Way back in 1969, Doug Haag had the idea to create a destination campground with Yogi Bear as the mascot. He bought a camp in Wisconsin and hand painted signs and made a chickenwire Yogi statue. The camp was an instant hit. They began to franchise the idea to other camp owners and by 1971 there were 10 Jellystone Parks.
Since then the business has changed hands but it is still going strong with over 70 campgrounds. Presented here are a few of the old brochures and postcards from the 70's. For more info about the current sites go to Camp Jellystone
9 comments:
Really interesting, Dan! These small, regional parks are part of theme park subculture - theres lots I don't know about them!
Yup, we had one of those near our place when I was just a wee tike. We never went, but I can remember those days when we drove by the full color sign and I'd ask to go for the 1000th time... ahhh the memories.
I have always been fascinated by these parks.
Thanks, Dan.
R.
There are still a couple of these parks in the Denver area. And also one Bedrock City campground that is no longer, but still has some of the great Flintstone and dinosaur figures sitting there.
Not a campground, but as far as I know Flintstone Village is still going strong in Custer, SD, complete with character statues and fake stone buildings.
There is one here in Missouri close to Six Flags in Eureka. I've never been, but now I'm inspired to check it out.
I stayed at a Jellystone Park in NY state a few years ago, it was very nice! Yogi was totally there. As was Boo-Boo.
Yogis in Racine, Wisconsin is a good time if you're lookin to party. I recommend campsite 66K. The swan pond is also good for a midnight swim. I'll see you there
In the early 90s, my friends and I went to the one in northern Ohio to see about jobs for the summer. Yikes, the place looked like something out of Deliverance and the fella running the place was in a dirty wifebeater and chomping on a stogie. I didn't even want to get out of the car when he said he'd show us around. We made our excuses and left.
Post a Comment