The Project Overview:
When we first toured Shady Acres Campground in Carver, MA, we saw a beloved family campground with plenty of potential. The property’s wooded sites, neighboring cranberry bogs, peaceful environment, and loyal visitors were a strong foundation to build on in an in-demand market. As one of the top campground owners in the United States, we knew it could offer much more, especially to today’s families looking for interactive, memory-making experiences with top amenities in prime destinations.
By transforming Shady Acres into Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres, we elevated it to a premier family camping destination in the region. Through an ambitious expansion plan, we not only rebranded the campground but also enhanced its amenities, introduced new features, and improved guest experiences to make it a top Jellystone Park™ in the region.
The Transformation Vision:
After evaluating the original Shady Acres Campground, we identified several areas where we could enhance value, broaden the appeal, and meet evolving guest expectations through various campground expansion opportunities. The vision was to transform Shady Acres into a full-service, family-oriented resort with engaging amenities that would make it a magnet for new guests while retaining loyal visitors. This would be a significant overhaul of the property and drastically change the property’s reputation and positioning.
Below details several areas we identified for improvements.
Key Improvements and Enhancements:
Expanded Lodging Options & Vehicle Rentals
Modern family campgrounds need a range of lodging options, so we added 60 new cabins and increased the number of RV sites. Additionally, we introduced a fleet of golf carts for rent, which became a major revenue generator, increasing income by 121%. To meet growing demand, we also added 12 new Smart Carts.
Retail & Dining Expansion
One of the most visible transformations was our new retail store, which expanded from 500 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft. This upgrade, alongside the introduction of a Pizza Kitchen, contributed to a 102% increase in retail and dining revenue. Additionally, relocating our food truck to the pool area significantly boosted revenue by drawing more traffic to both the pool and dining options.
New Recreational Facilities & Attractions
To enhance the guest experience, we introduced amenities such as a brand-new mini-golf course and sports courts as well as added new activity options such as Gellyball, laser tag, and gem mining. We also increased character appearances and bear visits, making every stay more interactive and engaging for families as well as reflective of the new brand.
Infrastructure & Guest Convenience Improvements
To provide guests with a smoother experience, we made major improvements to the campground’s infrastructure, including but not limited to:
- Upgraded playground
- Enhanced guest registration office and check-in process
- Improved traffic flow with a new design and signage
- Added additional bathrooms and laundry trailers for guest convenience
- Installed all-new utilities, including water, electric, and septic systems
- Built a new wastewater treatment plant
- Added a water filtration and treatment plant
These campground development solutions were not flashy enhancements, but were necessary and important investments in the foundation of the property to set ourselves up for success with this expansion.
Water Park & Water Activities
Known as one of the best hospitality groups in the United States, we know that water-based activities are a crucial part of any resort experience. A major highlight of our transformation was the addition of a multi-level water play structure, resort pool, and cabanas, which became a major draw for guests. The addition of a small water park allows us to charge a premium and provide an exceptional experience for kids.
Additionally, our investment in more kayaks and the improvement of an existing beach helped equipment rental revenue grow significantly. Due to this success, we are ordering more kayaks to meet demand.
Operational Enhancements & Guest Experience Improvements
We also invested in staff training programs to ensure consistent, high-quality guest interactions. With years of third party resort management services under our belt, we developed a playbook we use here at Northgate on any property we manage. Our management team implemented improved reservation systems, guest service training, efficient check-in processes, and labor and S&R targets and controls. These operational improvements have streamlined daily operations, improved profitability, and enhanced overall guest satisfaction time and time again.
Results & Impact:
The transformation of Shady Acres into Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres has been a resounding success. The impact of our strategic enhancements can be seen through:
- An increase in NOI of 128.91%
- Total revenue up 94.5% YoY
- A boost in retail and dining revenue
- Higher occupancy rates and longer average stays
- Positive guest feedback and repeat visit rate
Conclusion:
At Northgate Resorts, we’re committed to transforming campgrounds into destinations that blend adventure with family-friendly comfort. The success of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres in Carver, MA, is a testament to our hands-on approach and deep understanding of what modern camping families want. From adding engaging attractions to streamlining operations, we’re passionate about creating memorable outdoor experiences for every guest.
If you’re ready to elevate your campground, increase occupancy, and transform your property into a destination that resonates with today’s campers, Northgate Resorts has the expertise and vision to make it happen. Contact us to learn about our outdoor hospitality management services and how we can help bring your campground’s potential to life.