Since mid-March, we've hardly ventured outside our own neighborhood. Although I love our home, I've been really craving a change of scenery along with some typical summer fun.
When I was invited to experience the newly renovated and expanded Jellystone Park in Larkspur with my family, it sounded like just the getaway I'd been wanting. It was such a nice break that we've already booked another stay in August!
GETTING THERE
Since we live in Castle Rock, it was a short drive to Jellystone Park via the Frontage Road. We don't usually vacation quite so close to home (let's face it, there's not much about 2020 that has been "usual") but there are some real perks to staying nearby.
Not only did we save money by not having the added expense of travel costs, I didn't stress about packing like I usually do. If we forgot anything that we couldn't live without, we could easily drive back home to pick it up.
And it turns out that 20 minutes "down the road" is far enough away for me to step away from my office, the chores, and the never-ending to-do list and spend an entire day just relaxing — just what this mama needed! Plus, with less light pollution, we were able to enjoy some pretty incredible stargazing.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Jellystone Park has RV Sites that can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet in length with slide outs. Premium pull-through and standard back-in sites are all level with large gravel pads, concrete patios, WiFi, picnic tables, and propane gas fire pits. Summer rates start at $88 per night.
There are four styles of cabin rentals. We stayed in the Yogi Bear Cabin that had two bedrooms with a queen-size bed in one and a twin bunk over a queen-size bed in the other, a bathroom, and a kitchen complete with a microwave, two-burner cooktop stove, microwave, toaster, and Keurig coffee maker.
 |  |  |
All cabins have a large deck complete with grill, gas fire pit, and table and chairs. This was my favorite feature. We ate dinner outside each night, enjoying the fresh air and nice views of the surrounding hills. After dinner, we could move our chairs to the fire pit for s'mores and stargazing.
Cabins include bedding and towels, air conditioning, heat, cable TV, and WiFi. Summer rates start at $249 per night. Take advantage of the Buy 2 Nights, Get 1 Free deal on all stays from August 17 through October 31 when booked by August 21, 2020 (not valid during holidays, holiday weekends, or themed weekends).
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- The cabins are clean, bright, and very comfortable, but rather small. They are perfect for a 2 to 4 night stay for our family.
- The bedrooms in our cabin didn't have any storage but they did have a built-in suitcase shelf and some hooks on the walls. The master had built-in shelves that served as nightstands. We found it important to keep our suitcases organized.
- The bathroom had a small cabinet with towels/washcloths and only enough counter space for toothbrushes and toothpaste. A hanging toiletries organizer would have been useful (we'll bring one on our next trip). Our bathroom had a large shower but no tub.
- The kitchen had enough dishes for one meal (for a party of 6) and basic cooking essentials (skillet, saucepan, serving utensils, measuring cup but no measuring spoons). There was no oven or dishwasher. Keep meals simple, take advantage of the grill, and bring paper/plastic products if you'd prefer not to wash dishes after every meal. Or forego cooking altogether — the on-site restaurant is affordably priced and will deliver to your cabin.
- Bring extra towels for the Water Zone or request extra when you check in. Our bathroom was only stocked with four towels.
- Jellystone Park is quite expansive and hilly. If you don't want to drive your car around, you can rent a golf cart for $50 per night.
- Pack a couple of board or card games, books, and other indoor activities... Colorado is prone to afternoon summer showers.
- Don't forget all the fixin's for s'mores! The employees in the on-site store said they can't manage to keep them in stock.
- Check-out is at noon but you can stay and play on the property until 3:00 PM on your last day.
ACTIVITIES
THE WATER ZONE is THE place to be on a hot summer day! It features a large zero-entry pool, small play area for little ones, and a giant activity structure with six water slides, a giant dumping bucket, and more. The on-site Pic-A-Nic Basket has convenient grab-and-go lunch and snack options.
Cabanas are available to rent ($80 per day). You'll definitely want one if you plan to be there the whole day as they provide a comfortable, shaded place to take a break or have some lunch. The water slides are self-contained (meaning, they don't empty into a pool) so if your kids are old enough, you can relax in the cabana while your kids tire themselves out playing.
 |  |
THE RECREATION CENTER is the main location for many of the day's activities, including crafts, family games, scavenger hunts, and movies. Each week has a theme for the planned activities; find detailed activity schedules at www.facebook.com/jellystonelarkspur. The tables inside are spaced at least 6 feet apart and open garage doors on the front and back of the building allow fresh air to flow through.
Outside you'll find a great playground, corn hole, fire pits, and a small amphitheater that features live music on Saturday evenings. Join Yogi Bear in the morning for stretching or raising the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Do you like to geocache? There are 13 hidden geocaches on site. Pick up a clue sheet at the Recreation Center.
THE CLUBHOUSE is where Campfire Canteen is located. There is also an accessible pool with zero-entry and a hot tub. The pool is small and shallow (no more than 4 feet deep) so it is better for relaxing than swimming but the view is great and it was the perfect way to cool off in the heat of the afternoon.
MINIATURE GOLF is located near the Water Zone. Putters and balls are available on a first come, first served basis and are cleaned between guests (there are "clean" and "used" containers for each). It is fully accessible, able to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers throughout the course.
 |  | |
THE SPORTS COURTS include a large jumping pad, volleyball, and basketball and pickleball courts. You can borrow equipment at no charge from the Recreation Center.
PAID ACTIVITIES include mini-bowling ($3 per person, per game), gem mining (supplies can be purchased at the General Store), and crafts at the Recreation Center (color a t-shirt or tote, paint a ceramic, make a fleece pillow; prices vary). Some of the planned activities each day have a nominal fee. Bring a few extra dollars in case the ice cream truck rolls around or you have an opportunity to play candy bar BINGO.
A NOTE ABOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING
We have some high-risk people in our extended family so we have been very careful during this pandemic. At Jellystone Park, masks are required indoors and hand sanitizer was available in all the buildings. Nearly all of our activities were outdoors. If went somewhere that felt too crowded, we simply went to another location. We enjoyed all our meals at our cabin.
Disclaimer: I received complimentary accommodations for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% my own.
Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur
650 Sky View Ln., Larkspur, CO 80118
(844) 665-1570
www.JellystoneLarkspur.com
 |
