Have you ever heard of the Yogi Bear Jellystone Campgrounds? I used to hear about them so often that I kept thinking it would be so great to visit one with my family. I just put it off for so long because I didn’t think there was one in New Jersey until I searched for a Jellystone Park near me.
I found out I was wrong. Not only was there a Jellystone Park in New Jersey, but there was one in South Jersey! It was less than 35 minutes from my home. I couldn’t believe it, I had to visit it.
Life can get busy. We ALL deserve that time to escape the everyday hustle of work, school, and sports schedules. Escaping to a camping resort like Jellystone Park is one of the easiest ways to embark on a family adventure that lets you pack in as much or as little activity as you want.
At Jellystone Park and Campground, parents can unwind, kids can roam free, and everyone can bond at the beach, in the pool, by the lake, along the trails, or around the campfire.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover the thrilling activities, spacious camping accommodations, and peaceful campgrounds of Yogi Bear™ Jellystone Park and why it’s the ultimate South Jersey camping destination for families.
Jellystone Campground in Southern New Jersey
When you camp at the Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground and Resort there are several types of camping accommodations: cabins, cottages, RV sites, rental trailers, and a Ranger’s Retreat. We’ll touch on them briefly below but you can learn more by calling (856) 629-5140 or visiting their website.
As part of our partnership to create this guide to Yogi Bear Jellystone Park and Campground in South Jersey we were provided with a complimentary stay in a Deluxe Canal Cottage.
All campsites offer parking for 1-2 vehicles, a picnic table, and a campfire ring. Non-RV sites have gas grills as well.
Ranger’s Retreat
The Ranger’s Retreat is a spacious option for large families, families that are camping together, or if you need a cabin large enough for an epic camping sleepover. It features 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and can sleep up to 14 people!
Cabins and Cottages
Jellystone Campground South Jersey offers two types of cabins or cottages, both provide an opportunity for glamping if you’re looking for a camping experience with some amenities. There are Deluxe Cottages and Garden State Cottages.
The Jellystone Campground cabins and cottages have this in common
- Sleep up to 8 people
- Private Indoor bathroom with shower
- Air Conditioning
- Electricity
- Heat
- Cable TV
- Kitchen with
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Private bedroom with queen bed
- Concrete patios (in addition to porches)
They both look pretty amazing from the outside and I don’t think you can go wrong with either option.
Where these two cabin options at Jellystone Campground differ is in the floor layout, beds, some furniture, and location.
Garden State Cottage
Garden State Cottages are situated deeper into the campground slightly surrounded by trees. They are more private in terms of their location. These cottages have a large porch with a picnic table. In the Garden State Cottages, there are 2 separate lofts each has a queen bed.
There is a private bedroom on the main floor with a queen bed. These cabins also have a sleeper sofa and a table with seating for four people. Access to the lofts is by way of ladders.
The Garden State Cottages do not allow pets.
Deluxe Cottage
The Deluxe Cottages are all located along the water. Two have views of the lake and the rest have views of the boat canal. This is where we stayed on our camping visit to Jellystone Campground South Jersey.
These cottages offer a screened-in porch with seating. The picnic table is located outside the cabin at ground level.
On the main level is a private bedroom with a queen bed. Between the private bedroom and the living room space is a set of twin-sized bunk beds.
Access to the loft is made possible with a set of steps. In the loft space are two full-size beds.
In the living room/kitchen space is a small table with 4 wooden barstools. The kitchen counter has enough counter space for eating and has an additional 3 stools. There is also a couch.
The bathrooms have a sink, toilet, and shower. There is storage in the mirror cabinet and underneath the sink.
Only select Deluxe Canal Cottages are designated as pet-friendly.
I loved our Deluxe Canal Cottage. I don’t think I could have picked a more perfect location for our camping stay at Yogi Bear Jellystone Park. The cottage was just the right amount of space for us. Teens and kids can have ‘their space’ in the lofts while parents can have a private room to themselves. Little kids can be nearby on the bunk beds.
The cottage felt very clean and well taken care of. Stepping in, I felt right at home. From wooden stools to wooden-carved dressers and cabinets, every bit of decor seemed to add to that log cabin feeling.
This view from our screened in porch could not be beat. It was pretty nice to start and end my day just sitting back and staring at the view.
RV Sites
RV campers have so many options at the South Jersey Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground. They can choose from back-in or pull-thru sites. There are RV sites right on the water as well as right near the attractions or more private sites among the trees.
While we didn’t stay in an RV we took time to walk the grounds to check out the RV sites at Jellystone Campground. There were impressively large sites.
All RV sites are equipped with electric, water, and sewer hook-ups. Please visit the RV section of the Jellystone Campground website for more details.
Rental Trailer Sites
Campers looking for an RV/trailer-type experience can have that at the South Jersey Jellystone Campground. There are two 38’ Jayco Rental Trailers that offer sleeping space for up to 8 people with 1 queen bed, 1 set of twin bunk beds, and 2 full beds.
These trailers include AC/heating, cable TV, a full bathroom with a shower, and a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, stove, oven, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, pots and pans, cooking utensils, dishes and silverware.
Tent Sites
The Williamstown South Jersey Jellystone Campground does not offer tent sites.
Now that we’ve shared where and how to camp at Jellystone Campground, let’s talk about all the things to do at the Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Southern New Jersey.
Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Southern New Jersey
Yogi Bear campers not only enjoy a South Jersey campground with spacious campsites, but Jellystone Park offers a number of amenities and activities as well. From activities included with your stay to amenities you can pay extra for, no one will be bored.
Yogi Bear Jellystone Park Activities Included with Camping Reservations
Nothing’s worse than getting to a campground and finding all the activities cost extra money. That’s not the case at the Williamstown South Jersey Jellystone Campground. You can fill your camping vacation with multiple activities without spending a dime.
Activity Pool
You can’t miss the Activity Pool when you drive onto the Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground. It’s right near the entrance and all campers pass it on the way to their campsites. The bright and vivid colors make it look like so much fun.
Once inside the activity pool, there are caterpillar structures to climb through, fountains that spray water, hanging buckets that drop water, pads to cross, mini mountains to slide, small cannons to shoot water, and more. It reminded me of a spray park or splash ground.
The Jellystone Park activity pool is completely fenced in. It ranges in depth from 0 depth entry to 3 feet deep.
Water Zone – Traditional Pool
The Yogi Bear Jellystone Park South Jersey offers an Olympic-sized pool that is also completely fenced in.
The pool features an attached but separate baby pool area. In the rest of the pool depths range from 3 feet to 6 feet. There is plenty of paved cement to accommodate chairs but you do need to bring your own seating.
Wibit Challenge Obstacle Course – Inflatable Obstacle Course on the Water
This inflatable obstacle course on the lake water charges nothing for kids, teens, and adults to climb, slide, and swing to their heart’s content. It has rock climbing walls, a balance beam, swing, slide, and more. It is situated over the water at the beachfront and is separated from the rest of the lake with a barrier.
The Ol’ Swimming Hole – Jellystone Park Beach
This South Jersey Jellystone Campground offers a beachfront for all guests to enjoy. Behind the beach is a nice picnic grove with plenty of picnic tables available. A short distance from there is a snack bar that sells burgers, pretzels, pizza, ice cream, and other food.
In the water, guests can enjoy lake swimming or dive off a diving board. Littler guests can also climb a turtle structure or slide down a small tube slide. The swimming area is separated from the rest of the lake area with ropes and other low barriers.
Earn a prize by doing a Scavenger Hunt
Pick up an activity book at the campground front desk. The activity book has a few activities in it including a scavenger hunt. Kids who complete the scavenger hunt can earn a prize.
TWO Jumping Pillows
What’s better than trampolines and bounce houses? How about jumping pillows? The South Jersey Jellystone Park offers TWO jumping pillows. Your kids will love them! They’re giant inflatable pillows, coming out of the ground, that measure about 30’ x 60’!
Playgrounds
At Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in South Jersey, the kids can be entertained by 3 different playgrounds. One playground is located near the beachfront and pools. It offers diggers, slides, monkey bars, and ladders.
In a separate area of the Jellystone Campground are two additional playgrounds, one on each side of a road. On one side is a playground with swings, a log balance beam, a multi-person see saw, and other playground structures.
On the other side of the road is a playground with a multi-level structure with ladders, slides, diggers, and more.
Fishing
Campers of all ages can fish at no charge while visiting Jellystone Park. The lake is a catch-and-release only fishing spot stocked by Yogi Bear Jellystone Park. Bring your poles, or rent one for the day!
Nature Trail
Towards the far end of the campground is a nature trail. We estimate this to be about 1 mile in length. It starts with wooden platforms through the woods and somewhat loops around the lake ending near the beach. It’s a picturesque trail, but it is in a heavily wooded area. Children and teens should only walk the trail with adults as there are no trail markers. At the clearing, stay left to complete the loop.
Photo Opps
Sprinkled about the Yogi Bear Jellystone campground are photo opportunity spots. Look for popular Yogi Bear characters with spaces where guests can stick their heads through.
Here are a few locations for those Jellystone Park photos.
- Far end of the lake
- In the Picnic Grove
- Two near the pavilion with playgrounds
Outside the Camp Store is also a bench with a Yogi Bear statue. Guests can pose as if they are sitting with Yogi Bear.
Near the Gem Mining in the Picnic Grove there is a life-size Yogi Bear sculpture. He’s posing ready for pictures.
Sports Fields and Courts
Near the pavilion, Yogi Bear Jellystone Park South Jersey has a gaga ball pit, a baseball diamond, basketball courts, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a large open field of grass.
Daily Activities
Nearly every day there are extra activities happening at Jellystone Park. Campers can review the daily schedule when they check in or look ahead at their online calendar. Activities like dance parties, pool games, pictures with characters, and sports games are available for free for guests.
Yogi Bear Jellystone Park Activities Available for an Additional Charge
For guests that want a little extra while camping at Jellystone Campground, the Yogi Bear Jellystone Park offers these activities for an additional charge.
Arcade Alley
Arcade Alley offers classic arcade games like Pacman, bubble/dome hockey, skeeball, and air hockey. There’s even a ping pong table and a few play-till-you-win crane games. Games were priced at 25 cents to $1 a game. The Arcade Alley is located in a dark brown building near the entrance to the campground.
Gem Mining
Looking for gold? Get Gem Mining without having to leave Jellystone Park. Campers can purchase a bag from the camp store. Use the Gem Mining fountain to wash away dirt and reveal your precious stones.
Boat, Canoe, and Paddleboat Rentals
At the time of our visit (August 2023), canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats were available to rent for $20 per hour or $100 per day.
Bike Rentals
Guests can also rent adult tricycles, adult cruiser bikes, or child cruiser bikes by the day.
Fishing Pole Rentals
For campers interested in fishing, but that don’t have fishing poles with them, fishing poles can be rented from Jellystone Park. Adult and children’s fishing rods are available.
Bear Visits and Bedtime Stories
Yogi Bear and his friends are available for one-on-one bear visits and bedtime stories at your campsite. If this is something your family is interested in book it when you book your campsite because availability is limited.
Daily Activities
Want to make and take something tye-dyed? Want to play some sweet bingo? Jellystone Campground offers additional activities like Candy Bar Bingo, tye-dye socks, sand art necklaces, bedtime stories, pizza parties, and more as part of their extra activities. Just bring cash as it’s the only method of payment accepted for these activities.
Campers can buy a fun pass that includes the add on activities. It’s a convenient way to pay for add on activities without having to pay for each additional activity separately.
9 More things to know about the South Jersey Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground and Park in Williamstown NJ
Where is this Yogi Bear Jellystone Park and campground?
This is the closest Jellystone Park near me and likely you if you live in New Jersey. It’s located at 117 Coles Mill Road in Williamstown NJ. It is right off the Black Horse Pike and very easy to get to. As close as it is to the pike, it’s an extremely peaceful setting. You never feel like you’re close to such major routes as Route 322/Black Horse Pike or Route 42, but you are.
Does the Jellystone Campground get noisy?
We’ve been to some campgrounds where at nighttime it can seem loud. That was not the case with this Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground. Even though some of the cabins around us were full and there were RVs across the path, I was impressed with how quiet it was at night. Families traveling with kids do not need to worry about other campers being disruptive at night.
Are dogs allowed at Yogi Bear Jellystone Park South Jersey?
Yes, the Jellystone Campground does offer dog-friendly campsites and cabins where dogs are allowed. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the picnic grove area, but there is a small dog Bark Park on the property.
Where is there a Jellystone Campground in New Jersey?
At this time, the Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Williamstown New Jersey is the only Jellystone Campground in New Jersey. It was formerly the Hospitality Creek Campground.
The site previously located in Elmer New Jersey has been closed.
What do I need to bring to stay in the cabins, cottages, or rentable trailer?
Linens are not provided, but you can rent them at an additional charge. We chose that option since it meant one less thing to pack and worry about. Each linen rental comes with bedding for the bed (sheet, blanket, pillow case, pillows) and towels. These are towels for showering. Guests should still bring beach towels for swimming activities.
We found the kitchen to be pretty well stocked with plates, mugs, glasses, and cookware. There was silverware, but not quite a full set. I’d recommend bringing enough silverware for your family’s needs and any special cooking utensils you might need.
Can I have guests during my camping stay?
Yes! For an additional fee, you can have guests visit you while you camp at Jellystone Park South Jersey.
Do I have to camp at Jellystone Campground in order to use Jellystone Park?
You actually don’t have to camp at Jellystone Campground to use Jellystone Park, but we think you should. ;-) Swim memberships are available for purchase. Members receive access to the following as part of their membership.
- Olympic-sized pool
- Activity pool
- Wibit
- Jumping Pillows
- Beach and swimming lake
- Free parking
When can I camp at Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground? Is Jellystone Park open yearround?
The attractions and campgrounds at Jellystone Park are generally open from the middle of April to early November 5. The peak season is mid-June through mid-August.
The schedule for the attractions and activities will vary throughout the season depending on the activity, weather, and time of the season. For example, playgrounds and sports fields can be expected to be open most of the time. The pools, arcade, jumping pillow, rentals, and daily activities will vary. It generally looks like during the peak season most activities are open daily. During the off-peak season, most attractions and activities are available on weekends only.
Have more questions about Yogi Bear Jellystone Park and Campground?
Yogi Bear is eager to see your family at Jellystone Park South Jersey. If you’re ready to book your stay or have more questions give them a call at (856) 629-5140 or visit their website.
Have more questions about camping in New Jersey?
For more information about camping in New Jersey please visit these guides we’ve created.
