Campground host program

Do you have what it takes to live in a state park or state forest campground for a month? You could be a campground host! Campground hosts volunteer for a minimum four-week stay and are on duty four to five days each week, including weekends and holidays. In exchange, you get to camp for free in the campground host site. Your on-duty days and hours will be established by the campground manager.

Typical campground host duties

• Tell campers about local points of interest and where they can find things like fuel, bait and groceries.
• Perform light campground maintenance: pick up litter, sweep, restock toilet supplies, make minor emergency repairs.
• Help with naturalist programs and other duties as needed.
• Set a good example. Follow all rules, and practice good housekeeping at all times in and around the host site.
• Be observant. Advise campers of any rules they may not be aware of, and report major violations to staff. Campground hosts do not perform any law enforcement duties.
• Duties may vary based on campground needs and your personal interests. For example, hosting at a highly popular park will be much different than hosting at a more remote, primitive park or forest.

How and when to apply

Applications are accepted all summer, but must be received at least 30 days before the date you'd like to start serving as a campground host. Please note that you will be asked to consent to a background check.

• Apply online (preferred, but not available at all locations), or 
• Complete the application form and email or mail it in.

Email any questions to the campground host program coordinator at [email protected].

Table key

• Open - host is needed
• Full - host position is filled
• E - electricity at host site
• W - water available at host site
• S - recreational vehicle (RV) sewer hook-up at host site
• Tour - virtual tour of the area
• Host site - site location on map

2025 campground host openings

Last updated: November 2, 2025