Volunteer Camphost Opportunities in County RV Parks, City RV Parks, Wildlife Refuge And Other Campgrounds

Volunteer camphosting in county RV parks, city RV parks, wildlife refuge, and other campgrounds,  is an excellent way to live in some of the most beautiful places in the United States with free site and utilities in exchange for a few hours of work. Not only are you providing a valuable community service, you benefit financially as well.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges, North Carolina

From their web page:

Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges just began their work camper Program in the spring of 2000. There are many areas left "untapped" at this point where work campers could be of use. Help us out. Tell us how you could help us. But here are a few of the areas where we KNOW we need help!

• General Maintenance- Both Alligator River and Pea Island have facilities, roads, trails, etc. that need constant maintenance. That means we can use plumbers, electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment mechanics, vehicle mechanics, and jacks-of-all-trades.

• Interpretation/Education/Outreach- Both refuges receive requests from schools, civic groups, etc. for staff/volunteers to come and present programs. We'll train you! Likewise, we offer guided bird walks, children's programs, canoe tours, and several other programs, tours, and talks on a regular basis and by special scheduling- some open to the public; others for special groups. Our Interpretive Specialist at Pea Island is one of the best trainers in her field!

• Biological and Forestry- Especially during the fall when sea turtle nests are hatching, we have a HUGE need for folks who have some time and patience to sit and watch, recording events that happen and assisting where needed. Our refuge Bio-techs can usually use an extra hand with just about whatever project they're working on at the time. Interns have priority on Biological jobs, but usually there's plenty work to go around!

• Computer Technology and Data Entry- Our refuge sends out a quarterly newsletter to a mailing list of 4,000. This list needs constant work! There are always computer records that need updating and organizing. Interested in working with Web Pages? We'll train you to create web pages and update the ones that already exist! We also always need help writing and preparing the newsletter. That's no small task!

• General Administration- The Manteo Office always needs help with running errands, organizing paperwork, filing, etc. This provides an opportunity to get to know some staff that the world never sees!

• Pea Island Visitor Center and Gift Shop- The Pea Island Visitor Center is open seven days each week from March through November and Thursday through Sunday during the winter months. work campers provide a much needed break for our year-round volunteers who staff the Visitor Center on an ongoing basis. The Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society is the refuge non-profit support group. There are always shirts and books to be priced and stocked, inventories to be taken, and sales to be made!

Accommodations:
We provide: a beautiful pad with modern electric, water, sewage and phone hook-ups, located on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge with beautiful views of both ocean and sound. Washer/dryer are available at the intern house, just 100 ft away. You may have internet and telephone access after hours at the headquarters, just 100 ft away.

Coming soon, we will be able to offer the same set up at Alligator River! But, for now, AR work campers must make the drive from Pea Island.

Requirements:
- 24 hours per week per person (assuming 2 people)
- flexibility
- a positive attitude

To apply for the work camper program, send a resume with references to
Ann Marie Chapman, RV Coordinator
Alligator River NWR
P. O. Box 1969
Manteo, NC 27954
phone 252-987-1118

Email Ann Marie Chapman annmarie_chapman@fws.gov

It's fine to apply via email.

Click here to visit their website.

Boulder County Colorado

From their web page:

Park hosts provide park visitors with information about the cultural and natural history of parks, recreational opportunities, park facilities and park regulations. An important part of the Parks and Open Space team, Park Hosts keep visitors updated about current resource management issues, and answer visitors questions about the parks.

Volunteers must be friendly, approachable, and have a general knowledge of open space, flora and fauna. Contact the Park Host Coordinator at mbauer@co.boulder.co.us or 303-441-1645 for an application and more information.

Click here to visit their website.

Buchanan County Campgrounds, Hazleton, Iowa

From their web page:

More than 60 individuals a year are involved in conservation through the Conservation Board's Volunteer Program. Volunteers serve as nature center receptionists, campground hosts, maintenance aids, and help with tree plantings, wildlife surveys, education programs, and more.

The Nature Center's volunteer program is a great way for people to help others learn more about our living environment. Volunteers meet new people, help nature center staff, and expand their own knowledge about the environment.

Persons interested in volunteering in any way will fill out an application, be interviewed, and then receive introductory training. For more information regarding the Volunteer Program, contact Dan Cohen, Director (bccbdan@iowatelecom.net).

Click here to visit their website.

Bullhead City, Arizona

Go to their webpage by Clicking Here and download their PDF document with detailed information and application form for their Park Host Program. The information is about half way down the web page.

Calallam County Parks - Dungeness Recreation Area, Sequim, Washington

From their web page:

Opportunities for park hosts are available at this park, and those interested in being a park host should contact the park manager. The campground is open February 1 - September 30 each year, with other park facilities open year round. The park gate is closed at dusk and is managed by a resident park manager who lives on the site year round. The address of the Dungeness Recreation Area is 554 Voice of America West, Sequim, WA 98382.

Click here to visit their website.

 

Camp Luther summer RV volunteers to help with their ministry in Three Lakes, Wisconsin.

Click here for their website.

Colorado State Wildlife Areas

From their web page:

What are campground hosts?

Camp Hosts represent  Colorado and the Division of Wildlife at the StateWildlife Areas. Though duties vary from area-to-area, the most important service Hosts provide is information to visitors about pertinent rules, regulations, facilities, and recreational opportunities in the area. Other duties may also include light "housekeeping" maintenance, and other tasks to assist the Division of Wildlife. In return, the DOW provides a site for the Hosts to park their recreational vehicle for the season. Pictured here are Gene and Kay Marks - Volunteer Hosts at the Miramonte State Wildlife Area.

Participating areas

Dan Noble Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area
Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Lake John State Wildlife Area
Little Hills State Wildlife Area
Mt. Shavano Hatchery
Pioneer Park
Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Rifle Falls State Wildlife Area
Watson Lake State Wildlife Area

Click here to visit the Colorado Wildlife Areas Camp Host page.

 

Cooks County Parks and Recreation, Prineville, Oregon

From their web page:

The Parks District is always looking for volunteer campground hosts, and welcomes all inquiries throughout the year, no experience required. Hosting is in one or two-month increments only from April through October, and volunteer hosts are provided a full-service hookup site for their RV, and smaller pets are welcome. This is a non-paying position, and hosts will get two days off during the week.

Click here for their website.

Dane County Parks, Wisconsin

From their web page:

Campground Host Program Information

Where is Dane County Parks?

Dane County, situated In south-central Wisconsin, is a beautiful area rich in natural resources and recreational opportunities. The county abounds in sparkling lakes and waterways, natural areas and trails. It is the home of the University of Wisconsin and the state capital in Madison, and provides a wide variety of cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. Dane County Parks has 30 parks and nine resource protection areas. There are five campgrounds, at Babcock, Brigham, Lake Farm, Mendota and Token Creek Parks. The Campground Host Program is part of the Adult Conservation Team, Dane County Parks’ volunteer program.

Are we looking for you?

Our hosts are outgoing and love meeting new people. Our hosts are able to deal positively with different kinds of people and understand the limits of their authority and responsibility. They have strong camping experience, familiarity with the county parks and a knowledge of the area surrounding our campgrounds (or are willing to do what it takes to gain such knowledge).  Hosts provide their own camping unit & telephone for personal use.

What do our hosts do?

• Provide hospitality to campers
• Answer questions about self-registration
• Provide information about local resources & attractions
• Alert campers to weather emergencies
• Act as a good camping role model
• Generally assist campers as needed
• Walk through the campground several times a day
• Minor maintenance, including daily litter pickup
• Submit a written report at the end of the term of service
• Assist staff and the public at the Lussier Family Heritage Center
• Stay visible and approachable to campers by being outdoors frequently
• Contact the Park Manager and/or Sheriff's Department when necessary
• Stay in close communication with staff
• Write incident reports
• Attend meetings with staff and other hosts
• Plant and tend flowers
• Sell firewood and permits
• Refer problems to staff for solution
• Other tasks as assigned by staff

Who works with our hosts?

Hosts work closely with staff at the park, and are supervised by the Park Ranger. The Adult Conservation Team manager coordinates the overall host program. Hosts are evaluated by the staff who work with them.

When do our hosts work?

Hosts are on duty at least five days out of seven, with any days off taken mid-week. Daily hours vary, but are generally concentrated in early morning, mid-late afternoon, evening and nights. Hosts are “on call” whenever on site.

How are hosts trained?

Any hosts in the area during May are required to attend a training session at the Dane County Parks office. Others will be trained on site when they arrive. Orientation includes an overview of the park system, the Campground Hosts' Manual and the role of the hosts, blood born pathogens, safety measures and equipment, emergency procedures and orientation to the park. The Department will provide identification, an identified campsite, training, supervision and resource materials. A telephone is provided for park business.

Why Be A Volunteer Campground Host?

Aside from meeting great people and enjoying the pleasant surroundings of one of our campgrounds, camping fees are waived during your term of service. Three of the campgrounds have full hook-up; the others have electricity, with water and dumping facilities available at the campground. Other benefits include socializing and sense of belonging to the park.

May we bring our pet?

Pets are welcome in our campgrounds. You will need to purchase a pet permit and keep your pet on a leash. Off-leash pet exercise areas are available at several County parks.

Click here to visit their website.

Florida Division of Forestry

From their web page:

Campground Host Service:  
Campground Hosts stay on-site at one of the Division of Forestry recreation areas and assist managing the campground. Hosts answer camper's questions, give directions, pass out literature, help with light maintenance and make themselves available for late-night emergencies. In return campground hosts get a free campsite for the time they volunteer and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping folks fully enjoy their forest experience.

Click here to visit their website.

Glenn Hills Park, Glenwood City, Wisconsin

From their web page:

We are seeking a Park Campground Host for  the upcoming camping season. Glen Hills is a beautiful park in the rolling hillsides near Glenwood City, WI.   It features a 61-unit campground, an 84 acre lake, boat landing, swimming area, and a large picnic and day-use areas.  We are looking for the individual who enjoys camping, meeting people, and helping fellow campers in need of information or services.   If you enjoy Wisconsin camping while at the same time reaching out to other campers, then this is for you!  This is a volunteer position in which the Park Host will be provided with free camping and firewood in exchange for providing services including:  greeting incoming campers, explaining park regulations, providing park information, and performing light maintenance duties.  These services are needed on a daily basis between mid-May and mid-September.  So, if you have a few days available this summer and would like to be considered for the Host program, contact the Parks Department at 715. 684.2874, ext. 102 or 129.   AA/EOE

Click here to visit their website.

Larimer County, Colorado

From their web page:

Larimer County Parks & Open Lands
Volunteer Campground Host Expectations

(Must have own RV)

Department: Larimer County Parks and Open Lands
Program: Horsetooth & Blue Mountain Park Districts
Locations: Carter Lake, Flatiron, Pinewood & Horsetooth Reservoirs

ROLE

Volunteer Campground Hosts works part time in the campground assisting with the reservation system, selling camping permits and providing customer service to visitors. They also serve as eyes and ears for Park Rangers in their assigned campground.

DUTIES

Duties vary, but can be a combination of the following:

• Live at the campground from Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Ability to work well with and report to the Park Rangers
• Verify campers have purchased an entrance and/or camping passes
• Educate (NOT ENFORCE) campers about park rules & the protection of natural resources
• Communicate potential or actual problems to the rangers. Do not take matters into your own hands.
• Pick up trash in campground
• Must provide own living quarters like a trailer or RV
• Willingness to help out with light maintenance
• Answer visitor questions and provide them with excellent customer service
• Willing to work Wednesday through Saturday each week in your campground in exchange for a campsite, water, sewer, and electrical hookup
• Assist with the campground reservation system and bookkeeping (County will train on paperwork)
• Distribute and collect camper comment cards or surveys
• Serve as liaison for campground entertainment scheduled in your area.
• For Marina Host Only: Provide dock assistance to sail and motor boaters. Assist at the marina.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Friendly and courteous to staff and park visitors and the ability to communicate clearly with them
• Complete the volunteer training course
• Provide own transportation and living quarters
• Arrive by mid May and stay through Labor Day
• Abide by park regulations and safety guidelines
• Agree to a criminal background check
• For Marina Host Only: Must have extensive boating experience and comfortable around the water.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

• Prepare and train volunteers through orientation, tour, and on-the-job training
• Organize and schedule volunteers in an efficient and timely manner
• Provide necessary equipment and supplies
• Evaluate training and performance of volunteers
• Recognize and reward volunteers as valued staff members

VOLUNTEER'S RESPONSIBILITY

• Be prepared for your assignment by completing volunteer orientation and training
• Provide excellent customer service to staff and park visitors
• Return supplies and tools loaned to you at the end of the summer
• Provide own transportation and living quarters (RV or trailer)

RISKS

• Stress when working with people
• Rattlesnakes are located within our park boundaries
• Sore muscles from walking your campground vs. driving the golf cart around
• Hot summer days
• Accidents on or near the water for the Marina Host.
• Inclement weather (lightening, rain, etc.)
• Disease, stings, or bites from insects, such as mosquitoes and spiders.

Click here for their website.

Lower Colorado River Authority Parks operated by Travis County, Austin, Texas

From their web page:

LCRA has immediate openings for park host volunteers. Park hosts volunteer to supplement park staff in exchange for a campsite with water and electricity hookups. Positions are available at parks on Lake Bastrop and the Highland Lakes.

Most parks have opportunities for fishing, hiking, viewing wildlife and other recreational activities. Each park has its own unique features and special qualities. Park hosts may be asked to help with duties such as assisting park visitors, litter collection and light maintenance.

For more information: Contact LCRA Parks Operations at 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 3366.

Click here for their website.

Lee County Parks & Recreation, Fort Meyers, Florida

From their web page:

For information about volunteering with Lee County Parks and Recreation And Extension Service call 239-461-7447 or E-mail Eve Sisson our Volunteer Program coordinator.

Contact Volunteer Services for a personal interview. Your skills, interests, experiences and location will assist us in determining the best possible placement for you. Volunteers are asked to complete a Registration Form. Some positions require special training while others are on-the-job training.

Click here for their website.

Lincoln County Parks, Newport, Oregon

From their web page:

Are you interested in volunteering as a Camp Host? Give us a call, you may be eligible.

The Parks Administrator is located at the Lincoln County Public Works office. The address is:
880 NE 7th St.
Newport, OR 97365
(541)265-5747

Click here for their website.

Linn County Parks, Marion, Iowa

From their web page:

VOLUNTEERS make our day! From being a campground host, to assisting with our maintenance efforts or supporting our educational programs - volunteers are an essential part of how we can get done what we do! If you are looking for a group activity or an individual effort that is uniquely rewarding - consider joining the volunteer force that makes us tick!

Click here for their website.

Maricopa County Parks & Recreation,

From their web page:

Volunteers and Park Host Programs
The Maricopa County Parks System would not be a reality without the contributed hours by this highly-prized group of individuals. Volunteers from around the Phoenix metropolitan area donate their time and energy in all of the parks at the contact stations, visitor centers, and campsites. Park hosts are another unique group of individuals who come to Phoenix from all over North America and donate thousands of hours a year to the Maricopa County Parks. For more information on these programs, call the park of your choice directly, or the main office at 602.506.2930.

Click here for their website.

McLean County Parks, Hudson, Illinois

From their web page:

Land Management and Education Opportunities:

• Site Interpreter
• Campground Host
• Visitor Center Host
• Safety Education Instructor
• Trail Host
• Facilities Rehabilitation (list any specialized construction skills)

Click here for their website.

Ochoco Lake Campground, Prineville, Oregon

From their web page:

The Parks District is always looking for volunteer campground hosts, and welcomes all inquiries throughout the year, no experience required. Hosting is in one or two-month increments only from April through October, and volunteer hosts are provided a full-service hookup site for their RV, and smaller pets are welcome. This is a non-paying position, and hosts will get two days off during the week. For more information about campground hosting, please call Crook County Parks and Recreation District at (541) 447-1209 or email us.

Click here for their website.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

From their web page:

As a fish and wildlife volunteer host, you will be joining other RV owners from across the nation who live and work for a month or more at one of our state hatcheries, wildlife areas or offices.

You can use your skills and experience to help Oregon's fish and wildlife. It is a great opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and have fun!

There are 45 sites throughout the state to choose from:

ODFW's goal is to match you to a site that suits your interests, abilities and skills.

Most of ODFW's sites provide full hook-up, are quiet, peaceful and are located close to recreational opportunities.

Volunteer hosts typically stay a month or longer at a site, volunteering an average of 20 hours per week.

Sample Volunteer Host Job Duties

Volunteer Host job duties vary by location, but may include:

• Landscaping, gardening and other ground maintenance
• Carpentry projects
• Assisting with farming to benefit wildlife
• Improving habitat
• Clerical and computer work
• Raising and stocking fish
• Greeting visitors
• Giving tours
• Assisting with public outreach activities

Click here to visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Volunteer page.

San Diego County Parks, San Diego, California

From their web page:

Live-in Park Host - This position requires 20 hours per week of scheduled duties in exchange for a free campsite and utilities for a motor home or trailer. Duties vary at the individual parks and may include grounds and equipment maintenance, greeting the public, general clean up, and other assignments specific to the park.

Good news! You can now get a volunteer application on-line. Here is a PDF format version of the application. Simply print it, fill it out, and send it to our office, attention Nancee Hanson. Thanks for your interest, and we'll be in touch.

County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation
5201 Ruffin Road, Suite P
San Diego, CA 92123

Click here for their website.

San Luis Obispo County Parks, San Luis Obispo, California

From their web page:

We also offer in-house Park Host Program positions, where the host is provided an RV site in exchange for on-site assistance with visitor care, campsite maintenance and management. Park hosts form an integral part of our team at regional and overnight campsites. By performing duties in support of Parks, unpaid Park Hosts are given a place for their RV or trailer by mutual arrangement.

To find out more about becoming a Park Host with SLO County Parks, call (805) 781-5200 or email us at edelrio@co.slo.ca.us (information only) and leave a full address where we can send you an information packet on the program.

Click here for their website.

San Juan County, Washington

From their web page:

Volunteers

Do you enjoy people, wildlife and nature?
San Juan County Parks is seeking volunteer Camp Hosts to help out in the beautiful county parks of the San Juan Islands. "Adopt" a park by assisting with public relations, campground coordination, and light maintenance.

• Do you have excellent 'People' skills?
  
• Experience hosting or caretaking Parks or lands used for recreational activities?
  
• Organizational Skills?
  
• Experience maintaining restrooms and handling trash?
  
• A calm disposition and a cool head in the midst of visitor chaos?
  

Hours vary; some morning, evening, and weekend work. You bring your own RV or tent. We provide an incredible work setting!

Click Here to visit the San Juan County Volunteer web page.

Santa Clara County Parks, Santa Clara, California

From their web page:

Camp Hosts - County Parks has an on-going need for Camp Host volunteers. Hosts receive a full-utility campsite in exchange for 20-hours per week of volunteer service. Duties may include site security, camp/restroom maintenance, and assisting park staff with educational programs. Currently, all park host sites are occupied, but applications are being taken for future openings. Per State law, fingerprinting for this position may be required.

Please email or call (408) 355-2254 if you are interested

Click Here to visit their web page.

Sonoma County, California

From their web page:

Campground Host Job Description

The County of Sonoma welcomes volunteers to its work force. A Volunteer Office has been established within the Human Resources Department to recruit volunteers and respond to citizens who want to get involved in the County.

DEPARTMENT: Regional Parks Department

JOB LOCATION: 5 campgrounds at 4 parks: Gualala, Stillwater Cove, Bodega Bay, and Santa Rosa.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 6 sites, 1 to 2 people per site.

DUTIES: Assist regular park department staff by meeting and greeting park visitors, selling firewood, accounting for firewood sales, providing information and directions, educating visitors on rules and regulations, conducting minor cleanup of the campground including restrooms, reporting problems to Park Rangers, and assisting in minor maintenance projects.

QUALIFICATIONS: Friendly, honest and hardworking. Ability to meet and work with park visitors and paid staff. Must have modern self-contained recreational vehicle or travel trailer (prefer a pair — a couple or two friends.) Must have the ability to handle money and be bondable. Ability to use 2-way radio.

TIME COMMITMENT: Varies — up to 30 hours per week. Regular time off. 3 to 4 month commitment depending on campground.

BENEFITS: Campsite, many with full hook-ups. Day-use pass for County Parks.

Click Here to visit the Sonoma County Campground Host page.

Tillamook County, Oregon

From their web page:

VOLUNTEER PARK HOST

TILLAMOOK COUNTY PARKS.

 We are recruiting for several energetic volunteer park hosts for SPRING, SUMMER, FALL & WINTER. Tillamook, Oregon’s vacationland, is known for its cool ocean breezes, lush rain forests, beautiful bays, abundant wildlife and delicious Tillamook Cheese!  

Help maintain some of the prettiest parks in the Pacific Northwest by performing groundskeeping tasks, cleaning bathrooms, fire pits, picking up litter, and being available to campers by providing information and answering questions.  

There are excellent Park Host opportunities year-round with full or partial campsite hookups provided.  A MINIMUM 2 MONTH COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED. 

A CURRENT D.M.V. DRIVING RECORD MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION.  Obtain an application from the Tillamook County Office of Personnel, (503)842-3418, 201 Laurel Avenue, Tillamook, OR  97141; the State Employment Department Office, 3600 East Third Street, Tillamook, OR  97141; or at our website: www.co.tillamook.or.us   Applications returned by FAX or email will not be considered.  Only fully completed applications with an original signature and date will be considered. Any required documents must accompany your application. Your application must stand alone; resumes are optional, and do not replace the County application form.

 

Click Here to visit their website.

 

Tumbleweed Park, Chandler, Arizona

Go to their website by Clicking Here and download their PDF Tumbleweed Park Host Program information and application. You will find the Tumbleweed application link about two-thirds down on the webpage.

Yankee Boy Basin Area, Ouray, Colorado

From their web page:

VOLUNTEER AS AN CAMPSITE HOST

Come join us for the summer season as Volunteer Campsite Hosts. The rewards are great, free camping during your stay, beautiful scenery and wildflowers, meeting and greeting campers and tourists from far and near. We welcome Campground Hosts for long or short time periods.

Click Here to visit their website.

Washington County Parks, Minnesota

From their web page:

Campground Host - Washington County Parks utilizes campground hosts in the campgrounds at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park.  Campground Hosts are volunteers that live in the campground, in their own camping unit, for a portion of the summer.  In exchange for a free campsite, they are responsible for providing information to campers, registering campers in the spring and fall, cleaning restrooms as necessary (between staff cleanings), and other related tasks.  These positions fill quickly and may not always be available.  If you are interested in learning more about these positions, please contact the Parks Division Operations Coordinator at (651) 430-8245. 

Click Here to visit their website.

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