A short drive from Charlotte lies what may be the perfect family getaway. Finding a destination that will make kids of all ages and interests happy as well as fulfill a parent’s desire to “get away from it all’ (meaning getting your kids away from their phones) can feel like a unicorn destination. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley checks all of the boxes. Just under 2 hours from Charlotte, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley is so much more than camping. Now before you roll your eyes at me and tell me you don’t camp, take a look back at the posts we have already shared that showcase the non-traditional camping at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley. The glamping tents and the cabins are far from rustic and offer even hotel snobs reading this (I know who you are) pause to reconsider camping. We stayed in a glamping “tent” which while it is shaped like a tent, it is far from a traditional tent. The room is large, offers a queen bed (yes a real bed) a full pull out sofa, a twin bed pull out as well as a fridge, dining set, flat screen TV and plenty of space to charge your electronics if you just can’t disconnect for the weekend. The heavy canvas sides and views of the lake from your deck may make you feel like you’re camping but you are far from roughing it. You can check out our Facebook live for more details.
Swim Away the Day
What really makes Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley special isn’t what’s on the inside, it’s what’s on the outside. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley offers families a wide range of activities that make every day different and will keep all of the kids busy. Yogi Bear’s Water Zone features 3 waterslides, water blasters, cannons and a dump bucket that pours water on your kids every 10 minutes. In addition, this fenced in area has plenty of places to sit (including super cute kid sized lounge chairs) and cabanas. The Ranger Smith Pool features a swim up bar, a low entry section that has a basketball hoop and plenty of space for kids and adults to swim and relax.
Explore
For those that are looking for more action, head to the lake where you can rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. The rental fees are nominal and make for a fun family outing. My kids had never tried to paddle board, the experience at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Golden Valley was so great that they are hooked! After you head off the lake you can hike, gem mine, play mini golf, play laser tag or one of the other special daily camp activities. Daily special activities vary but can include: nature programs, sports, hay rides, movies, arts/crafts and more. When you arrive at the park they will give you a sheet with all of the daily activities.
Sports
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley has made an effort to offer recreational activities that families can just pick up and play. When you head to the tennis courts, you will find crates filled with tennis rackets and balls. There are also paddles for the pickleball courts. In addition to the tennis courts, there is a sand volleyball court and basketball court. Both courts have crates with a variety of balls to play with.
Eat
Right now, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley only has one small cafe so you will want to bring food with you. The cafe is good for quick serve meals but they do not serve breakfast and the pancake breakfast is only available on Saturday mornings. The camp store has a limited selection, your best bet is to bring your own food to cook on the grill at the glamping site or if you’re in a cabin you will have access to a full kitchen.
Play
The facility offers two gaga pits, a huge playground and what ended up being one of our kids very favorite activities, the big jump pad. The jump pad is basically a huge inflatable trampoline that the kids can run around and jump on. Even my teenagers took part in a full family game or Red Light Green Light and What Time is it Mr. Fox. The playground itself offers plenty of places for kids to climb, swing and slide until they are exhausted.
The real star of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley is the staff. Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. They truly want to make sure your stay is magical. The staff makes an effort to meet your every need and if they do not know the answer they will find someone who will. You will not walk any place in the camp and without being greeted with a wave, a smile or a how are you.
Tips
- Rent the golf cart- It’s really more of a need than a want. The camp is so large having the golf cart to get between places will make your stay much more enjoyable.
- Pack an extra blanket- The evenings were a little bit cooler than expected even in June, we were all glad that we had brought some extra blankets with us.
- Be ready to disconnect- there is WiFi but it is spotty which I actually thought was a plus. My kids couldn’t just pick up my phone and hop on Instagram whenever they wanted.
The park is new, and will continue to add new attractions and activities as they continue to grow. Future plans include spaces for RVs, tent camping, horse stables and more facilities to eat. Check their website and social media accounts for special pricing, special weekend activities and more.
**My family and I were guest of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley. All opinions expressed are my own.
