The family camping and glamping boom that exploded in the early days of the Covid pandemic is showing no signs of slowing, based on Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts 2022 reservations. Compared with this time last year, early bookings are up 76%.
The early bookings affirm Jellystone Park’s 2021 revenues, which are up 40% compared with last year. Many Jellystone Park locations were sold out during the peak vacation season.
Many were new to the franchises, with Jellystone finding 45% of guests during summer 2021 were first-time visitors.
Trent Hershenson, Jellystone’s marketing vice president, said guests are worried they will not be able to reserve a cabin or RV site for specific dates, driving the early bookings. Hershenson said some locations have opened reservations earlier than usual this year to accommodate guest requests.
In addition to the rise in early vacation reservations, parks offering year-round accommodations are seeing an increase in offseason bookings. Campers unable to visit a location last summer or fall because of limited availability are taking advantage of winter and spring options. Along with smaller crowds, rates are lower during the offseason, although activities and attractions may be limited.
“The popularity of family camping and glamping was growing rapidly even before the pandemic, but then it really took off,” Hershenson said. “The ongoing uncertainties involving COVID are another reason advance bookings are up so much.”
Jellystone Park is seeing significant growth in multiple generations of families camping and glamping together. Many camp-resort locations have large cabins and lodges that can accommodate 10 or more people. Large family groups can rent adjacent cabins or RV sites to be together but still have family privacy.
Hershenson also said that it is especially important for families who need large cabins or multiple cabins and RV sites or accessible accommodations to make reservations now to avoid sellouts, especially during the prime summer season.
