Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Elevating Family Camping Adventures

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is a well-known franchise of family-focused campgrounds inspired by the beloved Yogi Bear™ cartoon. Established in 1969 under the name Jellystone Campgrounds Ltd. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the brand has grown to more than 75 independently owned locations spread across the United States and Canada.

The franchise features a wide range of lodging options, including cabins, RV spots, tent areas, and yurts. Families visiting Jellystone Park can look forward to a variety of on-site attractions, such as swimming pools, splashgrounds, water slides, jumping pillows, wagon rides, mini-golf, and meet-and-greets with Yogi Bear™ and his friends.

In 2022, Sun Communities acquired the brand, rebranding it as Camp Jellystone. This change sparked a renewed focus on upgrading operations and expanding the franchise network by converting private campgrounds into Jellystone Park™ locations using a streamlined turnkey conversion program.

What makes Jellystone Park truly stand out is its playful Yogi Bear™ branding and themed experiences, which create a memorable atmosphere for families. Combined with its diverse accommodations and robust lineup of activities, the franchise offers a one-of-a-kind camping destination unlike typical campgrounds.

Training

Camp Jellystone offers a comprehensive training structure for franchisees to ensure consistent brand and operational standards. Here is a breakdown of the key programs:

1. Certification and Management Program (CAMP)
   Franchisees and their designated general managers must attend the Certification and Management Program, known as “CAMP.” This initial program covers essential operations and management training, and Camp Jellystone reimburses certain travel and lodging expenses for attendees.
2. Retail Store Training
   Camp Jellystone provides a two-day onsite training session focused on the operation and management of the retail store. This includes merchandising, inventory control, and customer service practices specific to the Jellystone brand.
3. Annual Training Requirement
   At least one general operator from each franchise must attend one or more annual training sessions conducted by Camp Jellystone. These sessions are usually scheduled during the first and fourth quarters and focus on updates, new policies, and best practices.
4. Additional Training for New Staff
   Any new manager appointed during the term of the agreement is required to attend the next available session of the CAMP training. This ensures all leadership is aligned with Camp Jellystone’s standards.

Territory Protection

Camp Jellystone grants franchisees a designated territory, usually a 25-mile radius from the front entrance of their Camp-Resort, along primary access routes. This territory is defined in both a map and written description, with the written description controlling if discrepancies arise.

While the franchisor agrees not to place another company-owned or franchised Camp-Resort in this territory, it does not guarantee exclusivity against all forms of competition. Franchisees are allowed to advertise and solicit business outside their designated territory, including in areas assigned to other franchisees, provided they do not establish a physical presence there.

Similarly, other franchisees may advertise and promote within a franchisee’s territory, and there is no exclusive right to the use of the Camp Jellystone marks outside the Camp-Resort. Additionally, the designated territory may be adjusted upon renewal of the franchise agreement based on factors like population and market changes.