Coordinates: 30° 30’ 23” N / 90° 20’ 27” W
Distance from Baton Rouge to Jellystone Park: 56 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Why Jellystone Park? Hey, Boo-boo! It’s time to pack your gear and head to the wide open spaces–right here in our state! Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is a family-friendly gem that offers an opportunity for a needed getaway while still staying close to home. The folks who run the resort provide guests with ample opportunities to rest and relax the old-fashioned way–with swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, or by soaking up the sun and enjoying the sights and sounds of Mother Nature. There’s fun year-round, with special activities planned that will make you want to come back often. Let’s see what Yogi and his ‘beary’ special friends have in store for you.

WHERE TO STAY
The great thing about Jellystone Park is that you can stay right on site, giving you immediate access to all of the fun for your family. There are a slew of options available for lodging–450 wooded spaces for RV and tent camping and 10 different lodging and cabin options ranging in size and price, such as the Louisiana Lodges, Yogi Villas, Hideaway Havens, Lakefront Cottages, and the largest, their Troophouse, which holds up to 12 guests.

WHERE TO EAT
Lee’s Diner
If dad wants a burger and the kids are craving a mess of fries–then Lee’s Diner is your go-to spot. This casual American diner serves up breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, with choices that are sure to delight even the smallest cub. Breakfast includes omelets, pancakes, and bacon, and lunch and dinner choices include chicken, roast beef, grilled cheese, shrimp, catfish–and more. They have a full fountain menu offering all types of ice cream treats. Eat in or take your order back to your campsite.

Another Broken Egg Café
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make it a great one. Another Broken Egg Café has ‘culinary creations for everyone in the family.’ The traditional menu serves treats like buttermilk pancakes and cinnamon roll French toast; their brunch specials include shrimp ‘n’ grits and good old southern chicken and waffles, or if you’re searching for a lighter fare–dig into a salmon power bowl or a veggie delight omelet.

Tommy’s on Thomas
After a full day of hiking, swimming and playing at the campground, a traditional Italian meal really hits the spot! Tommy’s on Thomas offers a huge menu of Italian salads, Parmesan breadsticks, pizzas, calzones, chicken parmesan, pasta primavera and lasagna to choose from. Your kiddos will even love having the option of creating their very own pizzas.

WHAT TO DO
Let’s get wet! Jellystone Park has an abundance of water features where the entire family can play all day. You’ll find swimming pools, waterslides, splash peddle boats, and kayaks, plus lakes and rivers for good old fishing fun. All of these amenities are a great way to cool off on a hot day.

If you like sports of all sorts, kids of all ages will love the activities available at the campgrounds. Test your skills in their game room, challenge your friends to a round of miniature golf, shoot some hoops on their basketball court, and ‘batter up’ at their grand baseball field. Keeping active is so much fun!

The great thing about Jellystone Park is that they keep the fun running all year long! Check out their online calendar to see what’s on their schedule. This fall, they’ll be hosting their Swamp Pop Weekend and The Yogi Bear Horseshoe Invitational in September, The Pumpkin Patch and Carnival Weekend in October, and their Winter Wonderland and Chili Cook-off in November.

About 12 miles from the campground, in Folsom, you can discover over 1,000 exotic animals roaming freely at the Global Wildlife Center. Meet red kangaroos, giraffes, Bactrian camels, American Bison and lovely llamas on your visit. Take a safari wagon or a private tour of the grounds. It’s Africa in Louisiana!

If you’re game to take a day trip, head to Abita Springs, LA, about 30 miles from the park to one of Louisiana’s most eccentric attractions: the Abita Mystery House. You’ll discover the odd and unusual here. Take a gander at the very unique comb collection, or their magnificent marble machine, constructed with popsicle sticks, pinball machine parts, and plumbing supplies. 

Less than half an hour away in Madisonville, LA, you’ll find a salute to maritime history at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. Here you’ll find interpretive programs, thrilling exhibits and a full library of publications. Check out their civil war submarine, the Pioneer, and learn about local lighthouses.