Camp Jellystone is a campground franchise offering family-friendly camping experiences with themed activities, amenities, and accommodations inspired by Yogi Bear.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
79
+
4%
4%
Franchise fee
?
$15,000
Investment
?
$257,000 - $1,648,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,674,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Camp Jellystone franchise is $257,000 - $1,648,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$15,000
Utilities
$0 – $125,000
Buildings
$0 – $1,000,000
Recreational Facilities, Signs, Fixtures, and Miscellaneous Equipment
$75,000 – $250,000
Themed Elements and Initial Inventory
$30,000 – $75,000
Training
$0
Insurance
$44,000 – $70,000
Additional Funds (6 months)
$80,000 – $100,000
Minimum Aggregate Royalty and Service Fee and Marketing, Advertising, and Promotion Fee
$0 in first year; $2,500 in 2nd year; $3,000 in 3rd year; $3,500 in 4th year; $4,000 in 5th year; no minimum thereafter
TOTAL
$257,000 – $1,648,000
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$15,000
Utilities
$0 – $125,000
Buildings
$0 – $1,000,000
Recreational Facilities, Signs, Fixtures, and Miscellaneous Equipment
$75,000 – $250,000
Themed Elements and Initial Inventory
$30,000 – $75,000
Training
$0
Insurance
$44,000 – $70,000
Additional Funds (6 months)
$80,000 – $100,000
Minimum Aggregate Royalty and Service Fee and Marketing, Advertising, and Promotion Fee
$0 in first year; $2,500 in 2nd year; $3,000 in 3rd year; $3,500 in 4th year; $4,000 in 5th year; no minimum thereafter
TOTAL
$257,000 – $1,648,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Camp Jellystone's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Camp Jellystone had 79 total units in 2023, of which 79 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Camp Jellystone offers a comprehensive training structure for franchisees to ensure consistent brand and operational standards. Here is a breakdown of the key programs:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Camp Jellystone franchise is 4% - 6%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 1.00%.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Camp Jellystone franchise is $257,000 - $1,648,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Camp Jellystone franchise is $15,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.