I may be the last camper on the face of the earth with children to have discovered the joys of Yogi Bears Jellystone Park campgrounds. But to cut myself some slack, I will also note that camping is a relatively new activity for our family.

Because we got our new trailer late in the season, we only got to go on three camping trips in before winter set in, but the last one sure whet our appetites for this spring when we can start planning more family camping trips anew.

We went to Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Campground for their end of season, Halloween celebration and it was such a fantastic experience despite the onset of some frigid temperatures and rain.

If youve never been to one of these places, it is like a trip right into cartoon land. There are carousel rides, train rides, movies, crafts and even a real fire engine ride for the kids. Of course, each location has many different offerings too that are designed to entice campers to try their slant on the old favorites Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear.

When we visited, Yogi was in hibernation for the winter, but during the summer Yogi wakes up little campers, has breakfast with them and generally makes their camping trip one for the memory books.

There are activities planned for all ages at just about every hour on the hour 7 days a week during summer months. Even during our fall visit, the activities pretty much ran non-stop. In addition to ceramic painting, pumpkin painting and gem mining, there was a haunted hayride, haunted walk that rivaled most commercial offerings and of course trick or treating and other Halloween themed events. They also sponsored a campsite Halloween decorating contest in four different categories and some of these campers go all out! It was so festive to see all the decorations and see so many people enjoying their camping experience.

Needless to say, we are watching the calendar for the first signs of spring so we can plan our next camping adventure with Yogi. Hope to see you there!