Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort

Late Summer 2007
by Lynette Johnson

I used to love tent camping. Maybe that's saying too much. I used to enjoy tent camping because it allowed me to vacation longer, less expensively. That was pre-kids and pre-middle age. These days, I prefer a bed, with a mattress... and air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. I like a bathroom near enough that a visit doesn't involve stepping outdoors, in any season. If I'm cooking the meals, I want a refrigerator and a stove and a sink, with running water... utensils, and, definitely not, paper plates.

On the other hand, there's something special about the atmosphere of a campground. Folks are friendly, and the pace is slower. There's a sense of community at a campground that you just don't get in a hotel.

Then I heard about a camp-resort—what a concept! You can camp your way—whatever way that is. Tent camping? Go for it. RV camping? You bet. Ahhh, but for me, it's a camping cabin. This is great! More privacy, more space, more flexibility—all for about the same price as a no-frills hotel room.

Late last summer, the kids and I headed down to Natural Bridge, where we spent a few days at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. And, yes, we stayed in a deluxe camping cabin. The kids cheered when they saw our new log home. Solid wood walls, polished hardwood floors, a screened porch, television, air conditioning, and a modern kitchen and bathroom. The sleeping arrangements were perfect for our family! A bedroom for me, a cozy sleeping loft for the boys, and a futon/sofa-bed for my daughter in the living room. The boys loved having their own private hideaway, and my daughter was grateful to have her 'own' space (as well as control of the TV remote!).

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is open mid-March–November 30, so plan your visit now! This would be a wonderful 'home base' for a weeklong visit to the Lexington-Natural Bridge area. It's convenient to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lynchburg, Bedford, Roanoke, and miles and miles of hiking and biking trails. Plus there's lots to do at Jellystone Park—fishing, swimming (in the lake and the pool), tubing, miniature golf, hayrides, and daily recreational activities.

Reserve a cabin, unpack, settle in, and daytrip to your heart's content. Then return home each evening to your comfy, spacious cabin. Enjoy the flexibility of eating in or dining out at some of the area's great restaurants. And, if weather permits, sit on your porch and watch the stars come out.

It's a great vacation destination!

Article text ©2007, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.

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