Posted Sept 11, 2011 | Updated Sept 10, 2017

Our Virginia State Parks Facebook friends were asked what they would like to learn more about at Virginia State Parks. A few responses pertained to volunteering at our state parks, and the possibility of being a camp host.

Many park visitors show interest in this, especially after enjoying a camping vacation or getaway, and interacting with the camp hosts. 

If you love camping and enjoy meeting new people you may consider volunteering as a Virginia State Parks Camp Host. If you have ever wondered what is involved and what the benefits of camp hosting are, we have the answers for you here.

Free camping, a great opportunity to meet neat people and see new places when you camp host

Camp host is a fun volunteer position at Virginia State Parks

Happy Camp Hosts + Happy Park Staff = Happy Campers @ Twin Lakes State Park

CAMP HOST AND PARK HOST

Become a Virginia State Parks Camp Host or Park Host. It's one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and Virginia's outdoors. Camp for free for from 30 to 60 days at any of 22 participating parks across the state in exchange for volunteer services.

Looking to visit and explore Virginia? Want to stay near friends or family somewhere in the state? Interested in learning new skills or trying a new outdoors experience? Becoming a Virginia State Parks Camp Host or Park Host is an easy and exciting way to do this.

Give the kids more time to learn as they explore the park when you camp host 

HOSTS RECEIVE

• Campsite fees waived for the duration of the host's assignment
• Free or reduced fees for usage of park offerings, including boating, swimming and rentals, in certain parks. (Check with park staff: Not all sites offer this benefit.)
• Hosts are eligible for seven nights of camping after completing one 30-day assignment. Hosts who complete two or more 30-day assignments in the same season are eligible for 14 nights of camping or seven nights in a cabin. The cabin benefit is offered only to hosts who serve two or more months in one season.
• The maximum benefit allowed per season is 14 nights camping or seven nights in a cabin regardless of the length of service or number of parks.
• Camping and cabin benefits earned must be used prior to Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day. They cannot be used during prime season.
• Benefits earned are subject to availability of the given facility.
• Benefits earned are for the use of the host only and must be used in their entirety in one reservation (or, in the case of camping, seven-night increments). Any portion of a week used counts as the use of a seven-night benefit

CAMP HOST RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet campers, answer their questions and orient them to park and region
• Set example for others by keeping host site clean and neat
• Be accessible to campers for comments and complaints
• Understand and explain - not enforce - park rules and regulations to campers
• Help maintain campground - pick up litter, clean campsites after guests check out, replenish restroom supplies and assist in keeping the bathhouses clean
• Check windshields for passes to ensure park fees are paid
• Contact park staff and other law enforcement personnel about emergencies
• Other projects and assignments based on park needs and hosts' skills and interests
• Primarily, park staff cleans bathhouses. The staff is responsible for thoroughly sanitizing bathhouses and dealing with "biohazard issues." Camp Hosts regularly sweep floors, pick up debris, check on toilet paper, replenish supplies, keep up the general appearance of the building and grounds, and notify park staff about major cleaning issues. Customer surveys show that clean bathhouses are important to visitors. Park staff will be glad to train those wishing to help with such additional work in this important aspect of park operations.

PARK HOST RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Help with office and computer work
• Staff contact station or visitor center both as needed
• Perform light maintenance and repair work
• Paint
• Help with small construction projects
• Conduct historical research
• Help with educational programs
• Other projects and assignments based on site needs and hosts' skills and interests

THIS IS HOW WE SELECT THE HOSTS

Hosts are selected on a first-come, first-served basis; they must provide their own RV or camping equipment. An extra vehicle is strongly recommended for personal transportation. Selection criteria include experience in camping, prior campground or park host service, working with the public, length of time willing to be hosts and how well skills match park needs. No salary or stipend is provided.

Successful applicants are required to sign an agreement stating their park-specific duties, benefits, obligations and termination conditions.

Hosts are restricted to two calendar months - 60 days - in each park. Hosts may serve in other parks during a calendar year, but stays in each are also limited to two months.

PARKS AVAILABLE TO HOST

There is a complete listing with description of each Virginia State Park available for camp hosting here.

Each park has a job description, see the last line of each park listed "View Camp Host Opportunities."  When you click the link there it will bring you the description and more information. Some parks may have a waiting list for camp or park hosts.

Become part of the Virginia State Parks family when you camp host

Our volunteer camp hosts are priceless

CONTACT

If you are interested and you would like to find out availability for camp hosts, please email here, or call 804-887-8930. Selections are made based on a phone interview and reference checks, including a criminal background check.

Other short-term volunteer opportunities abound at Virginia State Parks. Inquire by email here, or browse more volunteering opportunities through Virginia to discover how you and your family, co-workers, church group or civic organization can get involved.

To see a map of all Virginia State Parks, click here.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

V - O - L - U - N - T - E - E - R

Blogger's endnote: I purposely used a photo of two kid camp hosts at the top because most people think you need to be a "retired couple" to fill this position. Families, couples, and singles are all welcome to apply. We love our camp hosts and appreciate all they do.

Posted Sept 11, 2011 | Updated Sept 10, 2017