The family camping boom that exploded in the early days of the COVID pandemic is showing no signs of slowing, based on Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts 2022 advance reservations.
Compared to this time last year, early bookings are up 76 percent.
The quick pace of early bookings is not surprising, the park said, given that Jellystone Park’s 2021 revenues are up 40 percent compared to last year. Many Jellystone Park locations were completely sold out during the peak vacation season.
“Guests are booking earlier than ever before because they are worried they won’t be able reserve their cabin or RV site for their desired dates if they wait,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing. He noted that some Jellystone Park camp-resort locations have opened reservations earlier than usual this year to accommodate guest requests.
In addition to the rise in early vacation reservations, Jellystone Park locations that are open year-round are seeing an increase in offseason bookings. Families who were unable to visit a location last summer or fall due to limited availability are taking advantage of winter and spring options. Along with smaller crowds, rates are lower during the offseason, although activities and attractions may be limited.
“The popularity of family camping and glamping was growing rapidly even before the pandemic, but then it really took off,” Hershenson said, adding that 45 percent of Jellystone Park summer 2021 guests were first-time visitors. “The ongoing uncertainties involving COVID are another reason advance bookings are up so much.”
Jellystone Park is also seeing significant growth in multiple generations of families camping and glamping together. Many camp-resort locations have large cabins and lodges that can accommodate 10 or more people.
“Holiday gatherings are a great time to plan a 2022 family camping trip,” Hershenson said. “Everyone can have a voice in deciding what types of attractions, activities and accommodations they want, where to go, for how long and when.”
Hershenson also said that it is especially important for families who need large cabins or multiple cabins and RV sites or accessible accommodations to make reservations now to avoid disappointments due to sellouts, especially during the prime summer season.