Established
1969
Franchise Units
80
Minimum Investment
$257,000
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total Investment Range
$1,648,000
Home Based
No
Description
In an era where "glamping" and experiential travel are reshaping the hospitality landscape, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts stands as the undisputed leader in the family-focused outdoor vacation segment. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it is a high-yield, destination-based business model that blends the nostalgia of the great outdoors with the luxury of modern resort amenities.
For over 55 years, Jellystone Park has built a reputation for excellence by offering families a unique "recreation-first" philosophy. Unlike traditional campgrounds that rely solely on site fees, Jellystone Park is a powerhouse of ancillary revenue, driven by world-class water zones, themed activities, and exclusive licensed character interactions. As a franchisee, you are not just managing land—you are operating a premier entertainment venue that captures the rapidly growing millennial and Gen Z family market. With a brand name that carries instant recognition across North America, Jellystone Park offers investors a chance to dominate their local market with a proven, scalable, and recession-resistant business model.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Jellystone Park franchise means stepping into a niche that currently has no direct national competitor focused exclusively on the family demographic.
Explosive Revenue Growth: Average unit revenues have seen historic climbs, with many locations now exceeding $3.1 million in annual gross sales.
The "Yogi Bear" Advantage: Through an exclusive license with Warner Bros., you gain the rights to use iconic characters like Yogi Bear™, Boo Boo™, and Cindy Bear™, driving high-margin retail sales and guest loyalty that independent parks cannot match.
High Repeat Visitation: The "destination" nature of the parks, combined with the Club Yogi™ Rewards program, ensures a consistent flow of loyal, returning guests.
Diverse Income Streams: Beyond RV sites, you benefit from luxury cabin rentals (glamping), extensive retail merchandise, food and beverage outlets, and paid recreational attractions.
Resilient Industry: Outdoor hospitality has proven to be incredibly durable, thriving even during economic shifts as families prioritize domestic, drive-to vacations.
Background
Established Year: 1969
First Unit Franchised: 1969
Founders: Douglas Nethercut
Headquarters: Milford, Ohio
Ownership: Owned by Camp Jellystone, a subsidiary of Sun Communities, Inc. (a leading REIT in the outdoor hospitality space).
Brand Journey: What started in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, has evolved from a simple campground into a sophisticated resort network. The brand's 14+ years of consecutive sales growth is a testament to its successful adaptation to modern travel trends.
Market Presence: Currently operating 80+ locations across the USA and Canada.
Industry Category: Outdoor Hospitality / Family Entertainment & Lodging.
Support Training
Jellystone Park provides a "turnkey" support ecosystem designed to take you from a raw plot of land or an existing park to a high-performing resort.
Pre-Launch Support: Expert guidance on park design, site layout, and the implementation of "Themed Elements." For conversions, they provide a "Welcome Package" including signage and a 10-foot Yogi Bear statue.
Certification and Management Program (CAMP): An intensive 4-day program for owners and managers covering everything from POS systems to occupancy maximization.
Caring About Recreation and Entertainment (CARE): Specialized training for your "fun" staff, focusing on activities, events, and character management.
Marketing Support: Access to a national brand fund, professionally designed digital assets, and inclusion in the high-traffic Jellystone Park centralized booking engine.
Operational Assistance: A dedicated operations representative is assigned to your park, including on-site support during your first week of operation.
Retail & Merchandising: Expert consultation on managing your on-site store, which stocks over 500 exclusive licensed items.
Ideal Candidate
This opportunity is best suited for visionary entrepreneurs who understand that the "experience economy" is the future of travel.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: You are not just a "park ranger"; you are a CEO managing a multi-faceted resort.
Business Background: Experience in hospitality, retail, or large-scale operations is highly preferred.
Investment Capability: Candidates should have the financial strength to develop high-end amenities like splash pads and luxury cabins.
Community Focused: A passion for creating "wholesome family memories" and engaging with guests in a high-energy environment.
Location Preference: Ideal locations are within a 2-to-3-hour drive of major metropolitan areas, typically requiring a minimum of 30 usable acres.
Financial Detail
| Expense Category | Conversion (Estimated) | New Build (Estimated) |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Recreational Facilities & Signs | $75,000 – $250,000 | $500,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Themed Elements & Inventory | $30,000 – $75,000 | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| Buildings & Infrastructure | $0 – $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 – $8,000,000+ |
| Insurance & Utilities | $44,000 – $195,000 | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| Working Capital (6 Months) | $80,000 – $100,000 | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INVESTMENT | $257,000 – $1,648,000 | $2,000,000 – $14,400,000+ |
