Northern Michigan Camping: Jellystone Campground

Having just returned from a five day hiatus with four grandsons, I can honestly tell you that a good campground, with lots to do is the best way to go.

We packed the trailer with enough food to sustain us all for the five days we would be gone. Every hole was filled with games and swim toys, even the Play Station made the journey with us. I was not sure that this piece of equipment would fit in with my idea of camping, but after two days of rain I have decided that it was a great tool to have along!

We headed north for the hour and a half journey to Indian River, Michigan. 4.2 miles East of this lovel little town, on Highway 68, you will find Jellystone Campground. Yogi, Cindy, Boo Boo and all of their friends will welcome you to their world! Rates begin at $30 for rustic provisions, water and electric only for $39, and $44 for a spacious lot with full hookup, All of the camping spaces are a nice size. All of the spaces have nice tree cover and fire pits. They are very clean; cleaned by the park crew as soon as a camper checks out. They empty the fire pits and rake the entire lot.

There is a Ranger Station on site, which is actually the camp general store, arcade, ice cream stand, pool room, and restrooms. You will find on site a nice 18-hole put-put golf course that costs $4 per player. There are daily specials; play during the specified times will only cost $3 each. There is a very nice, always clean, heated pool in the shape of the state of Michigan. On the floor of the pool is a road map of Michigan's major highways. The boys loved pretending they were driving from city to city...under water of course!

There are three restrooms with hot showers, and a nice laundry mat. There are over 100 spaces and about 35% of the roads are paved. This is a great family campground. No rowdy activities, speed limit is 5.5 mph and is enforced, so the kids are safe on the bikes; and there are plenty of them. There is a very nice playground, with swings, a cool ranger tower, a playhouse, yogi bear's den of course, volley ball, shuffle board, tether ball, and even outdoor movies every night. They offer hayrides with Yogi and Boo Boo every morning and tons of fun all day long with theme weeks all summer.

The people are wonderful and very helpful in planning activities in the area. They do have planned activities daily for the kiddies. There are Jellystone Campgrounds around the United States. If a camping trip is in your plans, visit the website and see if there is one in the area you plan to visit.