Volunteer Camp Host 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 of 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:
On Pea Island, 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. A washer/dryer is 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.
Brand new…. on Alligator River, we have a beautiful new “Volunteer Pod”. This site offers two spacious sites with full hook-ups, a small cabin next door with laundry facilities, a TV/VCR/DVD player, and internet access. This site offers solitude and quiet.
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
RV Coordinator
Alligator River NWR
P. O. Box 1969
Manteo, NC 27954
phone 252-305-4460
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.
Click here to visit their website.
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 Three Lakes, Wisconsin
From their web page:
Summer RV Volunteers are special people who give of their time and talents at Camp Luther. They help the ministry of Camp Luther while enjoying the blessings of volunteering.
What to be a Summer RV Volunteer? Here’s what it takes:
Time: Sign-up for two week blocks of time. Beginning in May through September. You may sign up for more than one session if you wish..
An RV: Camp Luther has an area set aside for your Recreational Vehicle. Electrical, water, and sewer hook-up are provided.
A Willingness to Serve: Volunteers will be expected to work half-days, with one day off per week.
Volunteers may be called upon for a variety of work duties and/or projects. Work will be tailored to skill and abilities of each volunteer. Each day will be well organized.
If you would like more information about serving as a Summer RV Volunteer, contact Mike “Mutt” Rieck, Director of Guest Services.
Colorado State Wildlife Areas
From their web page:
Camp Hosts represent Colorado and the Division of Wildlife at the State Wildlife 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
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.
Onondaga County Parks, Liverpool, NY
From their website:
The Campground Host Program offers seasoned campers an opportunity to share their love of camping and the great outdoors with other campers at Oneida Shores. In return, Campground Hosts receive a free camp site!
Campground Hosts serve in a variety of ways:
welcome campers
familiarize campers with park programs and policies
assist with recreation programming
check and stock facilities
sell fire wood and ice
set an example by being a model camper, practice good housekeeping and adhering to park rules and regulations
acquaint visitors with services and facilities in the community
Campground Hosts serve a minimum of 2/maximum of 4 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day at the park manager’s discretion. Our hosts are on duty only 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, but may be on call at all times.
For more information, contact Oneida Shores Park Office at
(315) 676-7366 or
Click here to visit the Onodaga Shores Camp Host Page
Coos County Oregon Parks & Recreation Department Campground Host Opportunities
Coos County Parks and Recreation Department is looking for Campground Hosts for all of our camping facilities.
Coos County Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for resident caretakers at LaVerne County Park. This position receives no wages. Job description and applications may be obtained at the Parks office, 1309 W. Central, Coquille. Applications will be accepted until filled.
Typical Duties:
Meeting and greeting campers, answering questions about the park and local area, respond to camper’s needs and problems, advise visitors of park rules when necessary. Selling firewood and ice to campers, maintaining and restocking restroom building, picking up litter in campground, cabin cleaning, restocking pay station, delivering information to park ranger, register campers and collection of day use fees. Some lawn maintenance.. Required 20 hours per week with two consecutive days off. Water, electric and sewer hook-ups in host site. Must have a fully self-contained RV. Individual Parks have different requirements, please check with Parks Operations for a complete list of duties.
Click Here to visit the Coos County Parks Camp Host Page
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 god 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.
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.
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.
Lee County Parks & Recreation, Fort Meyers, Florida
From their web page:
For information about volunteering with Lee County Parks and Recreation contact Volunteer Services 239-432-2159 or
Camp Host–Caloosahatchee Regional Park
Kathy Ball, 239-694-0398
25-30 hours per week of campground maintenance, visitor check in and monitoring camp ground.
Agreement of Understanding for Volunteer Campground Hosts
- I understand that this position primarily focuses on Campground maintenance and customer service with guests at Caloosahatchee Regional Park.
- Duties may include (but are not limited to) restroom and park maintenance, park patrol, providing information, confirming reservations, handling money, opening and securing gates, and contacting the proper authorities for violations of county ordinance.
- I understand that I must receive training before utilizing park equipment, and that the Park Supervisor will periodically (every 3 months & and upon departure) evaluate my performance.
- I am willing to work a schedule as assigned for the required hours per week that each volunteer is responsible for and that they will occur primarily on weekends.
- I understand that Caloosahatchee Regional Park is managed by a team of employees and volunteers. Regular and open communication is essential for the team to succeed.
- I understand that I am responsible for informing and following the policies in the Lee County Ordinance. (This includes no pets). And that violation of any of them can result in my immediate dismissal as a volunteer.
oI understand that Caloosahatchee Regional Park is in a remote wooded area that is affected by intermittent cellular phone service, and natural resource management practices such as controlled burning and exotic invasive plant management (chemical applications) - It is my understanding that the relocation of my RV or personal belongings due to concerns of any of the above including hurricanes (June 1-Oct.1) will be at my own discretion and expense.
- I understand that a two week notice of my departure as Campground host is requested, should I need to end my commitment.
- I understand that the Park Supervisor will provide notice should my services no longer be needed
Located at 18500 North River Road Alva, FL 33920
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