Serving as a Camp Host in Virginia State Parks

Overview

If you like people and enjoy sharing the love of camping, Virginia State Parks has great opportunities to get involved through its volunteer hosting program. Hosts assist our ranger staff in delivering excellent customer service to campers and visitors. In return, hosts are provided with residence in the campgrounds and have the chance to serve in various roles.

• Camp Hosts – These volunteers focus on the park's camping areas and serve as "goodwill ambassadors" for the park as they interface with campers during their stay. They assist as campers find and set up their sites, need help regarding camping facilities, and answer questions regarding park rules and guidelines. They also provide services to ensure the campground facilities are clean, orderly and ready for campers.
• Park Hosts – These volunteers do most of their work in the park's administrative offices. They often staff contact stations and visitor centers, assist with educational programs, and frequently work in the back offices of the park. They often provide assistance to Camp Hosts.
• Retail Hosts – Many of our parks have retail facilities such as camp stores, snack bars, and unique recreational facilities. Volunteers are needed to staff these areas during the hours they are open. Retail hosts provide valuable services in the parks that have facilities and activities requiring purchases and collecting fees.

Twenty-four of Virginia’s 43 state parks participate in the hosting program, with some using only one type of host and other parks using all three. Our Host Volunteers are essential to the smooth operations of the parks and we value their service. It is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and Virginia's outdoors.

Host Volunteers sign up for 30-day assignments (we call them opportunities) during the camping season. The camping season runs from the first weekend in March through the first weekend in December (exact dates and volunteer host needs may vary from park to park.)  A host volunteer may sign up for more than one opportunity, but we would like you to experience more than one park, so assignments are generally limited to 60 days in any one park over a given camping season. Hosts may spend the entire camping season in Virginia State Parks as hosts, but if they do, they must be prepared to enjoy service in more than one park.

Campsite fees (including site rental, pet fees, etc.) are waived for the duration of the host's assignment, and many of the parks offer special discounts to hosts on usage fees for activities such as boating and swimming.

How to become a host

All Volunteer Hosts are approved through an application process that starts with an initial inquiry, which is made by filling out an application. In response to the application, an initial interview is set up through the Virginia State Parks Camp Host Manager. The initial interview provides more details about camp hosting and its benefits and allows those interested to ask questions. Hosts are not hired for specific parks or dates but are approved for service at any Virginia State Park.

Please bear in mind that the approval process is just that: a process. In addition to the initial interview, the process includes background and reference checks. The process generally takes 3-5 weeks from the date you submit an application, so those interested in volunteering in this capacity should figure this into their planning. No salary or stipend is provided, and hosts must provide their own RV or camping equipment.

Selection criteria include experience in camping, prior campground or park host service, working with the public, and how well skills match park needs. Approval as a Volunteer Host allows you to serve in that capacity in any park in the Virginia State Park system. While we do give special consideration to returning hosts and do our best to honor requests, hosting opportunities for specific parks at specific times are not and cannot be guaranteed, especially from year to year.

Hosts may serve in multiple parks during a calendar year, but we encourage serving hosts to limit their stay in a specific park to no more than two calendar months (60 days) in that park.

Ready to apply?

All inquiries regarding becoming a camp host, including opportunity availability for specific parks and months, begin with the Camp Host Application found here:

Volunteer Camp Host Program Application.

The Camp Host Program Manager for Virginia State Parks will follow up on your application. Please allow 10 business days for that follow up.

If you are already registered as a Virginia State Parks Camp Host, log into your account here.

Participating parks

Bear Creek Lake State Park - Camp Host, Park Host. Located in Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia and less than an hour west of Richmond. Activities center on a 40-acre lake, which features a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and swimming beach. Other offerings include an archery range, picnicking, bike rentals, playgrounds and hiking. Rental cabins. 53 campsites. One Camp Host and one Park Host position; March-November. 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water and electric hookups. Maximum RV length 35 feet. 804-492-4410, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host, Park Host (PDF) .

Belle Isle State Park - Camp Host. With 892 acres, seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck’s Rappahannock River, and access to Mulberry and Deep creeks, visitors can explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with agricultural fields and upland forests. Belle Isle offers picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, a motor boat launch, overnight lodging at the Bel Air Mansion and the Bel Air Guest House, bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals, guided canoe trips, an ADA-accessible car-top launch area, restrooms, a universal access playground, a handicap accessible boardwalk and fishing pier, and educational interpretive programs. Thirty campsites (water and 50-amp electric to all sites), one camp host (host site includes water, electric and sewer), with max length 55 feet; March - November, 30-day min. and 60-day max. Bathhouse with Laundromat. 804-462-5030, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Chippokes State Park - Camp Host, Park Host. Near Surry, Va., Chippokes has been a working farm since 1619. The park has tours of its antebellum mansion and formal gardens; it hosts a museum of antique farm and forestry equipment. Other features include a swimming pool, visitor center, interpretive programs, playgrounds, hiking, biking, horseback riding and picnicking. Rental cottages. 33 campsites. One Camp Host and one Park Host; March-November. 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups for Camp Host, water and electric for Park Host. Maximum RV length 50 feet. 757-294-3728, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the Position Description for Camp Host, Park Host (PDF).

Claytor Lake State Park - Camp Host, Cabin Host. Just off Interstate 81 near Dublin, Va., this Blue Ridge park is ideal for boating, swimming, hiking, picnicking and fishing. It has a marina and visitor center. Rental cabins. 103 campsites. Four camp host positions; March-November. 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. Maximum RV length 30-40 feet, depending on assignment. One cabin host position is available December through February, 30-day minimum and 60-day maximum. 540-643-2500, email vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host, Cabin Host. (PDF)

Douthat State Park - Camp Host. Douthat is in the Shenandoah region and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. It is one of the six original CCC parks. Offerings include interpretive programs, a conference facility, stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a swimming beach, boat rentals, a gift shop, camp store and hiking and biking trails. Rental cabins and 87 campsites within the park. Three camp host positions April through October; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups at host sites. Maximum RV length is 50 feet in Whispering Pines Campground. Lakeside Campground and White Oak Campground have a maximum length of 40 ft. 540-862-8100, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Fairy Stone State Park - Camp Host, Park Host. Just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and adjoining Philpott Reservoir, this park is home to the lucky fairy stones. Offerings include a 168-acre lake, conference center, hiking trails, lake swimming, boat rentals, picnicking and playgrounds. Cabin rentals. 57 campsites, group camping. One camp host and one park host position; March-November. 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water and electric hookups, with sewer option (see details in position description). Maximum RV length 35 feet. 276-930-3927, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host, Park Host (PDF).

First Landing State Park - Camp Host. Located on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach, this park features bald cypress swamps and rare maritime forest. Hiking, kayaking, picnicking, boat ramps, and biking are available, as is a swimming beach on the bay. 205 campsites, including group camping. Up to three camp host positions from March-November; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. Maximum RV length 50 feet, depending on assignment. 757-412-1010. e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Grayson Highlands State Park - Camp Host, Park Host, Retail Host. This park is near Mount Rogers and White Top Mountain, Virginia’s two highest peaks. Features include visitor center, hiking trails, horse trails, scenic vistas, wildlife viewing, elevations above 4,000 feet and a historic farm area. 165 campsites, including horse camping area and group camping. Five host positions: a regular camp host, a camp host for the equestrian campground, a park host and two retail park hosts, May-October. Water and electric for retail host positions; water, electric and sewer for camp hosts and park host. Maximum RV length 40-50 feet, depending on assignment. 276-579-7092, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Holliday Lake State Park- Camp Host. Deep in the heart of the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, near historic Appomattox, Holliday Lake offers fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, equestrian trails, picnicking, interpretive programs, playgrounds and boat rentals. 36 campsites, one group camp and a bunkhouse. One camp host position, March - November; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. Maximum RV length 40 feet. 434-248-6308, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Hungry Mother State Park - Camp Host. This park is a family favorite located in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. It is an original CCC parks and features a 108-acre lake, swimming beach, boat rentals, boat launch, fishing pier, visitor center, conference center, hiking, biking and restaurant. 118 campsites. Three camp host positions: two camp hosts in Camp Burson - one will cover both Burson and Creekside when the other hosts are off; one camp host in the Creekside Campground. March-November; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. Maximum RV length 35-45 feet, depending on assignment. 276-781-7400, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host, Park Host, Retail Host (PDF).

James River State Park - Camp Host. In Buckingham County, the park is known for hiking, biking, boating and fishing. It features a visitor center, interpretive programs, picnic areas, 3 miles of shoreline along the historic James River, boat rentals, boat launches, a playground, multi-use trails, cabins for rent and 68 campsites including an equestrian campground and group camping. Green Hill Pond has a universally accessible boardwalk and fishing pier. Two camp host positions are available here from March through November; 30-day minimum and 60-day maximum. The Red Oak host site has water, electric and sewer hookups and accommodates RVs up to 40 feet long. The Horseshoe site has water and electric hookups and can handle RVs up to 50 feet long. 434-933-4355, email vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Kiptopeke State Park - Camp Host, Maintenance Host, Retail Host. Near Cape Charles on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Kiptopeke offers access to the Chesapeake Bay. The park offers birding, swimming, a boat ramp, salt-water fishing, a lit fishing pier, picnicking, hiking and a playground. It has 149 campsites. Four host positions: two regular camps host March/April through November, a maintenance host March through November, and a retail host to work in the store May through August; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. Maximum RV length 50 feet. 757-331-2267, email vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host/Maintenance Host (PDF).
Download the position description for Retail Host (PDF)

Lake Anna State Park - Camp Host. The park features a swimming beach on one of Virginia’s most popular lakes, a fishing pond for children and people with disabilities, a bathhouse-concessions complex, boat launch facilities, pontoon boat rides, picnicking and boat rentals. With more than 13 miles of trails, the park allows for plenty of hiking, biking and horseback riding. Visitor center exhibits trace the history of gold mining in the area and highlight the park’s natural features. Nature programs and panning for gold are popular, and the park offers guided tours of the Goodwin Gold Mine site. 51 campsites, six camping cabins, one camp host position, March-November; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, sewer and electric hookups. Maximum RV length 50 feet. 540-854-5503, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Machicomoco State Park - Camp Host. Located in Gloucester County, Machicomoco is located on a peninsula nestled between calm tributary creeks within view of the York River. Previously slated to become a multimillion-dollar housing development, Machicomoco was developed through Dominion Energy as part of a mitigation project and a partnership with the Conservation Fund and Department of Conservation and Recreation. The park is unique as it is the first state park in Virginia to focus on the Algonquin-speaking peoples native to Virginia. The park was developed with assistance from the various local tribes of Virginia.

The park offers birding, hiking, a car-top kayak/canoe launch, saltwater fishing, picnicking, biking, day-use boat slips, and an interpretive area. The interpretive area showcases an open-air pavilion and various points of interest that tell the story of Virginia's land and indigenous peoples. Machicomoco has 27 campsites (13 tent, 14 E/W) and 3 yurts.

One host position: a regular camp host March through November; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups are available at the host site. The living pad is 26'x26'. There is minimal shade currently. Maximum RV length 50'. Park Office: 804-642-2419, email vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF)

Natural Bridge State Park - Retail Host - non-camping. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park also has beautiful forests, open meadows showcasing the area’s karst terrain, and vistas of mountains and the valley. One retail host is needed each month, year-round for the visitor center, the contact station or both. The host will be provided on-site housing September through April but will have to provide his or her off-site housing May through August. No RV or camping facilities. A good opportunity for those who live local to this park or are looking for an alternative to camping. 540-291-1326, email vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Retail Host (PDF).

Natural Tunnel State Park - Camp Host. The Natural Tunnel, near Duffield, Va., is an 850-foot long tunnel as high as a 10-story building and has been called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Trains still use the tunnel. The park features a swimming pool, picnic area, chair lift to the tunnel floor, visitor center, pioneer cabin, hiking, biking, canoeing, caving and conference center. 34 campsites, group camping. One camp host position, March-November; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. Maximum RV length 50 feet. 276-940-2674, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Occoneechee State Park - Camp Host. This park is named for the Native Americans who lived on its land for hundreds of years. The park is on Buggs Island Lake. The park offers fishing, boating, a boat launch, picnicking, an amphitheater, a playground, boat and water ski rentals, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. 88 campsites. Two camp host positions, March-November; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. Maximum RV length 36 feet. 434-374-2210, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Pocahontas State Park - Camp Host, Park Host, Retail Host. Just 20 miles from Richmond, this park offers picnicking, fishing, hiking, biking, interpretive programs, an aqua center and boat rentals. One of Virginia’s original CCC parks, Pocahontas is home to one of America’s few CCC museums. Rental cabins. 129 campsites. Two camp host positions, one park host position, one retail host position January-December; 30-days min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups on camp host sites; water and electric on park host and retail host sites. Maximum RV length 40 feet. 804-796-4255, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for for Camp Host/Park Host (PDF).
Download the position description for Retail Host (PDF)

Powhatan State Park - Camp Host. The park lies in picturesque Powhatan County beside the historic James River. It is home to diverse flora and fauna. The park offers picnicking, fishing, hiking, biking and educational programs. The camp host helps maintain the River Bend campground's 29 sites and bathhouse. March-November, 30-day minimum, 60-day max. Water, electric 50-amp and 30-amp, and sewer hookups. Camp host site length is 60 feet. Hours and duties vary per park needs. Camp Host must provide their own transportation between campground and office; golf cart or other vehicle is not provided. 804-598-7148, email vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Shenandoah River State Park - Camp Host. This 1604-acre park has 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The park is popular with families, anglers, and canoeists. It offers picnicking, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback trails, and a car-top boat launch. Rental cabins. The park also has a primitive group site, 10 standard tent canoe-in or walk-in sites, and an RV campground with 33 electric and water sites. One camp host position, January - December, 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. Maximum RV length 60 feet. 540-622-6840, email vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Smith Mountain Lake State Park - Camp Host. Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County is Virginia’s second largest freshwater lake; the park is a water enthusiast’s paradise. The park offers swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, hiking trails, picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheatre and special programs. There’s also a golf course nearby. Rental cabins. 50 campsites, 25 of which are primitive. One camp host position, March -October; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, electric and sewer hookups. 50 amp service. Maximum RV length 50 feet. 540-297-6066, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Staunton River State Park- Camp Host. On the shoreline of Buggs Island Lake, this park is in south-central Virginia. It offers freshwater fishing, a large swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, a boat launch, picnic shelters, hiking and multi-use trails, and special programs. It’s one of Virginia’s six original CCC parks. Rental cabins. 48 campsites. One camp host position; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water and electric hookups. Maximum RV length 35 feet. 434-572-3694, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Twin Lakes State Park - Camp Host, Retail Host. This historic park is in the heart of central Virginia and offers swimming, fishing, boating, lakefront picnicking, hiking, biking and a conference center. Rental cabins. 33 campsites. One camp host position, March-November; one retail host position, May – October; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Camp host is expected to perform bathroom cleaning in campground. Water, sewer and electric hookups for the camp host site, water and electric hookups for the retail host site. Maximum RV length 50 feet; 50-amp hookup available; Retail Host site accommodates a 36 foot RV. 434-392-3435, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).
Download the position description for Retail Host (PDF).

Westmoreland State Park - Camp Host. Nestled on the Potomac River’s Northern Neck, this park’s facilities and activities include a boat launch, visitor center, conference center, docking, fishing pier, boat rentals, trails and excellent bird watching. It’s one of Virginia’s six original CCC parks. Rental cabins. 133 campsites. Two camp host positions; 30-day min. and 60-day max. Water, sewer and 50-amp electric hookups for camp hosts. Maximum RV length is 38 feet. 804-493-0216, e-mail vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov.
Download the position description for Camp Host (PDF).

Contact

Email vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov or call 804-887-8930. Selections are made based on a phone interview and reference checks, including a criminal background check.

Other volunteer opportunities

Other short-term volunteer opportunities abound at Virginia State Parks. Contact us to discover how you and your family, co-workers, church group or civic organization can get involved.