Tom Dunkes Jellystone Park™
Images of patrons and attractions captured at Jellystone Park™ Hocking Hills location.
Finding a camping resort that truly welcomes four-legged family members—rather than just tolerating them—can be a top priority for dog-loving travelers. That is why Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is increasingly becoming "the place" for pet-friendly vacations across Canada and the United States.
With more than 75 franchised locations across North America, Camp Jellystone (based in Southfield, Michigan) is famous for its family attractions—from pools, water slides, and mini golf to foam parties, wagon rides, and dance parties. However, unique pet amenities, animal activities, and specialized accommodations are rapidly becoming a signature part of the Jellystone Park experience.
As Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Camp Jellystone, noted:
“We’re as pet friendly as we are family friendly.”
From paw-print craft sessions and pup parades to specialized animal weekends, here is a guide to upcoming pet-focused activities at Jellystone Park locations this season.
1. Upcoming Pet-Themed Weekends, Costume Parades & Pup Parties
For travelers who enjoy entering their pets into costume contests or showcasing their abilities, Jellystone Park hosts pet-centric event weekends throughout the season:
- Pelahatchie, Mississippi: "We Love Our Pups Week" (August 24–30) lets families make puppy ear headbands, DIY dog collars, tags, and keepsake paw-print crafts. Guests wearing a pup costume to the Cartoon Café receive one free pup cup of ice cream.
- Pittsfield, Illinois: Offers daily pup meetups (separated for big dogs and small dogs). A pet-themed weekend (August 28–30) features welcome station pampering, bandana crafts, dog walks, a K9 costume parade, and character photo ops.
- Uniontown, Ohio: "Furry Friends Weekend" (September 11–13) focuses on the dog splash park, a tie-dye dog bandana craft activity, and a dog costume contest.
2. Wildlife Encounters & Traveling Petting Zoos
For families interested in combining pet activities with farm animal interactions, select Jellystone Park resorts host special wildlife events:
- Monticello, Iowa: Features a traveling petting zoo on September 26. (Note: All rental cabins at this location are pet friendly).
A Welcoming Destination for Pet Travelers
Whether backing an RV into a campsite or booking a cabin, Jellystone Park provides options that eliminate the need to leave four-legged companions behind. With bark parks, splash zones, and pup parades on the seasonal itinerary, pets are catered to just as thoughtfully as any other guest on the trip.