Camp Jellystone Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is a franchise of family-oriented campgrounds themed around the popular Yogi Bear™ cartoon character. The franchise was founded in 1969 as Jellystone Campgrounds Ltd. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and now includes over 75 independently owned and operated locations across the United States and Canada.
The company offers a variety of camping accommodations, including cabins, RV sites, tent sites, and yurts. Guests can enjoy numerous attractions such as pools, water slides, splashgrounds, jumping pillows, wagon rides, mini-golf, and character interactions with Yogi Bear™ and his friends.
In 2022, the franchisor was purchased by Sun Communities and renamed Camp Jellystone. This acquisition led to revitalized operations and a focus on converting existing privately held campgrounds to the Jellystone Park™ system, providing a turnkey conversion package to facilitate the transition.
The franchise differentiates itself through its unique branding with Yogi Bear™ and related characters, offering themed accommodations and activities that enhance the family camping experience. This distinctive theming, combined with a wide range of attractions and accommodations, sets Jellystone Park apart from other campground franchises.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Camp Jellystone franchise? It costs on average between $257,000 – $1,648,000 to start a Camp Jellystone franchised center.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of campground facilities you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 |
| Utilities | $0 – $125,000 |
| Buildings | $0 – $1,000,000 |
| Recreational Facilities, Signs, Fixtures, and Miscellaneous Equipment | $75,000 – $250,000 |
| Themed Elements and Initial Inventory | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| Training | $0 |
| Insurance | $44,000 – $70,000 |
| Additional Funds (6 months) | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Minimum Aggregate Royalty and Service Fee and Marketing, Advertising, and Promotion Fee | $0 in first year; $2,500 in 2nd year; $3,000 in 3rd year; $3,500 in 4th year; $4,000 in 5th year; no minimum thereafter |
| TOTAL | $257,000 – $1,648,000 |
Camp Jellystone Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Camp Jellystone franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Camp Jellystone’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Camp Jellystone franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Camp Jellystone’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Camp Jellystone?
The franchise is owned by Sun Communities, which acquired the brand in 2022. Sun Communities is a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in the ownership, operation, and development of properties in the recreational and residential sectors.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: July 2026
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Research Camp Jellystone franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Camp Jellystone FDD Review.
