Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Obligations

How much is the franchise fee to become a Jellystone Park™?
The franchise fee is $15,000 and includes a 10 foot Yogi Bear™ statue; Yogi Bear, Boo Boo™, and Cindy Bear™ character costumes; and a credit toward your front entrance sign.

What are the franchise royalty payments?
There is a 1 percent marketing fee plus a 0.5 percent Club Yogi Rewards royalty applicable to all gross revenues.

A 6 percent operating royalty is paid only on the growth you have above your current business.  Example: If your current gross sales are $500,000 for the past 12 months, 6 percent is paid only on the gross dollars above $500,000.

Are there minimum royalty payments?
Yes, if the total of the 1 percent marketing fee, 0.5 percent Club Yogi Rewards, and 6 percent operating royalty is less than the minimum payment schedule.

Year 1 = no minimum payment is due.

Year 2 = $2,500 ($500 + $1,000 + $1,000)

Year 3 = $3,000 ($1,000+$1,000+$1,000)

Year 4 = $3,500($1,000+$1,000+$1,500)

Year 5 = $4,000 ($1,000+$1,500+$1,500)

TOTAL = $13,000

Are there additional financial considerations to become a Jellystone Park™ franchisee?
Yes, the Yogi Bear 10 foot statue and entrance sign must be installed at your cost. (As noted above, we provide the statue and a credit toward the purchase of an entrance sign.)

Jellystone Park branded facility signage will be required. Buildings such as the registration area, camp store, laundry, playground and other park amenities will require Yogi Bear-themed signage to build brand awareness as a Jellystone Park. The number and cost of the signs will vary depending on the number of amenities at your facility and size of the signs you choose. A branded signage package costs between $3,000-$15,000 for your campground.

New franchise locations need to purchase Yogi Bear branded merchandise to sell to guests. An average first order of merchandise for resale can be $3,000-$21,000, but we require a minimum of $6,000. Remember, however, that merchandise is an important profit center for your campground. In addition, Camp Jellystone’s retail team will assist you with store layout, order selection, display options and other questions you may have.

Facilities & Operations 

What are the minimum facility requirements to be a Jellystone Park™?

In order to maintain the high standards of operation that Jellystone Park™ guests expect, we require certain amenities to be in place or an expansion plan that includes:

• minimum 125 RV sites and four rental units
• 3-5 yr. business plan (Director of Franchise Sales can assist you with this)
• store/registration area
• pool
• modern comfort stations and laundry
• pavilion/recreation center
• playground equipment
• theatre
• planned activities program (We provide training to help develop or grow your recreation program.)
• dump station

Will I be required to build a waterpark to become a Jellystone Park™?
No, the only water attraction Camp Jellystone requires is a swimming pool.

If you wish to add a water feature – like a splashpad – we strongly suggest that you: (a) Develop a 5-year business plan. Camp Jellystone staff can assist you with this. (b) Work with a contractor who can help you determine occupancy and revenue based on campgrounds they have worked with. (c) Check all state and local zoning codes for regulations pertaining to the construction of any amenity prior to purchase. (d) Check with your insurance company for coverage rates for this or any other amenity you wish to add.

Will I be required to purchase from only Jellystone Park vendors?

We encourage you to meet with our many preferred vendors while attending our Trade Show to take advantage of their Camp Jellystone pricing programs. However, if you have a vendor that supplies the same product or service, you can continue to work with them. Please note, however, that all items utilizing the Jellystone Park brand and characters (Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, Cindy Bear, Ranger Smith) must be purchased from an approved vendor list. These items have been approved by Warner Brothers for resale and use in our  franchise parks.

Do you have a preferred Reservation Program?
Yes, we are currently rolling out a new program called CampSpot. It is a requirement of the Franchise Agreement that all franchise locations utilize this reservation and POS program.

Franchise Agreement 

How big will my preferred territory be?
We look at demographics, RV ownership, and other factors when we consider a territory for a new franchise. It’s our goal to be fair to the park owner, but allow for other quality campgrounds to join if the market size allows.

How long is the franchise agreement for?

Seven (7) years.

What is the FDD that I must sign?
Under the FTC’s franchise disclosure rule, which became effective July 1, 2008, franchisors are required to disclose specific information about their franchise to prospective franchisees. This document is called a “franchise disclosure document (FDD).”

By signing this form, you acknowledge receipt of the FDD. It must be returned to Camp Jellystone before additional steps can be taken to support the sale of a franchise.

Are there additional resources I should consider before we purchase a franchise?

Camp Jellystone strongly suggests that prior to making any decision regarding a franchise you read “A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise”. Click on this link to download a copy of the PDF from the Federal Trade Commission. https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/consumers-guide-buying-franchise

Training 

Do you charge to attend your annual Trade Show and Symposium?
No, there is no charge to attend. Other franchise companies may charge, but we feel it’s one of the best ways to understand our business, so it is open to prospects and current franchisees. (Note: Attendees are responsible for their travel and hotel costs.)

Is training included? 

Yes, we provide a variety of training programs for both new and existing franchisees. There are no fees to our franchisees for in-person or online training. (Note: Attendees are responsible for their travel and hotel costs.)