Ultimately, waterpark resorts are in the business of hospitality, and no matter how great the amenities, lodging must be up to par for the target market. By offering a wide range of options, the North Woods-themed Three Bears Resort in Warrens, Wis., has turned lodging into a central piece of the package. A selection of accommodations means guests can visit several times and have a completely different experience each time.

First opened as Jellystone Park campground in 1972, the property was purchased by Ed VanDerMolen in 1989. He greatly expanded the lodging choices, adding the Three Bears Hotel — with several levels of rooms and suites — as well as several private lodges.

Ideal for parties of eight to 12, the lodges offer amenities such as laundry service and multiple baths. For luxury seekers, there are Grand Lodges, some of which have plasma TVs and private garages.

“[What] sets our lodges apart from competitors are the private fire rings,” says Matt VanDerMolen, the resort’s internal controls manager. “[They] allow families to gather ... and enjoy the smell of a fire and the taste of s’mores right outside their doors.”

Today, camping options at the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort include basic tent sites, RV sites and several models of cabins, the largest designed for up to 11. “The Jellystone Park is huge in the RV crowd,” VanDerMolen says.

Regardless of their lodging choices, guests have access to numerous entertainment amenities. Three Bears Resort’s 48,000-square-foot Timber Falls Indoor Waterpark and its 160-gallon wave pool; 230-foot-long lazy river; Yogi’s Picnic Splash children’s activity pool; and four water slides.

Outdoors, Ranger Smith’s Water Town has a 160-gallon wave pool, lazy river, two “hot ponds,” the Water Wars, activity pool and Yogi’s picnic splash children’s activity pool. The Lily Pad includes a kiddie pool, activity pool and a 35-foot slide tower. Dry entertainment includes minigolf, live stage shows and The Neighborhood Skate Park, the largest hybrid skate park in the Midwest. Character mascots Yogi Bear, Cindy Bear, Boo Boo and Ranger Smith oversee all the fun.