A camp host is a volunteer or paid staff member who lives on-site, acting as the primary representative for a campground, park, or recreation area. Hosts reside in scenic outdoor locations while contributing to park operations and enhancing the visitor experience. Securing a host position offers a way to blend travel with service, making the outdoor lifestyle financially accessible for those who own a self-contained recreational vehicle (RV). This guide outlines the responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and application process for this kind of work.
Understanding the Duties of a Camp Host
The responsibilities of a camp host center on providing customer service and maintaining the grounds for visitors. The host serves as the visible point of contact, answering questions about the park’s amenities, local attractions, and applicable rules and regulations. This public interaction ensures a positive experience for campers arriving at the site.
Hosts perform light maintenance tasks necessary for maintaining public health and safety standards. Duties include minor cleaning, such as stocking and sweeping restrooms, picking up litter, and wiping down picnic tables. They are also responsible for cleaning fire rings and raking campsite pads to prepare sites for arriving campers.
Hosts assist park staff with administrative and enforcement duties, which helps the park operate smoothly during busy periods. Tasks include checking in guests, assisting campers in locating their assigned sites, and ensuring compliance with park rules, such as quiet hours or food storage regulations. Hosts inform visitors of rules but are instructed to report serious disturbances or violations to certified park law enforcement, avoiding confrontation.
Where to Find Camp Hosting Jobs
Federal and National Park Service Sites
Positions with federal agencies, such as the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), are competitive volunteer roles. They typically require a longer commitment, often spanning a full season of three to six months. Aspiring hosts must plan significantly in advance, as peak season positions can be filled six to twelve months prior to the start date.
State Parks and County Recreation Areas
State parks and county recreation areas are often less competitive than federal opportunities, providing a more accessible entry point for new hosts. These roles focus on local regulations and regional history. While many state parks are volunteer-based, the application and selection processes are often managed at the park level, requiring direct contact with the park manager.
Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Private campgrounds, including large chains and independently owned RV resorts, are the most likely employers to offer an hourly wage or a monthly stipend. These positions frequently involve administrative work, such as managing the registration kiosk, handling reservations, and processing payments. Since the primary focus is on customer service and business operation, the work commitment often involves more scheduled hours compared to public land volunteer sites.
Essential Requirements and Skills
A foundational requirement for nearly all camp host positions is the ownership of a self-contained recreational vehicle or other suitable living accommodation. The park provides the campsite, which includes hookups in most cases, but the host must supply their own home for the duration of the stay. Hosts must also be prepared to pass a thorough background check, as they serve in a position of trust and are often responsible for fee collection and park security information.
A successful camp host must possess a specific set of soft skills to navigate public interaction. Strong communication abilities are necessary for clearly explaining park rules and providing local information to a diverse group of visitors. Independence and a proactive work ethic are also valued, as hosts often operate without direct supervision and must be able to recognize and address maintenance issues on their own.
Practical skills related to basic maintenance and groundskeeping are also necessary and can strengthen an application. The ability to perform tasks like minor plumbing fixes, irrigation system checks, or operating basic landscaping equipment such as weed trimmers shows a host is prepared to handle light work. Conflict resolution skills are also useful for de-escalating minor disputes between campers regarding noise, site boundaries, or pets.
Navigating the Application Process
Potential hosts should begin their job search using specialized online platforms that aggregate postings from various employers. Examples include Volunteer.gov for federal openings and various RV job boards for private opportunities. Federal positions for the summer season often require applications to be submitted up to a year in advance, making early preparation necessary.
The application should highlight past experiences that directly align with the host’s expected duties. Applicants should emphasize previous roles involving customer service, maintenance work, or volunteer experience demonstrating reliability and public interaction skills. For government positions, it is beneficial to contact the specific park or district manager directly to express interest and inquire about application timelines.
The next step usually involves a phone interview where the park manager assesses the applicant’s suitability for the role and the park environment. Candidates should ask detailed questions about the expected work schedule, the specific duties, and the condition of the host campsite and its hookups. Understanding the work commitment and living situation is important for ensuring the position is a good fit before accepting an offer.
Compensation and Benefits of Camp Hosting
Camp hosting compensation varies, as many positions are volunteer-based and do not offer an hourly wage. The primary benefit in these roles is the free campsite, which typically includes full utility hookups like water, sewer, and electricity. Some public agencies may provide a small monthly stipend, often ranging from $500 to $800, intended to cover incidental costs like fuel or laundry.
Private campgrounds and RV parks are more likely to offer monetary compensation, often an hourly wage ranging from $14 to $22 per hour. These paid positions usually require a greater number of scheduled hours per week, sometimes up to 30 or more, in exchange for the salary and the included campsite. Compensation packages may include additional benefits, such as access to free laundry, discounted merchandise, or an end-of-season bonus.
The value of the included campsite and utilities is a major non-monetary benefit that makes the host position financially viable for RV owners. The cost savings of a free site, which can be hundreds of dollars per week, effectively supplements the volunteer status or hourly wage. Hosts gain a place to live in a desirable location for an extended period, allowing them to immerse themselves in a natural environment.
Practical Tips for a Successful First Season
New camp hosts should prepare before arriving at their assigned location. It is helpful to acquire basic tools, such as a rake, shovel, and minor repair items, as hosts are responsible for small maintenance tasks. Hosts should also confirm the required attire to present a professional appearance to visitors.
Upon arrival, a host should dedicate time to understanding the local park regulations and the layout of the campground. Familiarizing oneself with the location of restrooms, dump stations, and emergency facilities allows for quick and accurate visitor assistance. It is also important to establish clear boundaries regarding off-duty hours to prevent being called upon by campers outside of the agreed-upon work schedule.