Renovation underway for Jellystone Park at Coyote Ranch

Claire Kowalick, Wichita Falls Times Record News
·4 min read
The Grand Lodge at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Wichita Falls.
The Grand Lodge at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Wichita Falls.

A massive renovation is underway at the Wichita Falls Jellystone Park, transforming the former Coyote Ranch Resort into a true Yogi Bear and friends-themed destination.

Along with the name change, the campground resort is adding bigger, better attractions and activities.

The kitchen inside the general store will be renovated.
The kitchen inside the general store will be renovated.

In December 2021, Northgate Resorts, which had recently acquired the campground, decided to re-partner with the Jellystone franchise.

The park had operated as a Jellystone Park from 2014-2020. Prior to that, it began as the Coyote Ranch Resort with previous owner Donna Adams.

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Adams purchased 90 acres located at 14145 US 287 N. for the campground in 2009 and it opened in 2010.

The campground resort has won numerous awards through the years including most recently the 2021 best large campground of the year from the Texas Association of Campground Owners.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park's General Manager Zac Sharp (right) looks over important documents with Front Office Manager Paula Terry.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park's General Manager Zac Sharp (right) looks over important documents with Front Office Manager Paula Terry.

Jellystone has more than 75 camping resorts in the United States and Canada. Northgate Resorts, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, owns and operates numerous RV and cabin resorts throughout the country including 18 Jellystone locations.

Jellystone is known for offering “glamping”-style accommodations, up-close fun with Yogi Bear characters and non-stop family activities during the main season.

This is an aerial photograph of Coyote Ranch Resort Campground and Cabins.
This is an aerial photograph of Coyote Ranch Resort Campground and Cabins.

Zac Sharp joined Jellystone Park in Wichita Falls four months ago and quickly felt right at home. He said he loves coming to work every day at the campground resort. Many of the employees have been with the site for years and there is a real sense of community, Sharp said, which they love to share with their guests.

Inside Armadillo Den; one of the cabins at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Wichita Falls.
Inside Armadillo Den; one of the cabins at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Wichita Falls.

The most important part of the job, he said, is making sure they exceed guest expectations and these new changes will help make that possible.

The renovations for the site will be completed in two phases with the first phase set to be done by Memorial Day 2023.

Construction begins on the new splash pad at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Wichita Falls.
Construction begins on the new splash pad at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Wichita Falls.

Phase one includes 50 additional recreational-vehicle sites on the northwest side of the property, a massive new splash pad, amphitheater, renovation to the chapel and grand lodge, new restrooms, security check and basketball courts.

Changes also include new appliances, décor and amenities for many cabins and demolition of old barns and animal habitats. The ponies, goats, geese, chickens and other animals that had previously been on site have been relocated.

The Chapel's interior at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
The Chapel's interior at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.

The second phase of renovation will include another 50 RV sites and some additional camping spots near the fishing pond, housekeeping facility and a new bathhouse.

Sharp said they are excited that renovations are underway and cannot wait to reveal the new look when it is complete.

The field by the fishing pond at Jellystone Park at Wichita Falls will be renovated for approximately 50 additional RV sites in the location's second phase of changes.
The field by the fishing pond at Jellystone Park at Wichita Falls will be renovated for approximately 50 additional RV sites in the location's second phase of changes.

The construction at Jellystone Wichita Falls is carefully planned to minimize interference with the guest experience while it is underway. They will not be closed during any phase of the renovation.

While the unique campground resort has been on the southern outskirts of Wichita Falls for about 12 years, Sharp said there are still many people who did not know about this "hidden gem" in their backyard. He hopes the new attractions and distinct Jellystone branding will invite everyone to give them a try.

Visitors can rent out cabins, RV sites or campgrounds nightly or for long-term stays. The chapel and other venues with gorgeous views are available to rent for weddings, family reunions or other gatherings. A day pass is also available to enjoy the amenities and activities without staying overnight.

A maze at Jellystone Park at the Coyote Ranch is one of the many fun activities available. While the site is undergoing many renovations, the maze is not changing.
A maze at Jellystone Park at the Coyote Ranch is one of the many fun activities available. While the site is undergoing many renovations, the maze is not changing.

While the campground is open all year round, Yogi Bear and the other characters are in “hibernation” for the winter and they only have activities during this time on weekends.

Sharp said they had an amazing turnout for their Halloween activities which included a hayride, haunted trail, “magic” pumpkin patch, maze and trick-or-treating.

Thanksgiving activities will include a Turkey Trot followed by a pancake feed for participants, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, Thanksgiving crafts for the kids, and a canned food drive to benefit the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank.

For Christmas, Yogi Bear and Boo Boo will participate in the downtown Christmas Lights Parade. At the campground, there will be a festive hayride, lots of holiday decorations and a visit by Santa.

For more information about the Jellystone Park in Wichita Falls, visit their website at www.wichitafallsjellstonepark.com.

Download the Jellystone App for notifications during your stay, character appearances, park maps and activity times and locations and earn Yogi Reward points. Available at the Apple Store and Google Play.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Renovation underway for Jellystone Park at Coyote Ranch