Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are expanding pet-focused amenities, accommodations, and themed activities across their network of more than 75 franchised locations in the United States and Canada, reflecting increased demand for pet-friendly camping experiences.
“We’re as pet friendly as we are family friendly,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Camp Jellystone, the Southfield, Michigan-based franchisor of Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts.
The expansion includes new infrastructure, such as a dog splash park at the Uniontown, Ohio location, identified as the first Yogi Bear-themed campground to introduce a dedicated water play area for dogs. The feature includes a wading pool and dog-friendly splash elements, adding to existing amenities like dog parks, agility courses, and pet wash stations available at multiple locations.
Operators are also increasing the number of pet-friendly accommodations. Several parks now offer cabins and RV sites designed for guests traveling with pets, including fenced-in areas and private enclosures.
Select locations, such as those in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, and Quarryville, Pennsylvania, report pet-friendly cabins, while others have added dog runs, bark parks, and designated pet activity zones.
In addition to physical upgrades, Jellystone Park locations are expanding programming centered on pets. Seasonal and weekend events include dog costume contests, pet parades, and themed gatherings such as “Pet Lovers Weekend,” “Pet Palooza,” and “Furry Friends Weekend.”
These events often feature activities like petting zoos, animal encounters, and interactive contests designed for both pets and owners.
Multiple parks have introduced structured programming to increase engagement. For example, the Pittsfield, Illinois location offers daily meetups for large and small dogs, while the Pelahatchie, Mississippi park hosts a weeklong event featuring pet-themed crafts and competitions.
Other locations incorporate animal-focused experiences such as traveling petting zoos, wildlife weekends, and adoption events.
The expansion of pet-focused offerings complements Jellystone Park’s broader family-oriented model, which includes attractions such as pools, water slides, mini golf, and character-driven entertainment tied to the Yogi Bear brand. The company operates in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences.
The addition of pet amenities and programming represents a continued operational shift among campground operators to accommodate travelers seeking inclusive experiences that extend to pets, alongside traditional family-focused recreation.