Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts’ comp-sales will again set a record this year, as franchisees continue to expand their campgrounds and take advantage of the RV and family camping boom. Through September, sales are up 47.4 percent over last year, which itself saw a 10 percent jump, even though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed park openings. This will be the 15th straight year Jellystone recorded annual sales growth.
Jellystone Park has 75 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Guests choose from a variety of camping and glamping accommodations.
According to Rob Schutter, chief executive of franchisor Leisure Systems, there has been a big uptick in real estate investment firms acquiring Jellystone Park locations from independent owners. They also are buying non-affiliated campgrounds and converting them to the Jellystone Park brand, as well as building new resorts. “These groups have the financial resources to update, expand and improve their parks and operations, which drive sales and profitability,” Schutter said.
This year parks in Massachusetts, Missouri and Pennsylvania were added to the system. Work is underway on four campgrounds opening next year. They are located in Georgia, Illinois, Texas and Utah. Jellystone Park has signed agreements for an additional five campgrounds.
