The Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, is celebrating a significant milestone this year with 50 years of operation. Over the past five decades, this family-owned campground has become one of the top family camping destinations in the U.S. Additionally, for the second time in two years, USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Competition has recognized the campground as one of the top four RV parks in the nation.
The park boasts a range of attractions that make it a standout choice for family vacations. These include two pools, multiple water slides, 4X4 adventure rides, monster truck rides, train rides, fire truck rides, military transport truck rides, paintball, laser tag, miniature golf, and snowless snow tubing.
Over 50 years, Jellystone Park in Mill Run has evolved. The park began with 25 acres of undeveloped land inherited by Glenn and Sarah Etta Work, Randy Work’s parents, in 1973. Partnering with their children, Randy and Glenda King, they transformed the property into a campground catering to river rafting enthusiasts visiting the nearby Youghiogheny River.
The campground initially filled its 45 campsites with river rafters, but the Work family soon realized their guests sought additional entertainment upon returning from their adventures. In response, they began adding family-friendly attractions, starting with a 400-foot-long waterslide in 1978, a first for Pennsylvania campgrounds.
The Work family’s efforts to enhance the park continued. In 1989, they joined the Jellystone Park franchise network, enabling them to offer organized family activities with beloved characters like Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, Cindy Bear, and Ranger Smith.
To enhance guest experience, the park expanded its offerings, adding more campsites, cabins, and attractions. Pennsylvania’s first trackless train ride was introduced in 1997, followed by another swimming pool in 2008 and a snowless snow tubing track in 2010.
Another aspect of the park is its commitment to innovation. The campground has added varied lodging options, such as furnished two-story treehouses in 2016 and 2018 and covered wagons in 2018 and 2023. Today, the park boasts 290 campsites and 65 rental accommodations.
The park’s operations remain a family affair, with three generations of the Work family involved in its management. Randy Work oversees strategic planning and park operations, while his sons manage security, maintenance, and construction. His granddaughters and grandson contribute to housekeeping, recreation, and landscaping.
People spend several days here because we offer so many activities they need extra days to do everything,” Work said in a press release.
The park also caters to those interested in the local attractions of the Laurel Highlands area, including river rafting and Fallingwater, the famous Frank Lloyd Wright house.
Last August, the park faced a challenge when a tornado damaged the water slides and several cabins. However, the Work family and their staff came together to repair the damage, ensuring the park was ready for the 2024 peak summer season.
“We’re looking forward to another amazing season,” Work said. The park celebrated its 50th anniversary on the first weekend of June.
For more information about Jellystone Park in Mill Run, visit jellystonemillrun.com.
Featured image by Randy Work and his family at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run
