JellyStone Park Golden Valley is perfect for a family getaway!

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is an easy hour and half drive from Charlotte. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just for campers; there is truly something for everyone here. Whether tent camping is your thing or a nice glamping cabin, they have it all! Since my husband is high-maintenance, we have always rented a cabin – of which there are many different options.

LODGING OPTIONS

We have stayed at both the Laurel Cove Lodge and a Hickory Forest Cabin. The Hickory Forest Cabin can sleep up to 6. There was a queen bed, bunk beds, a sleeper sofa and a full bathroom. It also has a small kitchenette area and table. The deck was expansive with fabulous views and was the perfect place to enjoy my coffee each morning. It is important to note that they don’t provide linens. I would recommend renting them as it just made it easier. You get a bag with bed linens as well as towels. Another option would be to just have the kids bring sleeping bags to throw on the bunk beds. As with every site, there was a picnic table and fire ring outside. 

If you want to splurge, the Laurel Cove Lodge is the way to go! It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. This cabin was much more spacious and it included a shuffleboard table and a hot tub. The location was in the heart of the park and only steps away from most of the activities. However, I highly recommend renting a golf cart as that is part of the experience. 

DINING OPTIONS

When it comes to dining, we prefer to bring a lot of our own food. However, we do always eat at least once at Scout’s Table. It is a lodge setting with great views of the lake and mountains outside. We enjoy sitting down for a breakfast here as the food is good, staff is friendly and prices are reasonable. They also have a coffee bar where you can drop in to snag a coffee and muffin to go! The Creekside Cafe offers your typical burgers, fries, chicken fingers and ice cream which are always kid-friendly. There is also a Ranger Station which serves as the park’s general store with some food options and supplies.

ATTRACTIONS

The pool is a big attraction for kids; however, there are so many other activities that the pool area is just one of many fun things to do! Not only is there a traditional swimming pool, but a water playground with slides and a big bucket that dumps on everyone every few minutes. They even have a hot tub and cabanas.

Jellystone has a ton of family-friendly activities and it seems to add more each year. It is hard to fit it all in while you are there. We spent the most time playing mini-golf and fishing; both of which are free. While they do charge for some activities such as zip-lining and the alpine coaster, there are plenty of activities that are included in your stay. Here are some of the fun things to do while there:

• Gaga Ball
• Arts & Crafts
• Pool & Water Playground
• Hiking
• Playground
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Laser Tag
• Tennis/Pickleball
• Fishing
• Mini golf
• Swimming hole
• Water rentals
• Gem mining
• Jumping pad
• Zipline
• Inflatable water obstacle course
• Alpine Coaster

WE EXPLORED EVERYTHING!

I highly recommend taking the kids to experience this Jellystone Park. Not only will they enjoy it, but so will you! I should mention that the wifi there is spotty….which can be a blessing in disguise. Go get away from the everyday work and grind and have some family fun time just a short drive away.  For more adventures, check out my social media where I share new places to explore: @backpacksandfruitsnack2 or click HERE!