An October Jellystone™ Tradition

With its cool temperatures and vibrant shades of leaves, fall is probably my favorite time of year to go camping. And when fun holiday festivities are thrown into the mix, you can bet it will be more than just a camping trip. It will be a memorable experience. A vacation that becomes a tradition. 

That’s what Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Campground in Asheboro, NC has become for my family. Now, I know this park is not in Virginia. But occasionally we venture out of our beautiful state. And this one is worth mentioning because it has started to feel like a good broken-in pair of boots or favorite well-worn jeans. Comfortable. Three years ago, we began camping there each October with friends. We discovered that Asheboro was a great halfway point between Virginia and South Carolina, where our friends now live. So, now three families with seven kids gather at this enchanting spot every year, for a reunion in the great outdoors. 

I’m sure this Jellystone Park is fabulous any time of year, with its awesome pool and themed weeks/weekends, but I’m going to share why it’s the place to camp during October. 

1. Themed weekends of fun! There are four Halloween Weekends (with plans of two additional weekends being added in 2024!)

2. Great weather! The weather is usually perfect for camping. It’s not too cold and it’s not too warm. 

3. Activities galore! There are so many activities on the schedule, they put cruise ships to shame! The kids can enjoy fun activities on Friday night, most of the day Saturday, and a few on Sunday. Our crew especially enjoys the pumpkin-carving contest (we won one year!), carnival games, the ‘not-so-scary’ hayride, trick-or-treat parade, and dance party. Tip: Download the app before you go! It's a great way to keep the schedule handy and it will even notify you of upcoming activities and messages.

4. Costumes get more than one use! Those Halloween costumes you spent time making or spent too much money on; they get another showcase moment during this camping trip.

5. The sites are a sight! The campsites are decked out in Halloween decor like you’ve never seen before. Our measly pillowcase-head scarecrow may not fit in, but the rest of the campground makes up for our lack, and we enjoy touring and taking in all the creativity. (New this year, Christmas decor is also encouraged, in addition to Halloween decor, and there is a winner for the best-decorated site!)

6. Amenities! Even though the pool isn’t open during this time of year, they still offer laser tag (a legit course and the kids love it), two stocked fishing ponds (with a third one under development), a huge bounce pillow, pump track, playground, gaga ball, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Plus, the two bathhouses in the park offer showers that have rustic spa vibes. You'll look forward to cleaning up in luxury after a fun day of play.

The family-friendly atmosphere fostered by the owners and incredible staff members makes this a unique place, one to which we keep returning. And each year, there is something new! This park is still under development and ever-expanding. It’s fun to see the changes during our visits. The changes in the park and the changes in our fast-growing kids! Tip: Book your next trip before you leave (or within three days) and save!

While my typical favorite type of camping trips are more simple and rustic, full of adventurous hikes and memory-making, these visits to Jellystone are definitely full of adventure and memories. And the yearly fun experiences and laughter are something I’ll treasure forever.  

Fast Facts (and Opinions)

Location: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Campground  - Asheboro, VA

Equipment: Travel Trailer

Date: October 2021, 2022, 2023 (and counting!)

Weather: Usually sunny and cool, with a couple moments of rain

Kid-Friendly: Yes (above and beyond!)

Dog-Friendly: Yes (four dogs between the three families)

Site: We love Wilderness Trail sites on the loop!

• Water/Electric/Sewer

• Back-in

• Level

• Gravel

• Partial shade

• Picnic table and fire ring

• Trees behind sites

• New bathhouse nearby

Bathhouse:

• 2 bathhouses in park - one near the pool area and one on Wilderness Trail

• Shower rooms are very nice

• Clean

Cell Service: Yes (Verizon)

Park Highlights:

• See list in section above!

Area Highlights:

• North Carolina Zoo - the zoo is nearby, and although we've talked about it, we haven't visited it yet. 

Park Hikes:

• There are several short trails that connect around the perimeter of the park and we've walked most of them

• Several of the trails are nice and wide and allow golf carts

Area Hikes:

• None that we explored

Other Campsites:

• Most of the sites here are great, perhaps a little closer together than what you'd find at a state park, but they are perfect for camping with friends

• Some of the sites are on the pond, providing great easy access to fishing

• All of the sites, except the tent sites, have sewer hookup

• They have really cute and nice cabins for those without camping equipment

• Coolest site has to be the quad site - four sites situated into a square with a really nice pavilion and large firepit in the center, great setup for four families camping together - books up fast

Things to Do Next Visit (Because There's Just Never Enough Time!):

• We pretty much do everything during our visits!

• Maybe a visit to the NC Zoo will have to be on the agenda one year, we'll see.

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