As we sat down with Rebecca Murphy, the marketing director at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Daddy Joe’s, the enthusiasm on both sides was obvious as she graciously shared their journey through the years. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this park located in the heart of North Carolina has a rich history and a promising future.
“So you’re the marketing director at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Daddy Joe’s?” I ask.
“Correct,” Rebecca confirms with a smile. “Cool. So, tell me the story. I know we’re here for the story of Daddy Joe’s, but I’d love to know your story as well and how you fit into the Yogi family.”
Rebecca’s journey in the camping industry began years ago in Myrtle Beach. “I lived in Myrtle Beach for most of my life,” she explains. “I worked at PirateLand Campground and Myrtle Beach Travel Park for years, learning the ropes and eventually managing various departments” Her path led her to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Daddy Joe’s, where she initially served as an assistant manager before transitioning to GM and remote GM and eventually landing in marketing.
Transitioning to her role in marketing, Rebecca reflects on the shift. “I always did marketing as GM, but now I can focus on it more intentionally,” she says. “It’s about honing in on strategies like Facebook ads and email marketing to better serve our guests.”
As we dive into the history of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Daddy Joe’s, Rebecca paints a picture of innovation and adaptation. Owned by brothers Rick and Joey, the campground’s roots trace back to their father’s tobacco farm. When tobacco declined, they transformed the land into a haven for camping, hunting, and fishing enthusiasts. “The campground evolved organically,” Rebecca explains. “From fishing ponds to RV sites, we grew to meet the needs of our guests.”
Reflecting on memorable moments, Rebecca talks of community fundraisers and expansions. “We celebrated our 20th anniversary with a Pie in the Face fundraiser for Alzheimer’s,” she recalls. “It was a special moment that brought our guests and the community together.”
But Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Daddy Joe’s isn’t just about milestones; it’s about the people who call it home. Rebecca highlights the park’s long-term guests and their generational connections. “We have families who’ve been coming here for years, passing down traditions from one generation to the next,” she says. “It’s heartwarming to see.”
Innovative programs and amenities have also shaped Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Daddy Joe’s legacy. “We pride ourselves on offering unique experiences,” Rebecca says. “From homemade ice cream shops to quad sites for group camping, the campground continues to push boundaries.”
And we can’t forget they’re an award-winning park, too. One of the most prestigious honors they’ve received is the Happy Camper Award, introduced by Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ in 2022. This award is a testament to the park’s unwavering dedication to guest satisfaction, as it’s based on customer feedback, reviews, and surveys. Remarkably, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Daddy Joe’s has clinched this coveted award two years in a row since its inception, showcasing their exceptional service and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for their guests.
Looking ahead, Rebecca sees a future filled with possibilities. “Our focus remains on quality—quality experiences, employees, and customer service,” says Rick Coleman, an owner of Daddy Joe’s “As we embrace change and innovation, we’re excited for what the next 25 years will bring.” As our conversation draws to a close, we’re struck by the passion and dedication of the team at Daddy Joe’s. Their commitment to excellence is what sets them apart in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. As they celebrate 25 years of success, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come for Daddy Joe’s and their team. We’ll leave you with a quote from both proud owners Rick and Cathy Coleman:
“It’s almost hard to believe that we’ve been in business for 25 years. The thought of ‘what if’ to ‘maybe’ to ‘why not’ and finally, ‘we can build this’ still seems a bit crazy to say the least. Our goal from the onset was and remains today: quality. We set out to have a quality resort with our product, have quality employees to run the business, and have quality customer assistance to sustain the business. We can truly say that all of these goals have been met and continue to be our focus moving forward.”
