Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is located in Luray, VA at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains making this camping resort a nice getaway option for the DC Metro area folks. If you are looking for a camping experience that includes a variety of amenities and is reachable within 2 hours, then Jellystone Park may be right for you and your family. The drive West is a beauty in and of itself especially if you avoid I-66.
Let’s talk accommodations
The resort offers a gamut of sleeping options and is basically broken into two categories: cabins and tent sites. You can choose from a camping cabin, comfort cabins, deluxe cabins, skyline view cabins, cottages, and the Three Bears Lodge. The cabins can accommodate anywhere from 4 to 10 people depending on which option you go with for your stay.
While we were there, we stayed in a comfort cabin. The cabin itself was very clean. There were 3 adults, 2 older children and 2 children under 5. It was a bit tight but we made it work and had a fantastic time. I brought my pack-n-play for my 2 year old and set it next to the double bed with hardly an inch to spare – but it did fit! As noted on the website, you will want to bring your own linens, pillows and blankets.
The front room of our cabin was very bright so it would have helped to have had a block out sheet to hang in the window to comfort those morning eyes. Electrical outlets were scattered throughout the cabin so feel free to bring a cell phone charger or other “pluggable” items (or for little fingers, outlet plugs).
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The kitchen area had a decent sized refrigerator, two stove burners, a sink, microwave and some cabinets. It was easy to plan ahead, bring our own food and split time cooking on our grill/fire outside and then have breakfast and lunch made inside. There isn’t a lot of counter space and the table is tucked closely to the kitchen area so keep that in mind when planning seating arrangements.
It rained a bit while we were there so we ate some meals at the kitchen table and some at our picnic bench outside. You will have the option of cooking over an open fire pit or a grill. We used both for a variety of purposes due to the rain.
The comfort cabin has a darling porch that gave us the opportunity to set up our camping chairs (even in the rain) and enjoy some camaraderie. The children also used it to play games and do some art activities. The only nuisance to this area was the vast amount of flies that swarmed about while we were outside. One of the staff members came by to replace the batteries in our remote and also offered to spray our porch with fly repellent.
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He did say that the amount of flies we were seeing was rare. So, that may or may not be an issue for future guests. Noise levels were not an issue during our stay. Quiet hours begin at 11pm and last until 6am. We were right next to the recreation center but were not bothered by any of the activities.
Camping, boring? Not at Jellystone! There’s really something for everyone at this resort.
Included in the cabin and tent site rates, visitors now have access to an exciting list of activities. Feel the need to cool off? Head on over to the water park area, which includes your choice of pools, a water zone with spray features and a 400-foot water slide for children 5 and older.
If you are traveling with children who are still learning how to swim, you will find that the spray area and the 2-3 foot section of one of the pools will be the go to spots. A few notes about this area: there are no lifeguards, so be sure to keep all eyes on your child(ren). Also, the pool water was pretty chilly during our visit. The kids didn’t mind too much, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
There are bathrooms inside of the laundry facility, which are connected to one of the pools. The public bathrooms were a bit on the dirty side so make sure you wear your shoes inside of the facility. A baby-changing table is available in the women’s restroom. Food and drink are not allowed in the water park area but there is a covered area close by where you can take your food and drink.
Other recreational activities include fishing (be sure to bring your own pole), a game room, playground, golf cart rentals, pedal boats, laser tag, mini golf and daily activities at the recreation center. Paint your own pottery, design your own t-shirt (for a fee) or play some candy bar bingo.
While we were there we decided to stop by the wildlife show to learn a little bit more about some unique animals. The animals were very intriguing but the presentation was lackluster and hard to follow. Perhaps our favorite activity during our short 2-night stay was the jumping pillow!
Forget something? A convenience store is on site that offers basic souvenirs and a small selection of groceries. You can also buy firewood and fire starters at the store.
If you are staying for an extended amount of time and want to venture off campus, there are an abundance of choices. Luray Caverns and the Luray Zoo are two nearby options. Check out the list of activities in the Luray area before you go.
Whether you are going for a quick getaway or a week long vacation, Jellystone in Luray, VA is a fun, family friendly destination spot. We made some sweet memories together and are already looking forward to our next camping adventure!
Things to Note:
- Check in is at 4pm and check out is at 11am.
- Be sure to bring your flashlight(s), bug spray, picnic tablecloths and roasting sticks.
- When registering pick up some firewood (and a firestarter) so you do not have to run back out to the registration office.
- If you are looking for a secluded camping experience, this is not the park for you.
- There is a Laundromat with a coin machine on site. Bring your own laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
- Use the directions on their website or google maps.
Photos courtesy of Marcy Fisher.