We love all the unique features of our Camp-Resort. From it’s scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, to its wildlife and natural streams, there is so much that makes Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley stand out. Yet, even more than that, is the park’s great history. Keep reading to learn more about the vast history of Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Co Metal Detectors

Gold Prospecting

Starting in 1803, North Carolina was the first location where gold was found in the United States, which resulted in prospectors combing the mountains and streams heavily during this time. In the mid to late 1800’s, Rutherford County, where Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley is located, was a prominent place for gold mining and prospecting. If you’re lucky, you might even find some gold or copper during your next stay to our camp-resort.

Photo courtesy of Locations Hub

Girl Scout Camp

Before Golden Valley was the home of Yogi Bear and Friends™, it was a Girl Scout Camp for nearly 40 years (starting in 1969). The 600-acre camp featured the lake, an archery range, hiking trails, treehouse cabins, group lodges, tent sites, and a 110-year old cabin that still stands today. The Girl Scout organization sold Camp Golden Valley in 2010, with many people in the community hoping that it would continue as a camp for families. In 2018, it reopened as Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley. All existing camp structures from its former Girl Scout days remain today, but remodeled inside for a modern glamping experience that is perfect for families.

Remodeled Cabins

All of the Girl Scout cabins still stand today at Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley, just with upgraded amenities to accommodate families looking for a glamping trip in North Carolina. For instance, where the Treetop Cabins once offered a rustic experience (see photo above) for campers, they are now fully furnished with a full bed, trundle bed for extra guests, sleeper sofa, AC/heating, coffee maker, outdoor kitchenette, charcoal grill, picnic table, and fire ring! Yet, the outside retained it's Girl Scout red and green to preserve the park history.

Revamped Group Lodges

Throughout the 600-acre park are several group lodges, also painted the Girl Scout red and green. Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley retained the same colors, adding a fresh coat of paint, and added more rooms and furnishings to allow for more guests within these cozy group lodges. Richland Mountain Retreat now sleeps up to 13, with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, hot tub, and so much more!

Scouts' Table

What we now know as Scouts' Table was once a cozy dining hall for Girl Scout campers for 40 years. We would love to hear the camp stories that these walls could tell! This building was modified only to accommodate a coffee bar, which was not there before. Other than that, much of the Girl Scout character proudly remains, such as the fireplace, light fixtures, beams, outdoor patio, just with a few fresh coats of paint. We have been so thankful for the continued memories and stories that these buildings get to host since their foundation within the Girl Scout Camp.

Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley Today

Just 6 years since opening, Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley is continuing to add more to the family fun experience on the 600+ acre park. With a Water Zone, swimming pool, playgrounds, mini golf course, new cabins, RV sites, and even a Blue Ridge Mountain Coaster that just opened up in 2023! 

There is so much history to be found when you camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but there’s even more history to be found right here at Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley. Book your stay and make new memories today!