Building a Campground
Please note, CJS does not purchase land, finance construction, or build a campground for you.
Our franchise concept offers developers and newcomers to the RV Park and Campground industry a complete education and marketing program to help them become profitable at a faster rate than they would as an independent park operator.
Our widely recognized Yogi Bear™ brand attracts the family camping market which is a clientele more profitable than the Baby Boomer market. Family campers are also more price resistant (rather than always looking for a discount), and offer more opportunities for ancillary revenue streams within the campground. For example, the average ancillary income for an overnight site in a Jellystone Park™ for 2016 was $19.83 per site – on top of the site fee.
Requirements & Facts
Minimum Financial Requirements: Net Worth $1,000,000
Liquid Assets: $500,000
Land: A minimum of 30 usable acres of land, already in your possession
Initial Development: 125 RV Sites, 4 cabins, swimming pool, store, modern bathhouse, commercial pavilion, playground equipment
Average Cost: $2.5-$10 million (excludes the cost of land and additional costs such as engineering and permitting)
Based on historical data and certain assumptions, our estimated costs are realistic, but actual costs may vary greatly. These costs are offered only as a starting point to evaluate the feasibility of building a new Jellystone Park™ campground. Local zoning, environmental impact studies, highway traffic studies, local sewer and water impact/usage fees need to be understood by you, the developer. Neighboring properties may voice a concern with traffic, noise and other issues regarding your project. It is suggested that you obtain their feedback before starting any project. We strongly urge you to investigate and make your own informed determination as to costs and feasibility before beginning any construction.
The Process
- Contact our Director of Franchise Sales & Development to discuss the viability of your plan
- Complete our New Build Franchise Request form
- Submit a five-year business plan for review by the Director of Franchise Sales
- Provide proof of financing
Developing a campground can be a challenge given some local planning and zoning issues, but with a solid business plan and realistic goals, our franchise can offer the brand recognition and support to help you through the process.
Please note, CJS does not purchase land, finance construction, or build a campground for you.
Daren & Lorraine Carlson – Hocking Hills, OH
The Jellystone Park brand has made a huge difference in our business. If we had 50 more sites and more cabins, they’d be filled every weekend.
Joey Coleman & Rick Coleman – Tabor City, NC
In 2001, we began a unique challenge to build a campground on our family farm 35 miles inland from Myrtle Beach. People responded to our design of large concrete pads, full hook-ups, plenty of open space, and ultimate customer service. But we soon had “growing pains” with procedures and operations.
In 2003, we joined Jellystone Park™. The operations… Read more
Bob & Beth Ryan – Mannford, OK
Our family has been a franchisee for over 30 years. The support that both the franchisor and fellow franchisees offer goes above and beyond expectations.
Erv & Marilyn Banes – Frankenmuth, MI
We decided to convert to the Jellystone Park™ system in 1996 because the market conditions were changing. Several of our colleagues had converted and grown in the process. We found that by changing our customer base to families, rather than seniors, we expanded.
The advantage of a Jellystone Park™ is that it is so much more alive than the average park. Plu… Read more
Jessica & Mickey Spak – Chautauqua County, NY
I love the support from the franchise. I would tell any prospect looking at converting or building a Jellystone Park, that it’s the single best business decision you can make.
Ray Aljets – Sioux Falls, SD
Three generations of my family have operated our Jellystone Park location and I can say with the utmost confidence that the Jellystone Park system has had a dramatic impact on our bottom line. Opportunities to increase guest satisfaction and revenue are everywhere and the creativity of those in the Jellystone Park system keep me on the leading edge of both the family … Read more
Susan Novotny – South Haven, MI
Within 5 years, we have more than tripled our revenue. We have no regrets becoming a franchisee of Jellystone Park!
Theresa Isaacson – Caledonia, WI
We’re going to be entering our 13th season, and I sure would hate to own a property without being Yogi branded. The reason we really like Jellystone Parks is because of the support behind us. With 80 other parks in the system, we have 80 sources of question-and-answer type people to go to. The support is wonderful. The franchise, the CJS system itself – their … Read more
Denny Quigley & Tami Alessio – Harrisville, PA
2011 was our first year as a Jellystone Park™. Since then, we have definitely noticed that we are attracting a lot more guests from a much larger radius that extends nationwide. And we are seeing more guests from Canada. Over this three year time period, our store sales have increased almost 45%! The increased business also helped to allow us to do… Read more