Yogi Bear is clocking back in at Pigeon Forge on June 1, as Jellystone Park reopens after a multimillion-dollar facelift that spruced up cabins, pools, and kid-centric play zones. The refreshed camp-resort will roll out RV sites, remodeled cabins, and glamping-style stays, with daily character meet-and-greets and themed weekend events already open for spring and summer reservations.
New Owners, Big Upgrades
As detailed in a press release from Camp Jellystone, the property formerly known as Bear Cove Village will officially reopen under the Jellystone Park banner on June 1. The park plans to operate year-round, with a portion of sites reserved for seasonal RV stays, and the franchisor notes that bookings for spring and summer are already live through the park’s reservation system.
The transformation has been driven by Knoxville-based Blue Ridge Development, LLC, which bought the campground and poured in a multimillion-dollar overhaul, according to GlobeNewswire. “We are upgrading every area of the park and adding new activities that were not offered previously,” Dan Barnett, founder of Blue Ridge Development, said in the announcement.
What Families Can Expect
The revamped Pigeon Forge location is leaning hard into its cartoon celebrity lineup. The park’s Pigeon Forge section features appearances by Yogi Bear, Cindy Bear, and Boo Boo, along with Hey Hey Hey wagon rides, foam parties, and other family-focused activities, according to Camp Jellystone. Guests can choose from premium RV sites, cabins, and glamping options at 3404 Whaley Drive in Pigeon Forge, just a short hop from Dollywood, with full amenity details listed on the park’s site.
The City of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism showed off the refreshed grounds in a series of photos posted to Facebook on Sunday, highlighting the updated cabins and pools and nudging families to get those summer dates locked in. Guests can reserve online or call the park directly at (865) 453-8117.
The Jellystone relaunch plugs right into Pigeon Forge’s tourism engine, where family travel dollars are a central funding source for local services and a big reason the Parkway stays packed with new attractions. As tourists foot the bill, openings like this help keep the city’s visitor economy humming heading into the busy summer season.
