Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

Family camping resorts
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2024 Franchise 500 Rank
N/R Ranked #274 last year
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Initial investment
$324K - $14.4M
Units as of 2024
77 Increase 2.7% over 3 years

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is a family-friendly camping franchise that is one of the nation's top family resorts. Established in 1969, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts began franchising that same year. Since then, it has opened over 75 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Visitors to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts can rent out cabins, RV, or tent spaces, have fun at any of the water attractions, and take advantage of a number of the resort's amenities, from mini-golf to playgrounds. You also should not forget about Yogi Bear and the crew themselves. The Bears and Ranger Smith are bound to make an appearance.

Why You May Want to Start a Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts has been catering to families for over 50 years, making them a leader in family camping experiences. Plus, what other camps can call the famous cartoon character Yogi Bear their mascot? As a franchisee, you'll receive a complimentary Yogi Bear statue and have the option to purchase other themed costumes and statues.

Leisure Systems, Inc. backs Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. LSI has over 30 years of outdoor hospitality experience and will provide you the resources you need to run a smooth operation.

What Might Make a Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts a Good Choice?

If you decide to join a Real Estate Investment Trust, you'll receive specialized training, unique Yogi Bear merchandise, online reservation systems, and more. To be part of the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment. Unlike many franchises, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts may not require you to cover a franchise fee. You should also prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising fees and royalty fees. Franchisees may also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts offer ancillary revenue streams through food service and retail. Because the average stay is about three days, food service is critical. A camp will have at least one snack bar or restaurant. Some popular choices are Nathan's Hot Dogs or Hunt Brothers Pizza.

How To Start a Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts Franchise

The easiest way to join the Jellystone franchise is to convert your existing campground. This is the perfect option for campsite owners who find sales flatlining, want to expand campsite services beyond rentals, or need to create a unique campground that will stand out from the competition. A park conversion usually takes a few months to complete. The process includes a walkthrough of your existing campsite and corporate approval. You'll then create a vision and business plan and develop a conversion timeline. 

If you want to purchase an existing campground, the site will need to meet certain requirements outlined by the company. Or, if you choose to build from the ground up, you may have additional financial requirements.  To build from the ground up, you may need to contact the director of franchise sales and development to see if your plan is doable, fill out a new build franchise request form, submit a five-year business plan, and provide proof of funding.

If you do join the Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts family, you'll soon be giving families a vacation to remember.

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Company Overview

About Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

Industry Lodging
Related Categories Campgrounds, Recreation
Founded 1969
Parent Company Sun Communities
Leadership Rob Schutter, President
Corporate Address 27777 Franklin Rd., #300
Southfield, MI 48034
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1969 (55 years)
# of employees at HQ 23
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchises in the following international regions: Canada, Mexico

# of Units 77 (as of 2024)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$75,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$324,000 - $14,370,000
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
- $250,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
- $100,000
Royalty Fee Information Circle
4.5%-6%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
2%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
7 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

In-House Financing Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts offers in-house financing to cover the following: franchise fee, inventory
Third Party Financing Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 20 hours
Classroom Training 34 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

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Updated: December 12th, 2022