Want a quick getaway? Newly remodeled, ‘Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park’ is in Pittsburgh’s backyard

All photos courtesy of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Kozy Rest Camp-Resort.

Has your family tried camping? A survey by Campspot, a popular booking platform, shows a rise in first-time campers each year — with “glamping” and water recreation being two things guests are looking for in particular. Whether your family are seasoned campers or looking to try the trend for the first time, the newly remodeled Jellystone campground just an hour from Pittsburgh is a great place to start.

Located near Butler in the village of Harrisville, the Kozy Rest Camp-Resort has tree-shaded sites, friendly staff and a daily schedule of kid-friendly activities, like firetruck rides with Yogi and yoga with Ranger Smith.

And this summer, the resort has unveiled a renovation that kicks the fun up several notches. A new camp store with a restaurant, arts and crafts pavilion, playground and sports courts, and a fully revamped aquatics center mean there’s almost no chance of hearing “I’m bored!” from your kids.

Once families check in, they can use the Jellystone Park app to find the daily schedule of activities at the park. There’s always something going on — Yogi and his friends run a series of daily programs, and most are included with the price of lodging.

COOL WATERS

The massive Water Zone features a multi-level play structure that includes waterslides, water blasters and a 750-gallon “hydrostorm” bucket waiting to spray kiddos each time the whistle sounds. A separate activity pool includes basketball hoops and tons of room for rounds of Marco Polo.

While there are plenty of lounge chairs and shaded tables for guests, there are also luxury pool cabanas available to rent. Each includes a mini-fridge, smart TV and fan for cooling off or watching the big game while kids swim.

You can order food poolside (including the classic chicken tenders-and-fries to salads, quesadillas and ice cream), which is convenient when you can’t tear your kids away from launching water cannons at one another to head back to the campsite for a meal.

CAMPING AND CABINS

Don’t own a tent or an RV (or just don’t like actually camping)? No problem. The cabins at Kozy Rest are air-conditioned, stocked with cookware, and set up for remote work or evening relaxation with campground-wide wifi.

Guests do need to bring their own linens, but lots of things — including firewood — can be directly delivered to your cabin.

Add-ons like a doughnut wakeup from the bears are a great way to celebrate birthdays or other special occasions, too. And a $70 Fun Pass includes several craft projects kids can do, plus souvenirs and more at a discount.

In addition to the included activities and upgrades, there’s also plenty of classic camping entertainment happening, too. Kids can make friends, catch lightening bugs together and invite new pals back to their campsite for s’mores.

The park, which has added additional cabins and campsites this year, is large. That’s why many families choose to rent a golf cart to get around, though the park is also paved and perfect for bikes, scooters, and strollers. A 5 m.p.h. speed limit is well-respected, so it’s safe for kids to get around on their own wheels, as well.

For more exercise, a new playground, free mini-golf and a jump pad situated between the swimming/activity pavilion are the perfect way to burn off some evening energy once the Water Zone closes at 7 p.m.

While there’s still lots of time left to enjoy summer days in Harrisville, you can also visit Jellystone after summer ends.

As the temperature drops and the pools close for the season, the Halloween events at Kozy Rest are a blast for families. And here’s a bit of news for next year: Northgate Resorts, which owns this park and many others, says further renovations are planned for the park. So keep checking for more updates.

Looking to book a stay at this campground? Check out their available accommodations and discounts right here.

If you’re looking for more ways to get outdoors and have fun with your kids, don’t miss our tips for outdoor fun in Western PA as well as our guide to getting kids excited about the outdoors.