Rising travel costs—up 26.3% since 2019, according to the U.S. Travel Price Index—are prompting Americans to rethink vacation plans. With current gas prices and other expenses hitting family budgets, more travelers may stay closer to home this summer, creating opportunities for the glamping and campsite franchise market.
The return of Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts to Cincinnati, Ohio, illustrates this trend. The Yogi Bear-themed RV and family glamping resort is set to open in late April 2026, according to a recent press release. Operated in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Jellystone Park currently has more than 74 franchise locations across North America.
The franchise is owned and operated by Ohio-based Small Brothers, LLC, and Terra Firma Associates. It is positioning itself as a destination for staycations–with a planned list of family-friendly attractions, amenities and themed activities.
“The popularity of RVing and glamping keeps increasing among families,” said Rob Schutter, former president of the franchise. “Today, parents want more than just a nice RV site or luxury cabin—they’re looking for fun activities that create lasting memories, which is what makes Jellystone Park so unique.”
New Franchise Opportunities in Luxury Camping
Camping and glamping franchises are also gaining attention among Millennials and Gen Z, according to data from the 2025 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report by Kampgrounds of America (KOA).
A desire for nature-based vacations and glamping experiences has led to the growth of new franchises–including two relatively new ones. Ferncrest, which opened its first site on June 30, 2023, offers boutique glamping accommodations, including luxury tents, and is actively selling franchise opportunities. Timberline Glamping Company, founded in 2018, provides branded luxury tent stays within parks and campgrounds, with multiple franchised locations across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
More from L’Express Franchise
While the glamping franchise sector remains small compared to established camping franchises like KOA, with more than 500 franchised and company-owned campgrounds, it remains an option for entrepreneurs. And with travel costs, like gas and airfare, rising, along with the demand for local getaways, franchise opportunities that cater to vacationers are likely to grow.
