As someone who became a camping aficionado as an adult, exploring various campsites has been one of the most enjoyable parts of this outdoor activity – from beach front sites, to adjacent to a river, we’ve covered a few. So when I found out about Jellystone Park camp-resorts, I knew that I had to take a look.

Yogi Bear Jellystone Parks are a chain of campgrounds throughout the United States, each keeping consistent with offering a variety of activities and facilities. The one we decided to visit is in Luray, Virginia, which is about two hours from Washington, D.C.

Nestled along Route 211 between Shenandoah National Park and the town of Luray, Virginia, the Yogi Bear Jellystone Resort offers different ways to stay. For those with RVs, there are RV sites with hookups, as well as cabins of various sizes. There are also basic and deluxe campsite options.

We opted for a deluxe campsite which came equipped with a tent area, deck shelter with picnic table, electric and water hookups, and fire ring. While we appreciated the amenities of our campsite, it was difficult initially to set up the tent because of the rocky ground. A call to the front desk later though, and help had arrived in about ten minutes to get the tent secured and stood up.

The main attraction of Jellystone Resorts is the endless, mostly-child focused activities they offer. Included in the price of staying at the resort is mini-golf, pedal boats, multiple pools and a water zone, a water slide, outdoor movies, jumping pillows, gaga ball, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and horseshoe. Lazer tag is an additional fee.

After a visit to the camp store onsite to buy firewood, we also took advantage of our camp site’s fire ring, relaxing after long days of fun by roasting marshmellows and making s’mores.

When you check in, you also receive a daily schedule of activities that are going on around the campsite. We enjoyed a night time wagon ride our first night on site, and celebrated Yogi Bear’s birthday at the Rec Center, complete with a birthday cake and ice cream the next day.

The benefit I also liked of the Luray, Virginia Jellystone Resort was its proximity to both a town and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Thornton Gap Entrance to Shenandoah National Park was a stone’s throw away, so we entered the park ($25 per car) one morning for a ride along Skyline Drive, stopping at various overlooks along the way.

Luray has a small historical district and a few good restaurants; we particularly enjoyed breakfast at Gathering Grounds Cafe and dinner at Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant. Luray is also where you’ll want to head if you want a strong cell phone signal or to use wi-fi, as it can be hit or miss in the campsite.

Have you been to a Jellystone Park before? Would you want to go?

More Information

• Website: campluray.com
• Address: 2250 US-211, Luray, Virginia 22835
• Cost: I paid $171, taxes included, for two nights mid-week in a deluxe campsite