, being spoken in English. It’s the ‘setup, delivery, punch’ that sitcoms live on today. That’s where the origin of American humor is.”

Children who go to the family comedy will see just the antics of a silly talking bear. But parents may simply be relieved to see Aykroyd paying homage to their treasured original.

“I have kids, and I remember the characters from when I was young,” Brevig says. “I really wanted this to be a movie that doesn’t make parents feel like they’ve been marginalized by changing the characters, and trying to make them hip and different from who they are.”

Yogi is still smarter than the average bear. Pic-a-nic baskets, consider yourselves warned.

Want to visit Yogi and a real Jellystone Park? There are over 70 locations in the U.S. and Canada!

Click Here for more Yogi Bear Movie News, Videos & Information

Keep visiting CampJellystone.com and this blog for additional updates and news on the Yogi Bear movie as it gets closer to release.

Click Here for more Yogi Bear Movie News, Videos & Information

The dog days of summer are finally among us, and with temperatures rising, there’s no better way for your family to stay cool than in the water. With several amenities sure to please any water lover, Jellystone Parks offer a wide variety of wet and wild fun.

All of our campgrounds have sparkling pools for soaking, splashing and relaxing, but Jellystone Park’s premiere beat-the-heat play place is Yogi Bear’s Water Zone “Splash Ground.” Found at many of our parks, these playgrounds in the water add a new element of fun to the old-fashioned swimming pool. Whether it’s the mushroom shaped showers, squirting water cannons or buckets of water dumped on unsuspecting heads, everyone in the family is sure to keep cool while having a blast. There are even zero-entry levels for the smallest members of the family to safely enjoy. Just a few of the campgrounds featuring this one-of-a-kind water play include Bremen, Georgia; Robert, Louisiana; and Quarryville, Pennsylvania. For a complete listing of the campgrounds with Yogi Bear’s Water Zone, please visit Splashgrounds.

For the more daring members in your family, many of our parks have twisting, turning and gravity defying waterslides. Jellystone Parks such as Mammoth Cave, Kentucky; Woodstock, New Brunswick; Waller, Texas; Marion, North Carolina and Fremont, Wisconsin have super flumes that take riders on a journey with all the thrills of a theme park, giving parents the perfect answer to the perennial kid question, “What can we do now?” For more water sliding fun filled parks, see Waterslides.

On top of all the pools, splashes, and thrilling water slide fun, some of our other Jellystone Parks offer lakes, rivers and streams which include outrageous fun like boating, fishing, rafting, and sandy beaches to wade and swim in. For our list of ways to get wet, see Family Fun.

So gather the family, beat the heat and head out to a Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park near you! For more information visit our website at campjellystone.com or call 1-800-558-2954 and take advantage of the all the wet and wild summer time fun!

Five stocked ponds and nearby Sleepy Creek cater to anglers with bass, brim and sunfish. A sparkling swimming pool beckons during warm weather, and the recreation field offers volleyball and horseshoes. A welcoming club room is the place for pool, arcade games and watching NASCAR or ball games on the big-screen TV. Nature lovers will enjoy well-marked trails to Sleepy Creek and North Edisto, while kids will have a ball at the brand-new playground.
 
With Augusta, GA and the Masters just an hour away, local golf is easy to find. The Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens are a short drive away, as is the EdVenture, the South’s largest children’s museum.
 
No wonder we are so excited about the coming year at Jellystone Park campgrounds! With amazing additions like these, how can it be anything but amazing?

 
Located just a few short miles from Lake Monroe – Indiana’s largest lake – the new campground is the perfect spot to enjoy boating and fishing from the 10,000-plus acre lake’s nine convenient ramps. And the campground itself is a wonderful family destination with RV and tenting sites, as well as a wide selection of deluxe cabins.

 While onsite, check out the three pools for aquatic family fun. The heated indoor pool is the perfect place to get your laps in, while the outdoor wading pool is great for kids with its waterslide and waterfall. And a 1200-square-foot outdoor swimming pool is perfect for sunning or a rousing game of Marco Polo. Once you dry off, it’s time to enjoy the playground, miniature golf, volleyball court, horseshoes, nature walking trails, game room and so much more. There’s even a fenced-in dog park so the family pooch gets in on the fun.

If you want to venture off the campground, an 18-hole championship golf course is just across the road. And you’re within easy driving of picturesque Bloomington, home of Indiana University and a wide range of cultural, dining and entertainment options.

 
And, look for more information soon on four additional campgrounds joining the Jellystone Park family in 2010: Burleson/South Fort Worth, TX; Columbia, SC; Branson, MO and Donalsonville, GA. It’s shaping up to be a great year for camping with Yogi Bear™!

The Natural Bridge campground offers wristband packages for unlimited use of Yogi Bear’s Water Zone and the mini-golf course. Use of the Water Zone is only for families staying at the campground, so make your reservation today! Call # 800-258-9532. 

The campground has been open since 2002 and includes a number of tent camping sites, RV sites with full hookup and cabin rentals.